It was only a week, or so, ago when I posted an image of the, regular, male Sparrowhawk perched on the framework of my old aviary flight. I was very happy with the images captured through the double glazing of my back door and actually received a comment complimenting the photo on the blog. This morning saw a repeat performance but, this time around, the back door was wide open due to the tumble drier being in use. Almost in exactly the same position, although facing away from me, the bird allowed me to grab just four shots before departing the scene.
Bev and I then took a drive, via the scenic route, across to The Elham Valley Garden Centre to pick up a supply of logs which should see us through the festive period? It is an amazing place and home to The Fifth Trust charity. They exist to help adults with learning difficulties and/or mental health issues. Coffee and cake (the menu is far more extensive) in the cafe facility is a very rewarding experience for any visitor, thus, highly recommended if ever you're in the vicinity. Plus you will also be supporting a very worthy cause.
Our drive back home followed the scenic option and we managed to count ten egrets alongside the cattle where I'd spotted them yesterday. I made no attempt to get better views, thus am unable to say if they were all Cattle Egrets or not?
I do enjoy your blogs Dylan,The sparrow hawks used to terrorize my canary averies when i lived in Highfield,I put big plastc owls on the averies that kept them away for about a week then they would be perching next to them
ReplyDeleteCheers for the comment Phil. Yes. the use of plastic replica birds to deter unwanted visitors. I don't know who came up with the idea, but it is absolute folly! One of our neighbours isn't particularly fond of "seagulls" so has a plastic Peregrine Falcon and Eagle Owl on his roof - the gulls simply perch between them! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - take care - Dylan
DeleteHello Dylan- First time I've ever encountered the portmanteau- 'Sprawk' and I'm rather taken with it! Did you invent it? Another lovely, lovely shot. As you know, I'm a bit grounded right now. You're giving me my outdoors 'fix', mate- Best Regards, Gazza
ReplyDeleteHi Gazza,
DeleteI'm fairly sure that the "Sprawk" label has it's roots way back in my times as a birder and member of the Sandwich Bay Obs ringing crew. During those early Kent years, I was fortunate to keep company with some hugely talented guys and it was their use of short-hand for recording purposes, that has stayed with me, especially with the moths!
Speak soon - Dyl