A vicious attack in a well-known Ormsaigbeg eatery has stunned both onlookers and attacker.Diners, who were feasting on seeds and peanuts, watched in horror as an intruder, in a fast, well-timed manoeuvre, seized a cock chaffinch. But the attacker mis-timed his exit, so he collided with a window and fell to the pavement, still clutching his victim. As startled guests watched on helplessly, he managed to recover sufficiently to carry his prey to the safety of some bushes.
The incident was witnessed by three siskins who have recently returned after an absence of several months. It is to be hoped that yesterday's horrific events haven't driven them away again.
Another witness, who has been questioned by bird police, was this male yellowhammer in his full mating outfit. He was able to identify the culprit as a sparrowhawk who has been seen loitering along Ormsaigbeg in the last week.
Since the incident new protective measures have been taken by management, including the erection along the main table of this antler - left after a recent visit by the manager's family -both to provide additional seating and some protection for customers from any future attacks.
Cool idea with the deer tines,like it! Does the bird have a current hawking license? Won't make one iota of difference to predation though. It only means it will not happen on yer table so much. I really love seeing sparrowhawks and thinks folk that make spurious fast food outlets for them should really learn to live with nature tooth and claw. Not sanitized and compartmentalized tae suit their dubious human sensitivities.
ReplyDeleteWell said Dave, we have to learn that these birds have to eat to, and that they have a rather refined taste for the wee birds which we all love, (to watch, not eat) is just a part of the big circle of life.
DeleteThe Raptor
Superb pix thanks!
ReplyDeleteTJ
Copy was good too
Big female sparrowhawks will handle an adult wood pigeon. I wish some would come intae the village here and thin oot these blinking Jackdaws. They are becoming a real pest here. In winter the peregrines fae up the glen come doon tae the village and tak a few. I suppose this is a human thing tae. We gie them the ideal nesting sites in oor chimeys and plenty o opportunities for an easy meal. Dumfries is also murder wae big seagulls as weel. Eat yer sannies ootside there and risk a Greater Black backed coming doon tae visit ye fur a wee bite.
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