Outnumbered

Best to view in large

You do have to feel a bit sorry for her don't you?
The jackdaws and magpies have been doing a grand job of pestering the hawks today - providing the small birds with an effective early warning system.

The sparrowhawk has managed to avoid too much attention and has managed to carry away a small bird the instant I left the hide. She (poor photo of her in blipfolio taken from bathroom window) is employing some interesting hunting tactics (apart from conveniently avoiding me):
random strike
Pops over the roof and just sees what is in her path before deciding to attack or carry on over the hawthorn hedge to the trees on the far side of the field.
Sneaky trick
Waits for the kestrel (and entourage of jackdaws, magpies etc) to distract targets and then come in from the side.

canon 1d; 420mm; iso800; f/7.1; 1/4000"

Off visiting now. Be back later!