RAPTOR OVERKILL. IS IT TIME FOR NEW LEGISLATION?
Observation noting that sparrowhawks are now nesting much closer to other Sparrowhawk nests. This points to sparrowhawk overcrowding.
Here is the information I’ve received
Hi, Ive noticed that sparrow hawks now occupy much more closer bouderies now. Nest in close proximity to another nest, may be only half a mile in some locations.
This is a clear example of over crowding in hot spots.
Our regular passive birds will always suffer through raptor over kill. I think that its time for some new ledgistlation . Thanks.
on August 25th, 2012 at 2:15 am
Sadly I too have had my regular song birds decimated by a sparrow hawk.
Six months ago I found away of hanging two ‘ fatballl feeders’ on a horizontal pole outside my upstairs bedroom window. It was just thrilling to wake up to a fantastic view of a great variety of birds feeding in what I thought to be a safe secure way.
I suddenly realised that not a single sparrow seemed to be feeding. Spotted Woodpecker, Longtailed Tit family and many others just not to be seen. Three young Blackbirds would feed but I noticed they would take one or two pecks of food then dash back into a nearby tree.
By chance yesterday morning I was staring at a Blackbird dashing between feeder and tree when he gave off an alarm call and I caught sight of a flash of a Sparrow hawk going past the feeder. I could not see any feathers anywhere so I just hope he ‘ missed ‘.
I now intend to try to move the feeders into the tree opposite the window of mine. I know people say nature is nature but this Sparrow hawk problem is far more serious than some of these so called experts believe.
I may well upset people by saying this but as a shotgun owner I would not hesitate in shooting the Sparrow hawk..though I doubt I will have the luck to spot him !!