Naturally High with a Raptor

  If you love wildlife and are out regularly watching the wonderful life we share the environment with then you will know about experiencing "Natural Highs". When you have a close encounter with a truly wild animal it cannot fail to generate happiness.It is a better remedy for depression than any anti-depressants you could possess.On this cold, sunny day in January, that's exactly what happened.
  Lincs Wildlife Trust Messingham Sand Quarry Reserve.(photo by Majella Fox)

  After two weeks without spending time out with the binoculars we finally managed to get to our local reserve, Messingham Sand Quarry.It was cold enough for two jackets but the sighting of dozens of Redwings in the adjacent field warmed us straight up.
  Redwing

  There were plenty of other birds on the reserve like Bullfinches, a pair of Buzzards, Gadwall, Cormorants, Shelducks, Tufted Ducks, Grey Heron, 400+ Greylag Geese and a solitary Redpoll but the aforementioned high came in the form of a Raptor.
  Strolling down a pathway we were amazed to encounter the raptor settle on a low branch of an Alder barely feet away.We both held our breath.If I raised my arm I would've been able to touch the slate-grey feathers adorning the back of a male Sparrowhawk (I had no intention of trying).

  He was aware of us and constantly turned his head to check on us but seemed to accept our presence.Wondering if maybe he had prey on the ground, I scanned the area but could see none.I didn't actually take many photographs as I was entranced by a wild Raptor being so close, mesmerized by those stunning golden eyes.To enable me to lift my camera and get a few shots of the Sparrowhawk I had to retreat a few steps in hope of not shattering the trust he had given us.
  He stayed with us for maybe 4-5 minutes before turning, gracefully leaving the tree and gliding towards Majella, his wingtip caressing her jacket as he passed by.She turned to me saying "Oh, my God, my heart was thumping in my chest"

  Photo by Majella Fox

   Photo by Majella Fox

 
  Wildlife encounters like these augment our connection to the Natural World.People need to get out there and see the beauty we share the planet with and do something to make sure it is still here in years to come.
 
  Here's wishing you all, your own special wildlife encounters :)