Went round to a relatives today and there was a couple of buzzards flying around and as they went over the park they locked talons and spiralled downwards before seperating! It was incredible to see!
Is this a courtship display?
They were flying right over the town, there have been a couple hanging around for a while and I'm wondering if they are going to nest somewhere close by.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Wow Kat, that must have been quite a sight. I'll bet you wished you had your camera with you.
I don't know whether it was a courtship display or not but I think it's possible. I've seen red kites round where I live doing a sort of pass the parcel where one bird is upside down beneath the other although not engaging talons. I've always taken this as a form of courtship. Maybe even as practise for passing food from one to the other.
TJ
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Tony
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Over the years of living in buzzard areas we have seen this a few times at breeding times. Later in the year, when the adult couple are up circling with their family, we have seen the adults tumbling together and locking talons to wheel round. We have always presumed that this is pair bonding behaviour.
We currently have a pair which hunt over our village so I'll be watching them while gardening.
I'm sure this is breeding behaviour. All the pigeons in the garden scarpered the other day so we were on the look out for the sparrowhawk. Instead we had a buzzard. It didn't land, just circled overhead a few times before flying off again.
Hi Kat
Wow now that must have been a great sight to see for yourself.
As suggested on this thread, I would go along the lines of courtship. Maybe they are passing nest material to one another as a sign of their blossoming relationship.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Hi Kat,
that must have been an incredible sight to behold!
I too think its something to do with courtship and sure I've read something somewhere about it - I'll try to find it for you.
A great thing to witness! It would be either courtship between a pair, or an intense territorial dispute between two birds of the same sex. The two behaviours are related - often the rituals of courtship involve showing off elements of the skills that are required in the breeding season. Courtship in many raptors includes displays of apparent aggression like this, with the birds demonstrating to their partners their ability to engage in effective aerial combat to drive off intruders.
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A real sight to see. Lets hope it was courtship and not a brawl
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What a great sight! One I love to watch!
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I like to think it may be a sign of trust between the pair. Will he save me before we hit the ground?
Hi KatTai
What an exciting display to see. Lucky you!
I agree with the other guys and gals that it is a courtship thing too.
They don't seem to do it at other times of the year.
Best wishes Chris
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