Sparrowhawk

This sparrowhawk came and sat on the fence which runs so close to the picture window where we sit that we could almost have stretched out and touched it. I'm quite sure it was aware of our presence but I've noticed before that these birds can be very tolerant of humans.

It was a small bird which, with its patterns and colouring, suggests a male. He was a little dishevelled so either he may be moulting or he's a had a tough time in the recent gales. We also noticed that he was standing on one leg. I don't know whether this is a habit of sparrowhawks but he reminded me of the way the Maasai moran stand nonchalantly on one leg, though they have the advantage of a spear to lean on.

He stayed on this perch for a good ten minutes. The only thing that moved was his head as he swivelled it to survey our and our neighbour's gardens. Finally, he twisted away and launched himself fast and low across the neighbour's lawn.