Sparrow hawk in my garden

There was a right racket in the garden earlier, so I thought I'd investigate. To my surprise I saw a sparrow hawk. He was quite big, slightly bigger than my Mandarin ducks. He seemed to be attracted to my quail avairy. No doubt fancies a tasty meal. The ducks didn't seem to be flustered, but are they safe from him?

I didn't realise any of them lived in the London suburbs. They must prey on wild birds and rodents. I hope to see him again and have my camera ready next time.

I get sparrow hawks quit often in my garden. They swoop down and bang into the avairy sides. They scare the life out of my birds.but i suppose as long as they cant get in theres not much i can do. They are amazing birds though arent they. When my parrot and i are outside he can spot them a mile away,high in the sky .i used to wonder what he was shouting at then within afew minutes i see the hawk. they must have amazing eye sight.

I heard something bang against the aviary, but I thought it was one of the bobwhites getting overexcited and boinking into the wire meshing. I also heard quite a shrill call which again I thought was the bobwhites. I've since checked the RSPB web site and found a recording http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sparrowhawk/index.asp I don't know how I could have mistaken that for a bobwhite . but my bobs are becoming hooligans, they have become a bit territorial in the aviary and I can't seem to introduce Japs in there without a bit of violence.

The flock of ducks (including a 2 and half week old runner duckling) were free ranging in the garden at the time. I think he could have taken the lil duckling but was protected by the bigger ducks.

Little duckling in the aviary now.

Thank goodness alls ok. that would have been a disaster. well at least you can be on the lookout now.