Buzzards normally nest at dizzying heights. So when I discovered a common buzzard nest close to my home - and unusually within reach of a ladder - I set out to film the chicks.
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UK common buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Here at Fotherdale, buzzards are a common sight, often spotted soaring overhead. These birds of prey are recognised by their broad, rounded wings and fanned tail, these magnificent birds are members of the Buteo family and are found on almost every continent. In the UK, they’re known as common buzzards, but in the US, their closest relative is the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).
Tracking down the nest
I’ve been following a pair of buzzards near my home throughout the seasons, you may have seen them on my livestreams. But I’ve never managed to get a camera on their nest. Then in spring, I spotted a pair taking interest in a nearby wood, a sign they could have a nest here.
Buzzard nest
Buzzards usually choose much larger trees and their nests can be massive structures, with new twigs and branches added each year. This nest was so small and so I wondered if it had been built recently, and in a hurry. It's possible their original nest was blown away during this spring's strong winds.
Three week old buzzard chicks
Inside the nest I found three chicks, still covered in fluffy down. I quickly set up remote cameras so that I didn't disturb this young buzzard family.
Life inside the buzzard nest
My cameras went on to capture life inside the nest throughout the breeding season. Buzzard nests are exposed and it was interesting to see how comfortably the chicks coped during high winds. The female buzzard too seemed to enjoy navigating the uplifts.
Mealtimes
Buzzards feed on a wide range of prey, from worms to rabbits, so when the female brought in a rat and carefully tore it into pieces for the chicks, it was a real treat for her young family. And they needed it. Hatchlings grow to 10 times their hatching weight when they are adults.
Male buzzard
Whilst the female took on most of the parenting duties, the male was never far away. Males can be up to 15% smaller than the females but play a major role in providing food.
Chicks grow fast
My cameras continued to follow the chicks as they grew, capturing the moment their wing feathers broke through their down. In less than a month’s time these chicks will be ready to take to the skies.
Next time
In my next video, the buzzard chicks fluffy down gives way to darker flight feathers. And they get their first taste of a life beyond the nest! Subscribe to my channel to be notified when it comes out.
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
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© Robert E Fuller
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