Buzzard
Buzzards present something of an enigma, always attracting attention when seen well, but capable of melting away into the landscape at times. Eradicated from lowland Britain in the 19th Century by over-zealous game management, it wasn't until the 1980s that a rapid recolonisation got underway, and now Buzzards can even be seen soaring over urban areas in eastern England.
How to identify Buzzards
Soaring Buzzards have been responsible for countless sightings of the 'Tourist's Eagle' in Scotland, and their broad-winged silhouette can catch out experienced birders at first sight. Buzzards are mich smaller than Golden Eagles, with proportionally shorter heads and tails, but they are capable of changing shape in different flight modes. Like Golden Eagles, they soar on wings that are raised in a shallow 'V', while in lower-level flight they can resemble harriers. To confuse matters further, Buzzards' plumage varies more than in any other raptor species. Some show extensive white underparts, while others, especially in continental Europe, can be almost blackish.
Buzzards are now very much the standard medium-sized raptor, often seen perched in a rather hunched pose on fences, hedges or lamp posts. Their mewing call, once associated so closely with wild and remote outposts of Britain, can now be heard almost anywhere.
This photo was taken while walking along an alleyway in a residential area of Rickmansworth, where a pair of Buzzards were circling with two of the local Red Kites.