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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Franmol" data-source="post: 1312282" data-attributes="member: 22764"><p>Yes, you're right there jerkin (according to my thin Shire Natural History book on Sparrowhawks by Prof. Newton).   Moulting takes about four months.   Most females start in May (egg laying time) and males in June (hatching time) .... many individuals stop moulting for a period in mid-June to mid-August while feeding large young (both sexes).   Males start moulting later for greater flying abililty at a time when food supply has still not reached its peak and when they are providing food for the female and the arrested moult gives them both full flying ability when food demands are greatest.</p></blockquote><p></p>