January 17th, 2014
This bird over winters in Britain and its population is estimated to be around 60. It feeds mainly on small birds and rodents which it kills and then impales on a thorn bush to create a larder! Their hunting technique is similar to the sparrowhawk they strike quickly and can dart in and out of hedges with great agility, hovering before pouncing on their prey. (See the actions in the images) They are the size of a blackbird and photographing them is a challenge as they like to perch high up on power lines or tree tops. This bird was hunting in a hedge and came close enough to be photographed.
