PLUCKED... (A sparrowhawk feeds on a goldfinch, 12th September 2023...)

 Plucked…

A flutter of finches rose, dishevelled and disparate

Above the conifer line into the fine early autumn drizzle, 

Until there was a snag, a hurrying, a sudden terrifying

And hopeless change of direction.

One goldfinch had been targeted, separate

From the ragged group by the aerobatic dazzle

Of a sparrowhawk, which picked off its prey, flying

Alone at pace, without distraction…

Its feast was stapled to an alder branch with talons like nails,

By the watchful frowning predator, which mercilessly

Plucked flesh and feathers, bone and bloody entrails

With hacking bill, until its catch was devoured ruthlessly…   

Pete Ray

12th September 2023

Whilst eating lunch and looking out of a window, I saw the hawk angle its flight towards a stray goldfinch.

Moments later the sparrowhawk landed on a branch of a neighbour’s alder tree, where the catch was feasted upon. 

Foliage made the spectacle tough to see but wildlife in the raw can be fascinating, if harsh…