Sparrowhawk!

[Betsy]

I was going into my garden yesterday when a Sparrowhawk landed in the wall. The piggies were in the runs at the time. I cover the runs up with old duvets so that the piggies can't be seen by predators from above and they feel safer. The Sparrowhawk was then chasing a blackbird. I have never seen this Sparrowhawk before. Only one of my runs is predator proof so I think I'll go back to "here comes the girls" one day and "the boys are back in town" the next cos the run is too small for all 5 of them. I didn't buy the larger run as I couldn't afford it and as I already had a run I didn't need it. I'm sure the bird is aware of my Piggies!

 

[Swissgreys]

Scary, but it sounds like your piggies were well sheltered at the time.
But I agree with you - I am sure the sparrowhawk knows exactly where your piggies are.
Our garden backs on to open field sand orchards, and we have several that hunt locally and they are awe inspiring to watch.
We currently have several nests of Martens under our eaves, and one year I saw a sparrow hawk catch a newly fledged Marten right out of the air!

 

[Guineautopia]

I’ve had a sparrow hawk in my garden also. First time it was sat on fence watching them. I had a run with a solid top so it was unable to get to them. I’ve also gone into the garden and it swooped out of the tree next to the run right past my head.
The other day I witnessed magpies around the run and one tried to peck the piggies through the mesh!
Because of all this, I always have a secure top!

 

[Flutterby]

I haven't had them close to me house but quite often see them out walking. It's nice to see them as they were in such decline not so long ago, and as long as your piggies are secure and safe (like yours were Jacky) then all is ok