CAREFUL WHAT YOU 'PISH' FOR...

Almost had my left ear taken off by a Collared Sparrowhawk in December in Hale Conservation Park here in the Northern Lofty Ranges in South Australia. I was trying to get better view of a mixed group of Thornbills, Wrens and Scrubwrens and tried hiding on the edge of a stand of Callitris...as I stood there doing my best to attract the birds, calls started coming from all directions as the smaller birds rallied to come in for a closer look. As I drew the bin's up for a better look I kept pishing and got the shock of my life when said Sparrowhawk whizzed past my left ear at great speed, missing me by a foot or thereabouts.

My trail of expletives sent the smaller birds packing and the Sparrowhawk sat briefly eyeing me with that yellow fireball of an eye....I swear I saw a trace of a smirk on his bill!