Hi,who's trying to eat my House Martins :-( (1 Viewer)

Z

zitling

New member

• Aug 23, 2005

• #1

Hi, new and requesting some help.
I live in a quiet Kent village and have at least 8 House Martin nests.
My partner last evening (19.30ish) saw a hawk of somekind chasing a House Martin for up to 10 minutes over open fields nearby. She did not see the outcome as they flew out of sight.
I've been trawling internet to no avail to see what bird of prey might be so persistant.
I see someone here has had Hawks ambushing House Martins as they leave their nests but the general concensus of opinion seems to be House Martins have no real predators.
Sorry if it's an obvious answer and I'm being a numpty but I've really tried to look it up
Any ideas anyone?

 

Tim P

Well-known member

• Aug 23, 2005

• #2

I would think that sparrow hawk is a good bet as they often hunt for swallows and the like at roosts.

 

H

Henry B

Well-known member

• Aug 23, 2005

• #3

Welcome to Birdforum,hope you get the answer soon,my guess would be Sparrow Hawk.

 

salty

geordie birder

• Aug 23, 2005

• #4

hello, welcome to bird forum!

try looking at sparrowhawks and the hobby, these birds will have a go at your house martins, prehaps peregrine on the odd occasion also. but first two will definetly by sizing up house martins for lunch!

 

Donald Talbott

Well Known Member.

• Aug 23, 2005

• #5

Hi Zitling, I think it could be a Sparrowhawk.

 

SimonC

Still listing - I'll capsize one day

• Aug 23, 2005

• #6

I'd be more inclined to think Hobby rather than Sparrowhawk given the length of time you say the 'chase' lasted. Just can't see a Sprawk bothering with all the fancy flying required for that sort of prolonged attack, as they tend to favour a "fly-through" approach. Quite prepared to be shot down in flames though.

 

Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Aug 23, 2005

• #7

Hi, zitling! I see this is your first post, so a warm welcome to you from all of us on staff here at BirdForum!

Can't help you with your question, but sounds like some of your compatriots are. :t:

 

Mark Bruce

Super Moderator

• Aug 24, 2005

• #8

Hi zitling,
Welcome and hello from Taiwan.

 

alan_rymer

Well-known member

• Aug 24, 2005

• #9

SimonC said:

I'd be more inclined to think Hobby rather than Sparrowhawk given the length of time you say the 'chase' lasted. Just can't see a Sprawk bothering with all the fancy flying required for that sort of prolonged attack, as they tend to favour a "fly-through" approach. Quite prepared to be shot down in flames though.

Click to expand...

I'd go for Hobby too, I was in a hide watching Marsh Harriers when a Hobby took a Swift, unfortunately, I missed seeing it!, and the Harrier that took the Swift off the Hobby|=(|. Everyone else say it though!.:C