Goodness, That Must Have Been Some Headache!

[Tilly2]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-45446868

[douglas9401]

Hence the expression 'Hawk? Aye the noo'

[Tilly2]

Well, it was in Scotland, Douglas.

[Mamyalynne]

Can but imagine the thoughts of the Wheatear, splendid picture.

[RobNorth]

We have half a dozen dopey wood pigeons in and around the back garden and they regularly crash into the windows leaving a perfect grey transfer print, usually just after they have been cleaned...they do this after after having a drink and taking off from the bird bath, about 4/5 metres away, and they appear to be unharmed.
Sparrohawks do not need to chase these birds - they obligingly perch right on top of the trees and present a perfect target for females to whack them at high speed - and whack is a perfect description, accompanied by a huge cloud of feathers..

[Tilly2]

We have a resident sparrowhawk in and around our garden. So far, it has managed to evade the windows.

[Chipchopper]

I remember Bill Oddie once explaining that the word 'wheatear' is a corruption of 'white ***'.
This wee fella, it seems was ready to kick some ass!

[Tilly2]

Needs must, Chip.

I'm glad it escaped. I wonder what got eaten instead?

[tonyav]

We have half a dozen dopey wood pigeons in and around the back garden and they regularly crash into the windows

Yes, you'd think that a bird that size would have brain lager than a peanut. Stupid birds, easy prey for cats to.

[Tilly2]

Sparrowhawks caught by cats? Really?

[Tilly2]

No, you mean pigeons, don't you, Tony? Sorry about that.

[tonyav]

Nooooo, wood pigeons.

[Tilly2]

Yeah! Wood pigeons are really dopey. Have you seen their nests? Bits of twigs laid on top of each other with big gaping holes!

[tonyav]

Yes I've seen their nests, Tilly. I thought Magpie nests were rubbish until I saw a wood pigeon nest.

[Tilly2]

:-)

[rowanwitch]

It's a great picture,
Saw a peregrine hit a pigeon once it sort of exploded due to the force of impact

[Ken4155]

Wonder if that was a selfie taken by the Wheatear and sent to all his birdie friends, with the caption; "Only took one good punch."