Buzzards

[billybirder]

Originally Posted by RoyW

With regard to billybirders original observation in this thread, is there any possibility that a falconers bird may have been involved?

Thanks Roy it's possible I guess.. though its a place where buzzard is regular. Do they use a lure of sorts? I might see what I can find out!

[JAJ]

Buzzards , Goshawks, and Harriers are making a come back in our area also

As a youth Buzzards were completely absent from the ornithological record in south Leicestershire. Whereas today they are a frequent sight in several locations, often in numbers.

Some zoologists suggest that a reduction in the use of harmful chemical pesticides including DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) have promoted numbers. It could also be argued that certain landowners now help to promote the ecology of the Buzzard, by providing sheltered (and often guarded) nesting sites.

Likewise Gamekeepers are generally more educated and appreciative of birds of prey these days, since many of the myths about hawks and raptors have flown away. In fact, several local gamekeepers now leave the odd rabbit they have dispatched out, so that Buzzards in the area do not need to forage for carrion by the roadside further a field.

[hels]

There is also a higher number of buzzards due to the increase in prey availability...buzzard numbers suffered with the decline of rabbit populations due to mixamitosis (I have no idea how to spell that!) As rabbit populations have increased, the number of buzzards that an area can support has also increased.

And isn't it wonderful to be able to see them circling almost anywhere you can go in this country?! (although one day I suspect I will crash when watching them when I am driving!!!)

[KentYeti]

The reports I read on buzzards in Kent seem to be very matter of fact these days. Certainly I see them quite often now.

But I am sure even only a few years ago they were rare in Kent?


Bryan

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by hels

There is also a higher number of buzzards due to the increase in prey availability.

We have noticed more plucking posts (pigeon feathers neatly piled together) in our local area. Perhaps another reason why farmers are happy to have Buzzards on their land

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by JAJ

We have noticed more plucking posts (pigeon feathers neatly piled together) in our local area. Perhaps another reason why farmers are happy to have Buzzards on their land

Could well be Sparrowhawks + other raptors too.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by billybirder

Re the circling buzzard, Dogghound, yes I am used to seeing raptors circling in thermals (!) but it was the presence of the man made object.. remote controlled bird?, kite? , and the question of whether their simultaneious presence over a field was a coincidence - unlikely as two people appeared to be watching from a lay by with binoculars. I've posted locally with no real answer either, so iguess it's a mystery. I just wondered whether is was a birder behaviour I didn't know about!

Falcons are sometimes 'kite trained'. Basically, a kite is flown very high, a piece of meat is attached to a clip-on line and the falcon has to circle up to reach the food. This serves two purposes: it gets the falcon extremely fit, and it instills in the raptor the idea that it must go high into the sky to receive food. The old method of lure training falcons (regularly seen at falconry displays, the guy swings a lure - usually with a pair of wings attached - above his head) could get birds reasonably fit, but actually encouraged the bird to 'lower it's pitch', dropping down low to attempt to catch the lure rather than staying up high. When a falcon is flown at live quarry it is advantageous for the bird to be as high as possible - for the falconer it's more pleasing to watch a 'classic' stoop, rather than a tail-chase. And for the falcon, the higher the pitch, the easier (generally) it will catch it's chosen quarry.

Cheers
Jonathan

[anniekat]

i've lived in this same house in the fens, and it's only in the last 3 years that we've seen buzzards on a regular basis. we had a pair that built a nest in poplar trees near the house, but they were disturbed by noisy farm practices. such a shame. we live in hope!