[CT Birds] sharp-shinned hawk

[Kersey]

I am currently watching a sharp-shinned hawk chase a chipping sparrow around
and around through my lilac bush. It perches in the apple tree a bit, waits,
flies in the the lilac and they go round and round, then it flies to the
cherry tree and perches and waits, and repeat... right now it is in the
apple tree. This has been going on for about 20 minutes. I wouldn't think
such a small predator would be able to waste energy pursuing one bird for so
long - but then the chipping sparrow is not leaving the safety of the lilac
bush, so somethings got to give.

I seem to see the sharp-shinneds this time of year, but I'm not sure if they
are passing through or nesting. How would I tell? Just from repeated visual
observations all summer?

Kersey in North Franklin



-- 
Kirstin (Kersey) Lawrence-Apfel
919 Route 32
North Franklin, CT. 06254
(860)237-4367