Discover Hertford Online Forum

Reply ID 90115

Sounds most like a Sparrow Hawk, they will go for pigeons and turn up in gardens reasonably frequently.

Reply ID 90120

Although not Hertford (I live in Hertford Heath), about 6 weeks ago I pulled on to my drive to see, what looked like a sparrow hawk pinning down a blackbird. As soon as it saw me it flew off carrying the blackbird in its talons. It was an impressive, unexpected sight.

Reply ID 90123

Almost certainly sparrow hawk(s). There was one in my back garden a few weeks ago beating the living daylights out of (would you believe)a flock of sparrows. A right commotion it was too! I did see what I think was a goshawk on the south heath at Waterford recently and have seen as many as 4 red kites flying over the north heath on a number of occasions over the summer. Quite a few more buzzards about this year as well.

Reply ID 90140

After going through our 'Birds of Britain' book this evening, the wife is 90% sure it was a sparrow hawk she saw although she thought it was slightly lighter grey which could mean it was a goshawk. Anyhow, I am still astounded to find them right in the centre of town - they will have plenty of opportunities for more pigeon hunts at least!

Reply ID 90143

This is a useful site for local bird sightings http://www.hnhs.org/birds/index.php

Reply ID 90199

There are many Red Kites over the Chilterns and I believe they are moving this way. However, they are carrion eaters so wont be eating live pidgeon.

Reply ID 90203

quote:

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Originally posted by Green Goddess
There are many Red Kites over the Chilterns and I believe they are moving this way. However, they are carrion eaters so wont be eating live pidgeon.

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Reply ID 90205

Both Buzzards and Red Kites are regularly seen around the edges of Hertford and sometimes over the town itself. Waterford Heath (which is within the Hertford Town Council area despite its name) offers a good viewpoint to look for both these species. They have a habit of seemingly materialising and vanishing suddenly, they are often in groups of 2-5 birds and in the case of the Buzzard the mewing cry is very audible and distinctive.

Reply ID 90208

Yep - three red kites and a buzzad over the north heath on Sunday afternoon (about 3pm)

Reply ID 90211

Can confirm said Kites were hovering over Thundridge during my lunchbreak.. I see a lot of them and Buzzards just outside Watton at Stone at Hooks Cross, when I go to horseriding lessons I see them and they look magnificent. As for eating of pigeons I am glad they are making a lot of mess in Hertford and are very scarey when they flap around... Less pigeons, less mess..

Reply ID 90214

As for eating of pigeons I am glad they are making a lot of mess in Hertford and are very scarey when they flap around... Less pigeons, less mess.. If people would stop feeding them, and not drop so much fast-food then that would help!

Reply ID 90230

pigeon = rat with wings.

Reply ID 90243

Yes I agree. I see a little old lady feeding the pigeons around the fountain outside Cafe Nero and it makes me angry, they cause thousands of pounds worth of damage with their excrement to buildings and also the droppings are not pleasant and we have a farmer market selling food... its horrid, they're horrid birds and I would be all for a hawk of some description depleting their numbers to make the costs of cleaning up after the pigeons for our businesses better.

Reply ID 90255

Hawks don't eat enough pigeons to have any real effect, more radical measures would be required. Town pigeons (feral rock doves) don't make very good eating for us though wood pigeon is good.

Reply ID 90260

What we need is a town centre cat patrol! You're right about them not tasting nice... Some are diseased and have half a foot missing, not at all pleasant... I don't like animals and birds being killed for the sake of it, but they really are quite overwhelming in numbers at times and I notice that despite the shop roofs having those anti pigeon spikes on them, they have had little effect.. I also know that outside HOB Hair Salon in Birchley Green, each morning the poor staff have to clean up pigeon excrement to allow customers to get into their salon without walking in something horrid.. Not nice at all..

Reply ID 90265

quote:

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Originally posted by Drama Queen
Yes I agree. I see a little old lady feeding the pigeons around the fountain outside Cafe Nero and it makes me angry, they cause thousands of pounds worth of damage with their excrement to buildings and also the droppings are not pleasant and we have a farmer market selling food... its horrid, they're horrid birds and I would be all for a hawk of some description depleting their numbers to make the costs of cleaning up after the pigeons for our businesses better.

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Reply ID 90266

I think feeding them contraceptives has proved effective in some places.

Reply ID 90269

Flavoured, ribbed or novelty?

Reply ID 90270

quote:

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Originally posted by Enoughofthat
Flavoured, ribbed or novelty?

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