[Hedgeland]

out of the window i could hear goldfinch and looking outside over the park i could see a flock of about 20 goldfinch mobbing a sparrowhawk. The goldfinch were all flyng just behind the sparrowhawk and when the sparrowhawk changed direction the goldfinch re-positioned themselves behind it.

Is this normal behaviour for goldfinch as it seems a dangerous game to be playing?
H

[Ratal]

Originally Posted by Hedgeland

out of the window i could hear goldfinch and looking outside over the park i could see a flock of about 20 goldfinch mobbing a sparrowhawk. The goldfinch were all flyng just behind the sparrowhawk and when the sparrowhawk changed direction the goldfinch re-positioned themselves behind it.

Is this normal behaviour for goldfinch as it seems a dangerous game to be playing?
H

Ive seen this from a mixed mob of Finches. It was hysterically funny as the Sparrow Hawk was getting irate with life yet the little things just kept it up till it left the hedgerow. Guess the tables have to turn everynow and again.

[Hedgeland]

cheers
it worked though - the sparrowhawk flew off after a minute over the houses and the goldfinch stayed in proximity to the park.

[Ratal]

Originally Posted by Hedgeland

cheers
it worked though - the sparrowhawk flew off after a minute over the houses and the goldfinch stayed in proximity to the park.

Same thing with our Finches. Once the Sparrow Hawk had been routed, they returned to the hedgeline. Our garden however has a new visitor over the last 3 evenings, and it makes the garden go silent. A sneaky ambush specialist Peregrine. No mobbing goes on, not even from crows.