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Nature on the doorstep is always a real treat, and you can never predict what might show up. Furthermore, throughout the changing seasons we can expect a veritable kaleidoscope of records, some predictable and others less so. From unusual insects or amphibians to spectacular birds, or maybe a fox or badger, wildlife is full of surprises. With birds of prey increasingly frequent in the suburbs, Sheffield’s Bob Callard told me of an unexpected visitor.

Bob of Norton Lees sent me photographs of a sparrowhawk that ended up in his garage adjacent to the main house. There is a sort of alleyway running the length of the building but with a closed window at the far end. It seems like this juvenile, possibly female sparrowhawk flew in and seeing the light ‘at the end of the tunnel’ assumed there was a route through with an easy exit. There wasn’t, and the bird struck the glass of the window, though not too hard or with serious consequences. The bird hit the ground rather surprised, a little stunned, and perhaps slightly embarrassed! Hearing a soft thud, Bob came around the corner of the building to find the hawk stood on the ground. Having grabbed his camera, because as he says, this sort of picture doesn’t come around very often, he took the photograph and then opened the door. The bird hopped out of the garage and then flew away, leaving just the memory. It just goes to show that with nature, you just never know what might drop in, even on your doorstep. I think this was a young hawk and probably inexperienced, but hopefully, it will soon learn. They thrive on the element of surprise but probably not like this.

I wonder if a sparrowhawk can have a headache.

Recording the sightings on or around your local patch is interesting, rewarding, and sometimes surprising. Indeed, it is always fascinating to hear what readers see or else find in their own garden or neighbourhood, so do feel free to send me your own pictures and wildlife stories.

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer & broadcaster on wildlife & environmental issues, is contactable on [email protected]; follow Ian’s blog (https://ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/) and Twitter @IanThewildside

On the Wildside: The hawk that just dropped in