Raptors what amazing turn around.
It is amazing how times change. When I was in my twenties the only raptors I got to see were Kestrels. Buzzards and Kites were not in this area. Sparrowhawks were very rare and the Peregrine Falcon was a thing of legends.
I remember travelling to Wales to see Red Kites in the Elan Valley and was so excited when I got to see one over a remote Welsh valley.
Now I see Buzzards and Kites every day
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| Common Buzzard |
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| Red Kite |
A special sighting came about last week. Luckily I had the correct setting on my camera for capturing Red Kites in flight. What a surprising and exciting encounter a superb Peregrine Falcon.
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| Peregrine Falcon |
I also enjoy my familiar friends the Kestrels that are always at the top of my patch on Langley Hill in the Cotswolds. They are especially active on windy days when they like to hover effortlessly into the wind, keeping their head perfectly still as they scan for prey in the grassland.
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| Male Kestrel |
Sparrowhawks chase through low and fast and are difficult to capture with my camera. They are a very brave predator and often take prey near to their own size. The female often tackles wood pigeons. The best chance for me is when they settle on their quarry, which they are reluctant to leave.
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| Female Sparrowhawk |
I feel very lucky to capture these magical and special birds without leaving my own local patch.
Maybe next on my to see list a Goshawk!
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