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How common are Sparrowhawks in Cork (Douglas to be precise)?

  • 30-08-2012 1:35pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 222 ✭✭


    Sitting in the grounds of the Protestant Church eating lunch (not being from the area we thought there was a park there until we got there!) and about 20 yards in front me me I see what I think was a sparrowhawk flying behind other small birds approx 10 foot off the ground. Unfortunately my buddy didn't see the bird, and being no expert in this kind of thing, I just wondered what type of bird might be in the area? This probably isn't much help but it had a slender fawn/brown body with a speckled breast and was by no means large.

    From looking at pics on Wikipedia it also looks slightly like a Red Kite.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,423 ✭✭✭V_Moth


    Sparrowhawks are widespread in Ireland and are not infrequently seen in urban and suburban gardens hunting birds up to the size of a Pigeon. Red Kites are mainly found in Wicklow and tend to stick to rural areas.

    Here is some more info on Sparrowhawks with several photos.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,560 ✭✭✭✭Kess73


    Sparrowhawks are quite common all over Ireland and have adapted very well to suburban and urban areas over the decades.

    Have seen plenty out by the Bishopstown side of Cork, in and around Wilton, and around Mahon Point, so I have no doubt they are in Douglas as well.

    Have even watched a male sparrowhawk take a starling whilst I was parked on the top floor of the Paul Street car park.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 3,072 Mod ✭✭✭✭OpenYourEyes


    Sparrowhawks are actually the most common bird of prey in Ireland!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 222 ✭✭OnlyWayIsUp


    V_Moth wrote: »
    Sparrowhawks are widespread in Ireland and are not infrequently seen in urban and suburban gardens hunting birds up to the size of a Pigeon. Red Kites are mainly found in Wicklow and tend to stick to rural areas.

    Here is some more info on Sparrowhawks with several photos.

    That's deffo the bird I saw yesterday, beautiful creatures.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,204 ✭✭✭dodderangler


    Wouldn't see a red kite flying that low after small birds
    It's not worth wasting their energy on a small meal and red kites I don't think are in cork yet but are in Wicklow I've seen plenty this year
    More than likely a sparrowhawk
    Gorgeous birds and in my opinion a top predator in the bird world
    They are found everywhere from
    Woods and forests to abandoned houses and even attics and your back garden bush
    If you find one you should watch it you might be lucky to see a kill
    Atb


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,618 ✭✭✭amber2


    Found a injured young sparrowhawk just now anyone know who I might contact to get him rescued in mallow area.


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