One Less Feral Pigeon in our Garden This Morning

22nd March 2025

As I glanced out of the bedroom window this morning I could see some action on the grass, but partially obscured by some garden furniture. Lots of jumping up and down and feathers flying and when I moved to another room I could see it was a female Sparrowhawk trying to "subdue" one of our Feral Pigeons.

I rushed to get the camera but the angle was very tight, still some decking in the way and through glass, so after I took some record shots I went downstairs to execute Plan B. I quietly slipped into the garden and moved round close to the house to achieve an angle where the Sparrowhawk was in full view. I really needed a bit more height so I stepped onto a low wall and moved around the pond to get into a perfect position.

By then the Sparrowhawk knew I was there but didn't regard me as a risk as I was still 20 yards away with a pond in between us,so was more interested in finishing its meal, so I started clicking away.

Better get some more film in my camera as there are still 20 pigeons left and am sure it will be back!!!!!

The Next Day

Just as I had expected she was back the next day for another helping, another pigeon. Sparrowhawks are loathe to abandon their prey so I went out into garden and moved quietly and slowly into position. This was taken at a range of just 10 yards with an ISO of 8000 due to the bird being in deep shade on a dull day. No cropping here!!!!!!

No more visits since then so perhaps she didn't like having her photo taken???