Mid afternoon, and a resounded crash from the direction of the kitchen. I rushed from the sitting room, flung open the kitchen door; just outside, a bird of prey atop a dead pigeon. I can only imagine that the very dead victim had crashed into the door in a desperate attempt to flee from the bird of prey.
The sparrowhawk, and I think it was a female, defiantly glared at me, and sort of dragged her meal under cover behind some pots on the patio and under the honeysuckle.
I naturally rushed for my camera and not wanting to scare her, was quite careful to turn off my flash and keep my distance. I took about seventy not very good photographs until I realised she had no intention of abandoning her catch, and managed to edge closer.
Apologies for the gore, but that’s nature, innit?
Bilby
Araminta
Wow!
She is magnificent.
Thank you, Isobel. What an amazing opportunity for photographs.
I was in a bit of a panic, because I didn’t know how long she would stay, although I was very careful not to scare her, but frankly, after half an hour, I didn’t think she had any intention of moving until she had finished.
Astonishing film, Ara – a perfectly efficient hunter, and that fearsome look if in her eye… surely related to a hospital matron I used to know. I’m sure the end was quick for poor old pigeon.
Hello, and welcome stranger.
Thank you for looking in, and I agree about the matronly glare. I really didn’t think it wise to take any liberties with her!
The poor pigeon crashed into the kitchen door, so I think it was a pretty swift end.
So, how are you?
Have you found an abode or are you still roaming around?
We’ve been in our new abode for three weeks, thankee greatly for asking, and are trying to reconcile this teeny weeny miniscule place with the one we Loved on Viewing…
It’ll be fine as soon as a Man with a Van takes away half our goods and chattels. And the Isle of Wight is splendid – beautiful beaches, cliffs and countryside (and red squirrels), and very friendly towns.
Yesterday was the first time in nearly four months we’ve had internet at home – what a Joy to reconnect!
Oh Dolores, it’s a joy for me and I’m sure others that you are reconnected, and no longer homeless.
I have, shamefully, never visited the Isle of Wight, but I have a friend who loves it.
Downsizing is always painful, so I feel your pain. When we retreated to our weekend abode, prior to re-locating, my daughters thought I was joking! It’s like a doll’s house they said disparaging. It’s all relative I suppose, but hard to part with things.
PS. I’m the one who has sacrificed all my worldly goods; toadlets have moved on, and I’m storing all their junk!
Thank you Ara. Fiendish toadlets! (Our cats are just the same).