A fine female Sparrowhawk was spotted upon parking the car. Parking in a residential street, it wasn't long before our binoculars attracted unwanted attention; "Is that a Hawk, you's looking at?", an Irish chap spoke, sneaking up behind us. "I have horses and they cause terrible trouble on the farm". Whilst we were dumb-founded wondering how big these Sprawks must be to trouble the man's horses, he went on to say "Of course, you're not even allowed to shoot them now, they're protected". It's hard to reason with such levels of ignorance, but we did reinforce that, no you can't shoot them and they're hardly the menace you're making out.
Shortly after, there was another disconcerting incident, when a dog jumped up at me, tried to eat my bins then started munching on my gloved hand. The owner followed behind and she told me to fold my arms to prevent her dog chewing at me. OK....so it's my responsibility to protect myself from being attacked by your uncontrolled mutt. I think not! I gave her a piece of my mind and she put him back on the lead.
I should say though, that the response Max and I have generally had to our urban birding has been overwhelmingly positive. Folk stop to ask us what we're up too, what we've seen and they'll tell us about the birds they've seen in their gardens. Moseley Bog and Joy's Wood held some fine ancient Oaks and mature woodland, as well as smaller scrubs, we'll definitely be spending more time here over the coming months.
A good variety of common species were seen at this healthy looking location including at least 8 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker, 2 Bullfinch, Jay, 4 Nuthatch, Stock Dove and Goldcrest.
Next Trittiford Mill Pond; also part of 'The Shire'. full of plastic Mallards, Canada Geese and fishermen, it wouldn't usually be a recommended urban birding spot. Two Lesser Peckers had been seen there this week however, so we were there looking for them.
No Sign. However a most pleasant surprise when two Sand Martins appeared, first of the year - guaranteed to put a smile on my face! Also noted, a small number of Redwing, GC Grebes building a nest, a Treecreeper and another frog orgy.
Time was running out as Max had decided to watch football in the afternoon, but we sneaked in a quick check of the Bittell Reservoirs. Eight Goosander were on the Lower Reservoir and a Raven over the Upper, but otherwise quiet.
3 comments:
Was that written in that Irish voice I heard today.
To be sure, Martyn!
Hmm, just in time for St. Patricks Day. Was it that famous Irishman, Barry O'Bama?
And in any case, how you worded it, perhaps it was the "haarses" (I know Irish speak me, it was the Cheltenham festival last week after all!) that caused his problems and not the Sparrowhawks? You never know!
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