March 2017 Sparrow Hawks getting back on territory. UK

It was really enjoyable to have an early morning start and find the Sparrow hawk pair back guarding their territory.  There was nest building and mating activity.  Although they are a late egg layer not actually laying eggs until May, it is good to see how early in the year they are hanging around together.  Later when they are feeding the young, the male does not hang around and it almost seems that he gets attacked as he delivers prey.  But for now they are quite content to sit closely together.

Gathering nest material

Beautiful Male

Mating behaviour already started

The pair hanging around together