Buzzards in south Essex?

[syndrome3]

Was sitting in the living room and out of the window I spotted a large bird of prey. We have a pair of sparrow hawks that nest in a near by woods but this bird seemed to be a bit larger than a female sparrowhawk but with a similar shape. Was wondering if it could be a buzzard?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by syndrome3

Was sitting in the living room and out of the window I spotted a large bird of prey. We have a pair of sparrow hawks that nest in a near by woods but this bird seemed to be a bit larger than a female sparrowhawk but with a similar shape. Was wondering if it could be a buzzard?

They are pretty widespread these days so may well be in your area, though their shape is quite distinct from a Sparrowhawk. Maybe a Goshawk is a possibility, though these are not particularly common.

[AshLee]

I'd say Common Buzzard is definitely a very strong possibility.

[pressld2]

Yep, they're everywhere these days. I read recently that they are now Britain's most common bird of prey but I have to say I struggle to believe that they've overtaken sparrowhawks. I've certainly seen more buzzards than kestrels when motorway driving recently.

Dave P.

[syndrome3]

Thanks guys for your replies. Have seen a buzzard cruising the skies over my house over the past few years but normally in the spring/summer. Thought it was a bit unusual for this time of year. it just seemed to be a slightly different shape and much larger than normal sparrowhawks we see.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Here in Essex we have less Buzzards than any other county (except perhaps Greater London). That said they are much more common in North and East Essex, and I saw one at Danbury when I was up there last, so perhaps more are appearing in South Essex now. I think there still a notable sighting in south and West Essex (where I live) though.

[rlchew]

Common Buzzards do get reported occasionally in Essex but I think we have still to see the expansion in range and numbers that other parts of south and east England have seen.

I live in south Essex but I have never seen Common Buzzard in my area.

I have, however, seen them in north Essex and in to Cambridgeshire from that well known wildlife highway the M11.

I am also old enough to remember my early birding years when I had to go to Dartmoor or Wales to see a Common Buzzard.

Richard

[RoyW]

Buzzards are now regular at all times of the year in Essex, including parts of south Essex. They are still only present in relatively low numbers at the moment, but the number of individuals present, and the number of breeding pairs is slowly increasing. Away from spring and autumn passage periods they do still seem to be fairly unusual in south-east Essex, but in other parts of the county they can be found fairly easily if you know where to look - and they are increasingly being found at other sites.
I can pretty much guarantee that I will see at least one or two in south-west Essex when I go out later today.

Roy.

[BillJames]

In the last three months I have seen buzzards in Gt Hallingbury, on N side of A120 at Bluegates, at Colne Engaine and just off A134 at Wickham St Paul.

Summer 2008 I saw one several times on A120 just by the Stansted Airport sliproad.

They are certainly about in the county!

[david156]

When I lived in SW Essex, (about 12 -15 years ago) Buzzards were hardly ever reported and I remember looking forward to seeing them when I went up north for a holiday. Its good to see that they are now spreading into south essex.

David