Since the end of summer we have had a least one Common Buzzard in the area where I live. I remember when I began birdwatching back in the 1980s that I would have had to go to the West of England, Wales or Scotland to see Common Buzzard, but in recent years they have become a more regular sight here on the edge of London, either on migration or over-wintering. But this is the first year I have had repeated sightings flying through, or over the garden. I imagine that it is probably wintering in the wood by the Tarn with the option of hunting over the golf course or the land around Eltham Palace and it is when it is travelling to the later that it passes through the garden.
Normally I am alerted to its presence by its accompanying retinue made up of the local Carrion Crows, Jackdaws and Ring-necked Parrakeets, who all object loudly to it being here. The Buzzard does not seem to be bothered by any of this and just continues on its way with the occasional slight change of direction to avoid the most persistent Crows.
I haven’t managed yet to get a photo of it but hoping to do so before it leaves us for breeding territory. Who knows before long we may have them breeding in this area.
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