hi i live in cheadle in stoke on trent in the uk and over the last 2 years we have seen a number of buzzards in the local area. this is quite a treat as before this time i never saw any at all. the other day at about 11 oclock i saw 6 alltogether fly over my house circaling and calling as they flew overhead is this normal for buzzards to fly in groups or could this have been a new family group i have a good idea as to where thay are feeding and will try to go and get some shots soon.
I'm no expert but I too have seen groups of buzzards, 5 to 7, and not knowing whether family groups stay together after fledging / first year I assume they are just sharing a thermal.
thanks for your replies what i want to know now is the best place to find them so i can get some shots. they fly from the north of cheadle to the south every day and the distance is only about 1 mile they go from one area that is the highest point of cheadle to a wooded area on the other side again high up. what is the best way to get some shots eg
Chris,
At this time of year you are better to leave them well alone as most will be in the final stages of egg sitting, or just at the start of feeding young chicks. Disturbance at this stage can mean the difference between a brood surviving or not.
Included here is a photo of a nest one pair has made near to my house. It has been occupied for five years in a row and has always succeeded in getting at least two chicks away. There are three eggs in this one, and they should be hatching within the next ten or so days, we stay well clear of this nest until well after the chicks are hatched.
Nests can vary in their position on trees from a few feet above the ground, to a good 30-40 feet above. They are easy to spot when the leaf is off the tree, but can be very well concealed at this time of year.
Best time of year to look for the nests is in winter, when they are empty. You should find some willing youngsters to photograph towards autumn time fairly close to the nest site, they can be easilly approached and seem to have little fear of humans who make no sudden movements and who bring food
Discussion
4 repliesI'm no expert but I too have seen groups of buzzards, 5 to 7, and not knowing whether family groups stay together after fledging / first year I assume they are just sharing a thermal.
where will i find them most
and what time of day is best
thanks chris
At this time of year you are better to leave them well alone as most will be in the final stages of egg sitting, or just at the start of feeding young chicks. Disturbance at this stage can mean the difference between a brood surviving or not.
Included here is a photo of a nest one pair has made near to my house. It has been occupied for five years in a row and has always succeeded in getting at least two chicks away. There are three eggs in this one, and they should be hatching within the next ten or so days, we stay well clear of this nest until well after the chicks are hatched.
Nests can vary in their position on trees from a few feet above the ground, to a good 30-40 feet above. They are easy to spot when the leaf is off the tree, but can be very well concealed at this time of year.
Best time of year to look for the nests is in winter, when they are empty. You should find some willing youngsters to photograph towards autumn time fairly close to the nest site, they can be easilly approached and seem to have little fear of humans who make no sudden movements and who bring food
Cheers,
John