On the 27th August at about 2pm my family and I were at home when my wife heard a strange noise outside. She went to have a look and spotted a rather large bird sat on the roof of a house just down the road. I had a look as well and took a photo of the bird (see below).
After consulting our birding book, we found that the bird was a Juvenile Buzzard as it still had white patches on its front and a white head. It looked like it had a slightly damaged wing and the noise it was making was obviously to try and get the attention of its parents. It was sat on the roof calling for a long time – so long that we ended up going inside. We did check again several minutes later and it had gone so hopefully it flew off with its parents without any issues. Here is a picture of an adult Buzzard.
Over the preceding months, we had seen and heard lots of Buzzards in the area, so they are very common around where we live in Woolwell, Plymouth. We are surrounded by open farm land and fields, and small patches of woodland, which makes the area ideal for these birds. So I guess it was only a matter of time before we saw a Juvenile nearby. It was great to see as we had never seen a Juvenile this close before. Suffice it to say, we are keeping our eyes open even more now! 😉
Birds and Numbers Identified:
Buzzard – 1
Where:
On a roof top in Woolwell, Plymouth
I too have been lucky to watch Buzzards locally, to the point where one comes when i call. They are definately breeding in the area I see the same one (wing feather missing) all the time and up to five riding the thermals. Have seen two in what i can only think of as a mating ritual, circling and diving down together. I live in Barne Barton where a lot of building is going on so I am not sure if this will disrupt the buzzards. For the record we also have hedgehogs, bats, a kestrel, jays, slow worms and many other small creatures….for the moment at least.