Ogden Garden The one that got away

I was watching the birds on the feeder just now when suddenly a male sparrowhawk swooped in and took a male blackbird from a nearby bush. It flew down onto the lawn and sat motionless for several seconds guarding its catch with open wings. Then a second sparrowhawk zoomed in with tallons blazing and attacked the male. In the confusion, the blackbird- which I had imagined would be a goner by now - took its chance and flew off, seemingly unharmed! I have never seen a bird escape before. The male sparrowhawk seemed dazed and bedraggled and spent several minutes hopping round the lawn persued by two magpies, before eventually flying off.