The Sparrowhawk's Dinner

As a biologist this was fascinating to watch. As a photographer it was one of the highlights of my life. As an animal lover it was humbling to be so close to a predator.

The most curious thing happened this afternoon. A sparrowhawk chased, killed and ate a pigeon on the side of the road right beside my house. It started with a neighbour and her children seeing the whole thing and spread with the natural curiosity that is shared between people who live next to each other.

Of course I grabbed my 100mm lens but not my shoes because there was no time, it might end at any moment. I stayed there, crouched down a little way away after gently edging closer. We sat together for almost an hour as she methodically made her way through her meal and I held my breathe in awe.

CW: graphic scenes of a pigeon being eaten