First fieldfare of the winter.

Yesterday, while at work, I saw my first migrant thrush of the winter. 
I was sitting in the window-ledge which overlooks a brick-paved courtyard some 6m wide and backed by a steep slope with hawthorns and planted birches. It is a popular spot with small passerines owing to the thick cover and abundant haw and ivy berries.

My attention was drawn by an urgent, high-pitched squeal. I looked out of the window and saw, on the ground, this season's first fieldfare. Unfortunately it was lying upon its back and in the death grasp of a female sparrowhawk.

The hawk continued squeezing, while keeping a close eye upon myself and my work colleague, until the thrush went quiet and stopped struggling. She then took off vertically and flew into the trees.

An exciting way to start a morning's work.