Thursday 21 March 2013

Wintersett 21.03.13

Overcast, freezing NE wind.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Goosander 5, Shelduck 2, Redwing 3, Fieldfare 40,  Gadwall 11 + 4 WRes.   Teal 9 + 2 Botany + 1 WRes.
Wintersett Res:  Meadow Pipit 30 in SW field,
Old Royston Flash: Pink-footed Goose.
Pits Wood: A female Sparrowhawk was flying low,carrying a Teal.  It dropped on the ground next to a pool and held the Teal down.  It then dragged and fluttered the Teal into the water and held it under. The Sparrowhawk fluttered and dragged the Teal to the other side of the pool and held it under again.  I moved and the Sparrowhawk flew off and the Teal surfaced, visibly shaking and looking in a very sorry state.  It eventually went and sat at the base of a tree.   I left it there and expected the Sparrowhawk to return and finish the job.   However, a search for the expected remains of the Teal two hours later,  flushed the Sparrowhawk and then, surprisingly,  the Teal, which flew off towards Wintersett Res. Lucky escape!
Female Sparrowhawk holding a Teal under water

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