Sparrowhawk

 Identification of the "Mystery Bird" shown in the previous post was confirmed by the next three pictures received today. The barring on the pale breast is clearly visible, as are the tail bands. 

My thanks to the photographer Roger Ligter for permission to publish these excellent shots of a magnificent raptor.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

The Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is described in the Atlas de las aves nidificantes en el archipiélago canario (Ed. J. A. Lorenzo, Madrid, 2007) as follows:

"...widely distributed on La Palma in all types of forested areas, from the far north of the island to the vicinity of Fuencaliente in the south.  Although absent from drier zones, urban environments or farmland, it is often seen when hunting there..."

Despite being a widespread species , one rarely gets the chance to witness bathing scenes, such as those shown in the present post!

Readers of this blog are invited to send news of interesting sightings on the island of La Palma to the author at: grajaland@gmail.com