Buzzards in East Kent??,

[dmclean2]

Hi,
Has anyone heard of , or spotted Buzzards in east Kent Near Deal?
I have but I would like to find out if anyone else has?
Cheers
Duncan

[DUFFY]

Hi Duncan,

There are definate records of sightings of Rough Legged Buzzards in the East Kent Area in late October (See the Planet Thanet site at News and Updates). Also check out the archives of the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust as I think that you may find some info there and of course the Kent Ornithological Society's website is a good source for records.

Cheers

Ray

[zharca]

Hi, yes we've seen them just a few miles away at Sandwich bay and Stodmarsh - not far away in a straight line. I believe that they have only come back to Kent in the last 20 years and they are now getting more common. I saw a regular Buzzard put up at least 1000 lapwing at Pegwell bay last Saturday, quite a sight, even on a very dull, cloudy day.

East Kent is also very much Marsh Harrier country, though more on the North coast than down in the South, and I find it takes me some time to sort out one from the other, especially when they are far off and in silhouette against the light.

I've tried to work out the difference in flight patterns, like maybe Harriers tend to fly lower and straighter with more purpose whilst buzzard loiter around and soar, but just as I think I have it sorted, they'll swap around

Both magnificent birds and a real treat to watch.

[jamie_from-kent]

Yes there are lots of marsh harriers around the faversham and sheppy area and my great uncle is responsible for counting them each year around the hearne bay area. Last year was a very good year but his year was not so good. But they are still on the increase so its still good news.

[zharca]

Hi, yes Jamie, it's up there that i have problems sorting out Harrier from Buzzard, so telling common from rough-legged Buzzard is a major headache! smashing place for raptors around the Stour and the estuary!

The only time I can definitely claim to have seen a rough-legged is at Sandwich bay, and only then 'cos we were out with a chap from the observatory

Great link Duffy!

[weebit]

Hi,
I have spotted a Buzzard 3 times now, all near the A20 at Sandling near Hythe, Kent. I would be interested to hear if anyone else has seen them in this area.

[voleman]

Hi
Rough legged buzzards can only realy be confused with a pale morph common buzzard, but the r.l.buzzards have a well defined black band on the tail tip and black patches on the wing elbow. Their wings are also longer in apperance and not as rounded.The wing beats are elasticated which sometimes give them a harrrier apperance.When gliding the wings are more angled at the carpal joint than the common buzzard.Hope this helps a bit.
cheers voleman

[rlchew]

I saw a Common Buzzard near Detling on Bank Holiday Monday .... my first in Kent if I recall correctly.

Richard

[outdoorguy]

i have four or five near me.. i'm near tonbridge.. we have some hills near us which are run as pheasant shoots and they live near there.. the gamekeeper is a birdwatcher and has told me the best places to watch them.. i love buzzards.. i had only seen tham in devon was well happy when i found out they were living near me.. been up and seen them lots this year... james

[JP]

Im on the Thames Essex side and ive got them in the fields out back of me.