Gavo
Well-known member
During this quiet birding month and the fact that we don't yet appear to have a decent hide at the flashes yet, it's always good to have a bit of a debate!
Following some comments regarding artificial Kingfisher perches I have done a little internet research regarding Sparrowhawks preying on these birds. As we know we are blessed with a good representation of Sparrowhawks (and other birds of prey) at Upton Warren, and my concern is whether the artificial perches we encourage Kingfishers to perch on increases the risk of a Kingfisher becoming prey to one of these raptors.
I think we all know that Sparrowhawks in particular don't hunt just Sparrows (we aren't blessed with those at UW!) but over 120 bird prey species have been recorded. They are not fussy and they are only about 30% successful in each strike.
Sparrowhawks do spend some time observing regularly used habitats to increase their chances and bird tables are of course a favourite hunting ground for them, so by creating out in the open perches are we in fact increasing the risk of Kingfishers getting caught?
More often than not I see them perched on reeds and branches within reeds where there is more natural cover. I must admit I've not seen a Sparrowhawk have a go at a Kingfisher at UW. But it only takes a couple of strikes, and we only probably have 2 or 3 Kingfishers so is prevention better than cure?
So, to my internet research - nothing substantial to back this up, other than the odd report of a Sparrowhawk having a go at a Kingfisher and/or Kingfisher feathers found in the nest of Sparrowhawks.
I'd be interested in any comments and indeed observations.
That's a really interesting post Gert, I had never considered the possible effects of predation on kingfishers. I too have just done a quick search and there seems to be no published papers with access to consult. Personally I do not condone any kind of anthropomorphic intervention that is purely done to provide edification to people.
The only reason perches should be provided for kingfishers should be to aid them in their pursuit of a meal. If a photographer cannot capture a natural shot then maybe they should'nt be in the game.
It will be interesting to see if anybody has any feedback with regards to sparrowhawk attacks.