Country diary: What chance does a goldfinch stand against a mighty sparrowhawk? | Derek Niemann

Sandy, Bedfordshire: The finches for too long seemed to be caught unawares, flying instead of fleeingAnother jingle-jangle morning moment, a ringing of ringtones, a charm of goldfinches. Out of cover they came, a convivial flock of half a dozen, with their bouncy, buoyant flight, all twitter without end. Up and over the road, hedge-hopping. Such a spirit-lifter. The little charmers.A hawk bolted out from the trees. Frighteningly fast at fashioning all her parts into single-mindedness, a tilting tail her rudder, her wings an engine swept right back to show a barrel chest, the strong bars, dark on light, a predator's livery. In that terrible instant, when she spread her power, she looked so dreadfully big, size without bulk, exhibiting grace without favour. And they so pitifully small, a huddle of a flock. Even their weight combined would be less than half of hers. But could she catch up with her quarry? Continue reading...