Parent woodpigeon tried in vain to distract and divert sparrowhawk by feigning injury

 

All quiet on the edge of a car park in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire  - or is it?

A FRANTIC woodpigeon today  feigned injury as it tried in vain to divert a sparrowhawk from eating one of its offspring.

The pigeon flapped its wings, as if wounded, hoping thereby to lure away the raptor.

But the sparrowhawk was not to be tempted. 

It disregarded the commotion and kept on plucking the feathers from its prey in readiness for a meaty meal.

After a minute or two, it flew off, the dead chick in its talons, leaving the parent distraught with anguish.

 

The woodpigeon bird on the left flaps its wings in frenzy, hoping to divert the sparrowhawk (right) 

But the sparrowhawk is not to be diverted

The parents pigeon realises all hope is gone and prepares to fly off