Grey bird of prey?

[Merc]

Hi All.

I often have a Kestrel visit my garden but twice in the last week I have had a grey bird of prey take young birds from the trees/bushes in my garden. I live just outside Portsmouth in a built up area. The only 2 birds I can think it might be is a peregrine falcon or a montagu harrier???? Excuse any spelling mistakes but I haven't got my glasses and I'm using my phone.

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Proud2btaff]

Hen Harriers are grey as are Montagu's Harriers as you said. Another one is a Goshawk.

 

[dinners]

Sure it's not a male sparrowhawk ?

 

[Solo man]

I'm with Phil... I reckon it's a Sparrowhawk.

 

[Proud2btaff]

I forgot about the male Sparrowhawk.

 

[Merc]

Thanks for the replies. It always appears when I don't have a camera to hand but I will try and get a photo of it.

 

[Tringa]

Sparrowhawk is definitely the most likely suspect. They are becoming more common around gardens (I have seen more sparrowhawks around our garden the last three years than in the previous 30).

Good luck in getting a shot of it, Mark. The one(s) I see in the garden come in like a rocket and just as I identify them, they are gone.

Dave

 

[BMD]

Also, if it was a Goshawk you wouldn't mistake it. They are big birds almost Buzzard size.

 

[Merc]

Thanks again. I'm now pretty sure it's a Sparrowhawk.

 

[Johnytrout]

Could be a Peregrine. They have plenty of grey and are now venturing into cities

 

[The W]

Sounds like the wrong behaviour for peregrine. They prefer larger birds and do so by taking them mid-flight. Small birds in garden hedges is classic Sparrowhawk territory.