Buzzard Attacks on Runners in Cheshire (and UK)

Hello All, I was recently dive bombed from behind by a Buzzard on Back Lane in Higher Whitley Cheshire. Must have only been 2 inches from contact. It then followed me repeatedly perching in different trees and flew in to attack around 8 times more over the next 4-500 m of road. I had to use a stick to defend myself and turn and face it making noise and waving the stick... but it still kept coming!  One of my fellow runners was cut by its tallons about 3 weeks later in a similar incident in the same place. More recently 23/06/2020 a different runner was hit and bruised in the head by it (or another aggressive buzzard) but this time no cuts. This was approx 1000 m from Back lane on Foggs Lane so quite away from the original attack.

So whilst wishing to protect myself and avoid future avian conflict I have a few questions.

1. Whats the best way to defend yourself if attacked?

2. What is the range of a buzzard so I know when to be alert.. is it likely to be the same one at ~ 1km way. Note there are lots of buzards locally most are 'normal' not pyschcos!

3. Should the local Parish Council or Local council put up warning signs? It hasn't attacked walkers yet but is known by the local I spoke too after I was dived at for attacking runners in the past over the last few years.     

4. Is it normal for a buzzard to follow you for half a mile?

5. Is it likely its chicks will perpetuate the behaviour? (spauclation welcome I guess.

Thanks for the info

Mark 

  • Hi,
    I was attacked on 1st May last year in exactly the same manner as yourself on Foggs Lane in Antrobus, barely a mile away from Back Lane. I too was out running.

    I was amazed to suffer the same attack in the same place last night again whilst out running, so presumably the same territorial aggressive bird is back.
    Last night the bird actually drew blood from my scalp so it's not playing games! I wonder what, if anything could be done to warn people....official RSPB signs perhaps?

    Cheers,
    John
  • You would presume a bird that is normally quite timid when around humans would be protecting either a nest or young the easiest way to stop this is to change your route for a short while. It may be worth the council or someone putting a warning notice up but that may draw the attention of eggers to the nest.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • I agree Pete, I won't be venturing down there for a while but I've learnt by experience, others will not be aware so the suggestion of some kind of warning sign would make sense.

    John
  • John, just an after thought it may be worth contacting your local police wildlife crime officer who may be able to advise you on this matter.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • Get an arrest warrant for the Buzzard maybe Smile
    I'll give it a go.

    Cheers,
    John
  • Hi- make cotact with local council / police and hopefully the land owner will put up signs - this came up on the forum before ................ 10 YEARS AGO - OUCH!

    S


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