An unexpected visitor

In the depths of the snow and ice, we have been scattering a range of food for our local birds.  The result has been an influx of blackbirds, field-fares and a solitary chaffinch.  We have seen the number of sparrows, coal, great and blue tits increase and the black cap pair at now pretty much permanent residents.

This morning I was about to get the camera, with a view to photographing the field-fares.  They looked stunning against the snow and in comparison with the male blackbirds.  However,  there was huge explosion of birds, leaving the ground at speed.

Quite definitely the male, he arrived at speed but was not able to get at the birds on the ground (we have too many trees for raptors to lift off easily).  Having failed to get breakfast he sat in next doors silver birch for about 10 minutes.  

After a while he flapped off to better hunting grounds, since then we have not seen a single bird back on the feeders.  One or two are coming back to the apple tree but are not brave enough to try and feed yet.

I still hope to get some shots of the field-fares before they leave us, Sparrowhawks allowing.