Taken on 06/03/2010
This sequence shows a Magpie in my garden apparently trying to kill a Sparrow. I just happened to notice it and thought it might be eating the last remains of the windfall apples which the Blackbirds like, but when I saw feathers fly and the sparrow struggle I rushed for my camera and got these shots. It was poor light and all were taken at 1/40 sec, so I am afraid there is some blurring. It was all over in a matter of seconds so I didn't have time to adjust the camera. I know Magpies will take young chicks and eggs and have heard of them stealing prey from raptors, but have not seen them tackle live birds before. The bird struggles but is pinned down and repeatedly pecked.
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