Taken on 06/03/2010
This sequence shows a Magpie in my garden apparently trying to kill a Sparrow. I just happened to notice it and thought it might be eating the last remains of the windfall apples which the Blackbirds like, but when I saw feathers fly and the sparrow struggle I rushed for my camera and got these shots. It was poor light and all were taken at 1/40 sec, so I am afraid there is some blurring. It was all over in a matter of seconds so I didn't have time to adjust the camera. I know Magpies will take young chicks and eggs and have heard of them stealing prey from raptors, but have not seen them tackle live birds before. In this last shot I thought the sparrow must have expired, but to my amazement the Magpie then lost its grip and and the Sparrow managed to fly into a bush. Both were gone by the time I got outside.
2 likes
1 comment