Look up.

[Mike J]

A Sparrowhawk digesting its breakfast.
Look carefully and 4 feet above is a sparrow safe in the maze of rose branches I made as a refuge.

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[davelumb]

Prey often seem to know when a predator isn't a threat.

[Tiercel]

Nice young spar Mike, that sparrow is deffo safe

[Mike J]

Nice young spar Mike, that sparrow is deffo safe

Cannot make up my mind if its got a damaged toe and/or the other leg is missing and when it flew off it was unclear (note to self clean the window)
With 30+ sparrows eating £1's worth of millet in under a week it will be back for sure.
Just wish sprawks would catch rats and save Walther a job.

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[Tiercel]

It's hard to tell by your photo Mike, injuries to the fourth toe (small outside toe) are common in raptors that grab prey from the air.
Birds regularly roost with one foot tucked into the feathers to conserve heat/energy, especially in the colder months. I've lost count of people thinking my sakret only has one leg

Here's some pics of my sakrets damaged fourth toes, he's broken them by hitting the lure (and me} at speed and with the bones being so small you just have to let them heal whilst administering pain relief etc.

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[Happy Hayes]

Lovely looking bird Dale
Regards
Tom