Birds you've seen today

Hi folks.

You never have a camera ready when you need it do you. Today I was looking out of the kitchen window, there were two Starlings on the lawn, they suddenly dashed into a large bush half way down the garden. Seconds later there was a reddish brown streak as a Sparrow Hawk followed them into the bush. As the hawk entered on the bush from one side, you would think the bush exploded as an assortment of Blackbirds, Starlings, Finches and Tits all erupted from the opposite side. There must have been nearly twenty birds in total.

After a few seconds the hawk emerged from the bush, empty handed or should that be clawed, it sat on the fence for a second or two, looking disgusted at its failure to get any prey. It remained on the fence for a minute or two and if the camera had been available it would have provided some great pictures.

I wonder just how long the hawk had been watching the garden before it attempted to catch these birds.

I had a walk round the wetlands centre this afternoon, the Snipe was still there but too far away for photographs, I did manage pictures of Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Red shank and an unusual coloured Pheasant. These to be submitted soon.

Roy J.

Nooooooo! I just got a call from a friend in town. There are Trumpeter Swans down on the river (rare bird here), and I'm stuck on the couch unable to move   .

I've never seen a Trumpeter Swan before.