Haldon Raptor Viewpoint

[GuyF]

Hi everyone,
Just wondering if anyone has been to the raptor viewpoint in Great Haldon Forest, Exeter, and if so whether you thought it was good. I am interested in visiting soon possibly because I would love to see Goshawks there.
Guy

[aeshna5]

I went there many years ago. It's probably the best place in the south-west for the greatest variety of raptors.

On my visit I recall seeing only Buzzard, Sparrowhawk + Kestrel, but Goshawks were not as common then. It's main reputation was for Honey Buzzards in May. At that time of year there's even an outside chance of something like an Osprey; think there'd been a Black Kite before my visit!

It's certainly worth going the next time there's a settled spell as raptors may be displaying + Ravens with chance of goodies like Crossbills too. Good luck!

[Adam Cheeseman]

I have been there several times over the years, and it seems to be an all or nothing much kind of site. Early May is quite good as there is tuff to see if the raptors aren't playing ball. I believe it's days of fame for Honey Buzzards are pretty much over now as they have apparently moved to a different area and are rarely seen from the watchpoint according to local birders I have spoken to. If you want to see HBs the Swanton Novers watchpoint in Norfolk is probably the best and most famous place nowadays. Once, I saw seven species of raptor there in an hour.

Cheers,

Adam

[vinnychameleon]

I live quite locally to haldon and go there quite often(haven't been for a while though) It is a spectacular place on a good day and i have had days when i have seen nothing . As some of you may know i have goshawks that hunt aroung my house and my suspisions are that they come from Haldon. As i live quite close i do get spectacular raptors over my house and there have been Ospreys, the goshawks mentioned earlier, Red kites and when the honey buzzards were there i think they may have come over my house once or twice but am not sure. . The Goshawks are regular visitors to my area (hunting the woodpidgeons) and i am so lucky to have them here . Anyway it is an awesom e place and you will enjoy it there.

[GuyF]

Thanks for the replies everyone,
I will try and get there next week and see if I can see any Goshawks displaying.
Guy