Unidentified Bird of Prey

[maggiemay]

Hi, can anyone please tell me what this bird is.
It was sitting on my fence in the back garden yesterday morning. It was a bit foggy so the picture's not that clear.

[Neil Rigby]

Thanks for the post Maggiemay and that's a good shot to work with.

I'm not an expert on raptors but I think that's a Sparrowhawk in the fog.

One of the experts will be along soon and give you a conclusion and information.

PS. I enhanced your image a bit too. See the attachment.

[maggiemay]

Hi Thanks Neil for you reply, the picture looks a lot better too.

[Neil Rigby]

No problem. I just lifted the fog a bit!

It would be useful to know which county you are in, as it makes it easier for identification of birds in future posts.

You can add your county by using the "User CP" control panel top left and going to "Edit your details".

I look forward to your future posts.

[clydebirder]

Definately a male Sparrowhawk

cheers, John

[Neil Rigby]

...phew!

I think I'll stick my neck out a bit more often, then the experts can either correct me or confirm.

Whilst cycling I saw a Robin singing sweetly in the hedgerow. There was a sudden swoop and a Sparrowhawk snatched the Robin deftly.

My father-in-law had one in his garden, very similar to the photo. I saw a Sparrow escape the clutches of a Sparrowhawk by flying through the trellis work at the top of the fence – the Sparrowhawk couldn't get through!