Buzzards and Thermals

The landscape is now full of Blackthorn blossom with hedgerows sparkling white and underneath the trees Wood Anemone and Wild Garlic are more prolific than last year, the rains have certainly appeared just in time. The rapidly changing skies bringing dark clouds and heavy rain one minute and warm sunshine the next are very welcome.

An abundance of Blackthorn blossom on the river bank, not just a beautiful sight but indicating a bountiful supply of sloes in the autumn and winter to attract the winter migrants.

Buzzards take advantage of thermals created as the ground warms up during the day in order to glide and soar without much effort. They then have a good view of creatures moving below them but are by no means reliant on thermals, they often prefer just to sit still on a branch or post surveying the immediate area and are just as likely to be seen on the ground foraging for earthworms when the grass is damp with dew or after rain. 

As soon as they sense atmospheric changes indicative of a thermal bubble forming, they'll be off to do some aerial hunting or displaying if it's spring and there's a mate around.  This involves banked turns, side slipping, climbing into the wind and making spectacular dives, just for the show. 

Buzzard country: a view from the river with a fine Blackthorn hedgerow

in the middle distance full of blossom. The hedgerow forms shelter for birds all year round and its understorey of fallen leaves, twigs and dry grasses forms a perfect habitat for numerous small mammals such as field voles - food for buzzards and other birds of prey. The oak tree branches form perfect lookouts from which to survey the fields and hill, a varied landscape. The hill provides good hill soaring for the buzzards depending on the wind direction