Species Hunt - Common Buzzard

Common buzzard

Many birds are called common, but I think each one is unique. The buzzard is more than a common for me. The other day we were almost reaching home, when hubby said - "Look what is coming" and pointed at the sky. The majestic bird of prey quickly become bigger enough to capture with the camera and the sun was almost behind and the sky was clear and the buzzard was pretty low. All and all, the best combination for successful images. Well, still learning to improve, but glad to share what I have made. All photos are cropped and I did some edits.

The scientific name is Buteo buteo. Buteo in Latin means hawk, but is the buzzard a hawk? The hawks are smaller in size and unlike the buzzards they don't eat carrion. Both, buzzards and hawks hunt for rodents, birds, reptiles. In some sites buzzards are referred to large hawks. I am not going any deeper into that, but if the Latin name is hawk, then be it.

Not surprisingly among the many different raptors that I see in my area and I mean where I live in the town, the buzzard was maybe the first I have the pleasure to observe on regular basis. The number of these birds seems increasing. Or, perhaps I have that feeling, because I also see them perching on top branches of trees alongside the roads, overlooking the fields for prey. What surprised me though, was the flocks of buzzards I saw moving to the south. They might be not exactly the common buzzards. Still, it was impressive view to watch them high in the sky, gathering and moving in big groups.

As I have photos only when the buzzards are flying above, I easy recognize them by the pattern of their feathers. The colour is brown, beige and white. The tip of the wing feathers - brown. Winspan up to 1.4 m makes them easy to spot.

Sometimes they are casually flying, other times they are among pigeons and jackdaws, causing chaos. When they fly too high, only the shape can suggest these are buzzards. I prefer but to see the colour and unmistakable pattern, to be sure I have correctly identified the raptor.

The last three photos are my favourate, although they lack of sharpness. The soaring bird of prey is always a sight I would love to watch. And if I manage to have a photo or two, that would make me happier.