Common Buzzard in Pudsey, Leeds.

Jayney · #1 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 04:04 PM

I'm new to this! I spotted a large bird of prey on Saturday which flew over our stable yard. It was being chased by 4 crows. I have seen it again today and after a bit of research believe it to be a common buzzard. We have a lot of sparrowhawks and Kestrels round here but I've never seen a buzzard. Does anyone else know of any in the area? Wasn't sure if it had escaped from somewhere but it hasn't got any jess's on (if thats how you spell it?)
Any info from twitchers but be really appreciated.

rossy · #2 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 07:38 PM

welcome jayney i spotted 1 last week in rochdale just doen the m62 from you but havent seen it since and know that 1 was spotted in todmorden possible it might be the same 1 big birds arent they enjoy it . rossy

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 08:21 PM

I don't know how common they are in your area, but Buzzards are now our most common bird of prey + have greatly expanded their range in recent years, so I have no doubt you did see one + that it was a wild bird.

daffy66 · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 07:03 PM

they get everywhere.ive seen them over sheffield and ive heard reports of the peregrines in manchester nearly killing one that strayed near their nest sight. are you sure it was a buzzard and not one of harewoods red kites?

ChrisJB · #5 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy66

they get everywhere.ive seen them over sheffield and ive heard reports of the peregrines in manchester nearly killing one that strayed near their nest sight. are you sure it was a buzzard and not one of harewoods red kites?

Just what I was thinking. There are stacks of red kites about in the northern Leeds area these days. I have also seen buzzards near Eccup Res' too.
For the sighting of the Rochdale M62 buzzard as well, they/it has been seen on and off for the past couple of years now, usually between Junction 20 and 21, but I've also seen it higher up, heading for the moors.

Regards, Chris

Jayney · #6 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 10:03 PM

Hi Daffy,
Definiteley not a Kite. It didn't have the right colour tummy and wing / tail formation.
It was specked fawn on its tummy - it flew so low I could see everything. It was about 5 times the size of a kestrel and I don't know now if it was a buzzard because it wasn't as dark on top as the pictures I've seen. I've been out with my bins today again but no sign! I wanted to take a picture so then someone could identify it properly. I really appreciate your comments though - Thanks

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 10:07 PM

I was born and brought up near Pudsey, they always said "Pudsey, where the birds fly backwards to keep the muck out of their eyes".

Did your bird follow this advice?

Jayney · #8 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 10:35 AM

Nope sorrry not heard that one - relatively new to Leeds so maybe I'll come across it one day!

It was flying forwards!! and its been back since and flew through my garden and sat in my neighbours tree.
And yes I totally agree we should all help!

marts · #9 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 09:45 PM

I live in New Farnley, next to Pudsey. Last week my wife and I saw a large bird of prey land on our garden fence then fly off accross the park next to our house. We've seen Sparrowhawks do this twice this year but this was much bigger. Dark brown on top and looked roundabout the size of a crow.
Now I have just read the messages about buzzards in the Pudsey area I'm convince thats what it was! We were scratching our heads before now thinking it must have been a massive Sparrowhawk.