Sparrowhawks breeding in one of our woodlands

A very special day. A pair of Sparrowhawks have been breeding in one of our woodlands. The nest has been monitored by Chris Bridge, a local licensed bird ringer. Six eggs were laid and all six chicks hatched.

On 6 July the day arrived to ring the chicks and Chris brought along another two bird ringers to share the occasion. We went along too – well we could not miss this could we?

Chris climbed skywards towards the nest whilst Hamza steadied the ladder. — The Long Climb Up Photo by Su Haselton

He eventually arrived at the nest and looked in. — Chris Looking in the Nest Photo by Su Haselton

We all waited anxiously whilst Chris carefully put the six chicks into a large blue bag to carry the chicks down the ladder. — We Wait Photo by Su Haselton

At last Chris makes his way down with the chicks. — Chicks In The Bag Photo by Su Haselton

Chris Attaches the Ring Photo by Su Haselton

As with all raptors the female is larger than the male and this is clearly demonstrated by the Sparrowhawk chicks. The female is on the left in the photograph below and the male is on the right. In this nest we had three of each! — Female and Male Sparrowhawk Chicks Photo by Su Haselton

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