RAPTORS
Different raptors are active at different times of the day due to their hunting methods. Sparrowhawks will hunt early and late hoping to surprise a tired victim by 'coming out of the sun'. Starling flocks seem to be a favourite target.
Buzzards and large raptors are often best seen when the air warms up and thermals form. Then they will fly up and cruise around using little energy. This is particularly true in the breeding season when they are displaying.
Hobbies hunt at different heights in the day depending on temperature and where the dragonflies are flying.
Peregrines sit on fence posts conserving energy, Merlins sit on the ground frequently which with their small size makes them even harder to see.
If you see all the waders on a marsh get up and circle in panic look for a Peregrine, Sparrowhawk or harrier somewhere- maybe even IN the flock itself.
If EVERYTHING goes up and panics look for an Osprey :)
:)
S
For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
Great information Seymouraves, Im not a great raptor watcher because I don't know where to look or how to identify them so that info will point me in the right direction.
I'm always look forward to seeing the wonderful green of the leaf buds coming into life you don't see any other time of year and the first swallow around the 15th April. Spring, Spring Spring.
Hi Seymour
Interesting information about Raptors - the things that we find out about other birds.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi seymouraves
I was watching through my window this afternoon and saw a raptor. I wasn't quick enough to get a photo, but it was definitely a falcon with angled pointed wings and a forked tail. It looked like it was a steel grey. It had a look round and hesitated a little but didn't really hover like a kestrel.
I'm not good at recognising raptors because we don't get many around here.
I can definitely eliminate sparrowhawk, buzzard and red kite.
Does it sound like a kestrel? It looked bigger.
Best wishes Chris
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Hi,
depending on location I would say a large female kestrel or maybe a Peregrine.
seymouraves said:depending on location I would say a large female kestrel or maybe a Peregrine.
Hi Seymouraves
I think I ought to go with female kestrel in Berkshire. I don't think we have peregrines
Thanks Chris
Woodpecker said: depending on location I would say a large female kestrel or maybe a Peregrine. Hi Seymouraves I think I ought to go with female kestrel in Berkshire. I don't think we have peregrines Thanks Chris [/quote] Hi, peregrines have moved into many city centres in the last few years. They use tall buildings and pylons as look-outs. They have moved in to Reading city centre and apparently prey on pigeons. :) S For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides, binoculars, scopes, tripods, etc - put 'Birding Tips' into the search box
peregrines have moved into many city centres in the last few years. They use tall buildings and pylons as look-outs. They have moved in to Reading city centre and apparently prey on pigeons.
seymouraves said:peregrines have moved into many city centres in the last few years. They use tall buildings and pylons as look-outs. They have moved in to Reading city centre and apparently prey on pigeons.
Thanks for that. I will now have a much closer look at any raptors that I see above me.
Hi Seymour/Chris
We have a few Kestrels located close to where we stay. They are creatures of habit and always stick within a certain area they consider their own.
We have seen a Kestrel close to Castlemill Sluice, and another at the end of one of the main trunk routes onto the A421. Kestrels seem to like the verges at the side of motorways fro their prey. We always look out for any of the mentioned Kestrels sitting on a fence post.
The Motorway verges are not disturbed so there are lots of potential food sources to be had by BoP's.
We have also seen a Barn Owl on the same patch as the Kestrel, and it likes to perch on fence posts. Great to see as dusk approaches.