Yesterday, while at home, in the morning, near Thorpewood Avenue, I heard a few Crows outside (usual) noisier than usual, then, also heard some Magpies joining in with the cacuffle (sp?) The noise got so bad that I knew something was "wrong" with them and looked out the window and saw some kind of bird of prey, with a (dead) pigeon, on the ground, surrounded by crows and magpies. It did not seem to be that bothered, sat atop its kill for a minute or so and then took off, with booty in claw, swiftly followed by at least 12 crows/magpies, making an awful noise. I don't know if the severe caw-ing was due to "Oi! we want that meat!" or "group protection" etc but it was a very interesting sight.
I am not sure what the bird causing all the annoyance was (it was brown and almost the size of a small crow) but I did see one around here a few years ago, so am thinking it may be the same one or part of "the family" - maybe. It was NOT a Kestrel ( I know what they look like) or an Eagle or an Owl.
Just wondering if anyone else within SE23 has seen any other Birds Of Prey around?

Sue

PS I like BOP. Also, other birds and animals that I see around here, like Woodpeckers, Squirrels and Foxes - kinda takes me "away" from the "big bad city" :o)