Can anyone tell me what this bird is?

[Jack]

Can anyone positively identify this guy (or girl?). My wife snapped him quietly waiting in the Ash trees at the back of our garden. The trees are about 20ft from our feeders. Although he didn't pounce on this day he has attempted to take finch since.
I was standing at the kitchen window when a 'something' shot across the patio at speed approaching that of Escape Velocity (or so it seemed!), leaving only a 'puff' of grey feathers in its wake. I don't think he was in luck on this day either as he then described a prefect wingover an alighted on the back of one of the patio chairs - only 5ft from me. I froze then attempted to sidle towards the camera but he spotted me and departed, oddly enough in a very ungainly style - he's not designed for slow speed I guess.

I know the picture looks like it is superimposed but I can't find the original since trying to tidy it up in Photoshop. If I find it I'll post it again.

We have since seen another hawk, which I'm sure is different, that had far less defined bars (if any) and a breast that was peach/pink in colour.

Jack

[Maisie]

Female sparrowhawk in the picture, and maybe the male was the other? They're smaller and different colours to the females.

See http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/sparrowhawk/index.asp#

[Jack]

Thanks Maisie,

Using our bird guide we had come to the same conclusion but it's always good to have someone who knows for sure to confirm it.
On the RSPB page that you diected me to, what's the bird in the top left corner of the title banner (with the 'for birds, for people, forever' next to it)? Is that a Sparrow Hawk too? If so then that is the other one we have seen,

Thanks again,

Jack

[Maisie]

Yes, it is. The bird in the top banner changes depending on which page you're on.

[Georgieone]

That is interesting to see and read - Thanks.

[sallyh]

Great photo

[debbee]

Hi Jack,
If you manage to find the original image you should try despeckling it or play around with the noise of the image, you will get a better out come that way. Don't want 2 sound like a know it all or anything, i work with photoshop for a living so thought you might appreciate the advice. x

[Jack]

debbee,
advice greatfully received! Unfortunately, I think I saved over the top of the original image so I'll have to try and catch the hawk again - then I'll try what you suggested.
Thanks,
Jack