I'd just like to report that I had the sparrowhawk back in my garden at 10.08 this morning. Magnificent bird, swooshing in like an exocet and settling on the pergola to survey the possible pickings.
As I scrambled for my camera, one word occurred to me - assassin. That's what it looked like.
Spectacular aren't they? Look at those talons. Though, I must admit, I'm never happy to see one around. But they're entitled to be here too and must also eat. Nature can be equally beautiful and cruel at times.Originally Posted by seanad voter
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We all love animals. Why do we call some 'pets' and others 'dinner'?
It's very shortsighted but common in that generation. He did put it down in pipes though and well hidden. Hopefully the rat carcases remained hidden from scavengers after death too.
Please ask him to stop using poison. Poison is the cruelest way to deal with any pests. It's an extremely slow and painful death and, as you already pointed out, can kill the birds-of-prey and other natural predators that feed on them. If you do have a problem and must deal with it then the snap-trap is the preferred way.
At a very minimum though, if your father insists on putting down poison, please ask him to put it in the middle of empty pipes or large cardboard tubes in the garden, where birds and other animals (including domestic pets - yours or others') cannot get at it directly. Rat poison is extremely toxic to most animals and birds, who also find it attractive to eat.
Try to avoid using poison if you can. This RSPCA (Australia) link contains some very good tips to avoid getting rodents in the first place, and how to deal with any that do come.
RSPCA: What is the most humane way to kill rats and mice?
Poisons are no solution though...they already formed resistence to first generation poisons so it's only a matter of time before they do the same with these ones.
Now that the weather has improved, should I keep feeding the birds visiting the garden? Am I correct in assuming that I should let nature take its course, including the three patrolling cats who come looking for whatever they can get their paws on.
Keep feeding them and wean them off over time. Stopping suddenly stresses them.
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you
down to their level and then beat you with experience.
Since I started feeding all year round I've had loads of extra birds and species around the place. Can't see a down side.
Yeh, they really are amazing birds. Everything else scarpers when sparrowhawk is around.
The only birds that aren't afraid of them are swallows, in spring gangs of them harrass sparrowhawks out of the area - facinating to see them dive bombing such a dangerous bird.
Birds are singing since two days, and I saw the first insects (midges?) today.
It was very spring-like alright today. Hopefully the worst is over for our feathered friends.
yep, amazing how life springs from what was a frozen waste two weeks ago.
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