The Common Buzzard is one of the most visible of Britains raptors. This is mainly due to a strong national population and it's large size. On any cross country journey on a clear day you are likely to see them sitting idly on a fence post waiting for a meal to pass by, or soaring lazily in groups of two or more in the afternoon thermals.Common Buzzards are large birds-of prey that live in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts. They mostly feed on birds or small mammals, or the remains of dead animals (carrion). They usually place their eggs in a depression in the ground. The average clutch consists of 2 to 3 eggs. The hatchlings are usually covered with white down (varies by species). Buzzards are graceful flyers - soaring at great heights and moving their wings only to adjust to changing air currents.
Common Buzzards feed mainly on Rabbits but will take just about any small mammal, reptile and often carrion. The birds can occasionally be seen standing proudly on a piece of road kill defending it whilst they eat. Many smaller birds such as crows and Jacdaws see them as a threat and will harry them into moving from a particular tree or area by mobbing them repeatedly until they fly away.
Common Buzzards are to be found throughout much of the UK but are still best found in hilly terrain in the West of the UK, especially in areas with barren open ground. Some good places include Dartmoor and the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
No comments:
Post a Comment