Hovering Sparrowhawk (1 Viewer)

[Heathy]

I was at Grove Ferry (Kent) last week when i saw a male Sparrowhawk briefly hover on 3 occasions low over the reedbed. It was chasing Meadow Pipits and as they dropped into the reeds, the Sparrowhawk would check and hover, a brilliant sight. I have never seen this before or heard of it but has anyone out there seen this. Before questions are asked it was definately a male Sparrowhawk and i had good views.

Marc Heath (Kent)

 

[Rob Smallwood]

I've seen this too with low hunting birds quartering fields - they will stall, check and briefly hover - but not in a prolonged way like a Kes.

Always a treat to see.

 

[nirofo]

I was at Grove Ferry (Kent) last week when i saw a male Sparrowhawk briefly hover on 3 occasions low over the reedbed. It was chasing Meadow Pipits and as they dropped into the reeds, the Sparrowhawk would check and hover, a brilliant sight. I have never seen this before or heard of it but has anyone out there seen this. Before questions are asked it was definately a male Sparrowhawk and i had good views.

Marc Heath (Kent)

Hi Heathy

I've watched Sparrowhawks do this momentarily as they work the hedgerows and woodland edges, I think they do this if they spot something in the bushes and hope to flush it. It seems to work well for them, the prey item loses it's nerve and makes a dash for it - Fatal!!

nirofo.

 

[Mickymouse]

I have seen one do that at the same place, wonder if it was the same bird.

Mick