Buzzard heaven

Jadeyduck · #1 (**permalink**) 31-10-2009, 10:29 AM

Yesterday my family and I took a trip to dorset to see the lovely birds but were amazed to see a field full of buzzards, there must of been at least 20 in a singular patch of field and they were extremely close together.

The only explanation we can think of was that they were looking for worms to eat, however my mum is unconvinced mainly because the field was bone dry. The buzzards were jumping up and down like seagulls sometimes do, any suggestions as to what they might of been doing?

thunder · #2 (**permalink**) 31-10-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jadeyduck

Yesterday my family and I took a trip to dorset to see the lovely birds but were amazed to see a field full of buzzards, there must of been at least 20 in a singular patch of field and they were extremely close together.

The only explanation we can think of was that they were looking for worms to eat, however my mum is unconvinced mainly because the field was bone dry. The buzzards were jumping up and down like seagulls sometimes do, any suggestions as to what they might of been doing?

Well, seagulls jump up and down to make the worms think it is raining, so that they (they worms), come to the surface. But I would be surprised if it worked on bone dry ground. I have not heard of Buzzards using this technique, either. Interesting observation, though.

henrya

Madelinew · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 07:37 AM

I'm wondering if it was some kind of display or posturing of some kind cos that's a LOT of buzzards. I've never seen or heard of buzzards doing this. They were definitely buzzards I assume? I remember seeing a large number of red kites being fed in a field somewhere - was it Countryfile or Springwatch? The largest number I've seen was 9 riding one thermal and I thought that was pretty amazing :-)

I'd be interested to hear what someone more knowledgeable has to say. Apart from that, I'm on my way over.....

Jadeyduck · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 07:33 PM

They were definately buzzards i would have been even more amazed if they were kite (the only one i've seen was very very high in the sky), unfortunately i didn't manage to get a picture due to pesky battery problems.

There was a lot of wing flapping and jumping around so as previously said i could only presume worms, some more investigating might be in order

As to the numbers we get lots in somerset but never so many in one place! The field was around 8 miles from lulworth cove and right near the road so a good spot.

Any more suggestions no matter how wacky would be much appreicated, thanks friends!

keeponfarming · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 08:34 PM

This photo was taken from my tractor while ploughing a few weeks ago, there are ten buzzards in the photo and indeed they are there for the worms.
There were a few more out of the picture and it's the most that I have seen at one time.

sorry it's not the best of photo's through the cab glass ,but whilst they are happy to let a machine get quite close as soon as a door is opened they fly off.

Madelinew · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 07:41 AM

How fantastic! I wonder how large a number there'd have to be to class them as a flock :-)

I've always assumed that larger groups would be related but I've seen more and more together, 9 being my best which completely defeats all supposition that it's a succesful family brood. Can you imagine how busy 2 buzzards would be raising 7 chicks?

I know there is a species of raptor somewhere (name escapes me for the moment) which hunts as a pack. Is there a chance buzzards show similar behaviour? What benefits would a predator such as this have of being together in such large numbers?

Teal · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2009, 10:11 AM

Here in west Wales, we have hordes of buzzards and at this time of year they often sit around in groups as you describe. They certainly eat worms and I guess slugs too. From what I have been able to tell, the majority of them seem to be young birds, and they will return to the same field for days on end, though it has to be said they are mostly just sitting, either on the ground or more usually on fence posts but not foraging.

We have plenty of kites too, and they also will sit around for ages apparently without feeding, though I see them doing this less often than the buzzards . The characteristic thing about both groups however is that they invariably sit on freshly ploughed or tilled ground.