Buzzard Photography

[Neil]

Buzzard Photographs

I have access to some woods that buzzards frequent; I also have access to a hide in the wood.
Firstly is it legal or maybe more important is it OK to bait with rabbit or pidgin to bring the buzzard to the hide to get photographs of them. I can purchase skinned frozen rabbit locally. Other suggestions to possible bait would be appreciated. I have no idea of what is acceptable and do not want to do any thing to disturb the wild life.
This is more for people in the north Cheshire (Stockport) area where could I purchase such bait.

Neil

[Helen]

The buzzards usually come down either on the edge of woods or elsewhere.

When you say that buzzards frequent the woods, it's possible there is a nesting site around. If I was you, I'd check into that first.

At this time of the year I would go so far as to say it's probably not a wise move, as they will be getting prepared for the breeding season etc in the coming months, and may well be checking out nesting sites or re-visiting a previously used one in that very wood.

Autumn and winter is probably the best time to do what you are planning to do, no leaves on the trees, and no chance of unintentionally disturbing a nest.

Last but not least, you will have to have the patience of a saint!

[Alan]

Hiya Neil

I believe it's legal to bait for buzzards as long as your away from the nest, in which case you would need a license.

As far as baiting goes maybe try to collect a few road-kill rabbits - they look more natural in you images if they have fur on, and are also cheaper! In my experience, and the experience of a couple of friends who are professional wildlife photographers, dawn is the best time as you can get into the hides before light so the birds don't see you. Also give them time to discover the bait before you start photograpy. So start to put the bait out a few days before you start and try to time it with the possibility of good weather/light.

And finally, be prepared for a long wait!

Hope this helps, and good luck,

Alan

[Neil]

Hi Helen and Alan

Thanks for the feed back. The hide is right on the edge of the wood and I am told it is not near the buzzard nesting area. I have used the hide in the past to photograph other birds. My plan would be to photograph other birds and hope for a visit from a buzzard. The last time I used the hide I could hear the buzzard calling to a mate (I think). As I left he or she was in a near by Oak tree but to far to get a photograph of. He or she has been photographed from the hide before. I have a copy of the photograph but as it wasn’t taken by me I would not like to post it. I will talk more to the owner of the land, it is his photo I have. It is the owner of the land that has taught me the call of the buzzard he has also taught me some field craft to use. Like the buzzard will sit in a near by tree for hours before he feels it safe to come down. That is the time to just sit and wait. I respect the knowledge the owner has of the country side, he has taken a liking to this ignorant townie for some reason and puts up with my ignorance and repeated questions. All the photos I have posted have been taken from his hides that over years he has planted out to attract the birds. I feel very privileged to know him also a friend of his that walks his dogs on the farm he is in his late eighties with a vast knowledge of the country side. I visit the farm two or three times a week and allowed to roam at will. It is this that has revived an interest in photography.

Neil

[Helen]

The call of a common buzzard can be confused with the call of a red kite if not familiar with them, there is however, a big difference between the two.

They will sit for ages in a tree. I had one actually come down in the garden once (on the bank, which is the edge of the wood), and take, what I presume was a bank vole. Apart from that, they have perched in my trees, although this has now been taken over by the kites, who will not tolerate the buzzards near them.

As I said, be prepared for a very long wait indeed

[SteveA]

I think Helen and Alan have covered most points already.

Priority number one should be minimal disturbance; don't neglect your potential to disturb nesting birds or other wildlife, especially if the habitat you are in is uncommon in your area.

Roadkill is better, it will contain the roughage which is essential in their diet (the act of removing roadkill from the road may save a life too). Don't forget to stake out the bait so it isn't removed by the first bird or mammal that discovers it!

Study your subject; the more you understand about their habits, the better you'll be at anticipating when and where to photograph. Try using your car as a hide.

[Neil]

Hi Steve
Thanks for the input, I do see road kill from time to time. I will now look at road kill in a totally new light; I often see carrion crow feeding off the kill and could see how they could be added to the kill.

Neil

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Neil

Hi Steve
Thanks for the input, I do see road kill from time to time. I will now look at road kill in a totally new light; I often see carrion crow feeding off the kill and could see how they could be added to the kill.

Neil, keep a plastic bag in your car, and remove the roadkill to a safe place for the raptors and crows and mammals to feed on. Think of it as dinner for other species. Unless of course, it is very squashed, then leave alone.

[Alan]

It's often a good idea to freeze a stock of roadkills for future use. Just remember to pack and label them clearly to save a nasty shock for your partner when the're looking for the Sunday roast - especially if you havn't told them about the roadkills!! I'm guilty of this!

Alan

[Helen]

Originally Posted by stoatytoat

It's often a good idea to freeze a stock of roadkills for future use. Just remember to pack and label them clearly to save a nasty shock for your partner when the're looking for the Sunday roast - especially if you havn't told them about the roadkills!! I'm guilty of this!

Alan

Ah yes, this rings a bell!! I managed to get a small freezer from someone, and now have that in the garage. God knows what a burglar would think if they ever opened it, I'd be called Lizzy Borden Mark II !!