All last year we had four buzzards working the fields along Ormsaigbeg. They were part of the scenery. Since the end of the recent run of storms only this one remains - and pretty miserable he's looking. Instead of patrolling the skies above us, he spends time on the ground, hopping round the fields, possibly looking for worms.Throughout the succession of gales which have harried us since early December, the buzzards haven't had a chance to hunt properly. Their main food here is mice, of which there's usually an abundance, but the buzzards attack them from the air - and any buzzard that took to the air was promptly blown away.
Buzzards have a pretty hard time even when the weather's normal. This picture, taken in early December, shows one of the four being chased by a hooded crow. They're also bothered by gulls, which sometimes set on them in packs.Our only hope is that the missing three have been blown inland and will, over the next few days, find their way home.
Hi John
ReplyDeleteYour buzzard is actually being chased by the largest of our corvids - the raven. Crows and rooks have a rounder tail unlike the distinctive wedge on the raven shot above. I love to see you wildlife shots. Keep them coming.
Many thanks for the correction. We're seem to be seeing more ravens around here, though they are not welcomed by the local crofters.
ReplyDeleteThe crofters don't seem to like much but sheep, coos and chooks it seems! Farming in the wild obviously = lots of wildlife. Surely they are enlightened enough nowadays not to reach for the gun because of totally selfish human interests?
ReplyDeleteYou forgot crofters also like subsidies as well...they get enough anyway
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, ravens and others in the crow family have a nasty habit of pecking out the eyes of newborn lambs. Mostly, crofters rub along very well with their local wildlife, fully appreciating its value both ecologically and to the tourism industry, but their are times when they have to defend their animals - the animals, after all, being their income.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if a city-dweller would be as understanding if an urban fox took to eating the local family domestic cats.
I am really old enough to remember the bad old days when the raven in Argyll could legally be shot out of hand by all and sundry for just existing! The birds most likely to take the eyes and the tongues from young lambs are corbies and hoodies. You are unfortunately mixing up your corvids again.
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