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Correspondents' Correspondence - Bath & Bradford-upon-Avon district

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Ian_From_Bruton (U10889793) on Tuesday, 13th May 2008

  Exciting bird news from Coombe Farm.
  
  As I stepped out last Sunday morning I saw nine (yes nine) buzzards circling in graceful lazy arcs in a column over the long field (the one with the brook running through the middle).
  
  Normally any buzzards around here quickly get hassled by the thuggish local crows. But this time - presumably having weighed up the odds - the crows were ambling around on the ground pretending that they hadn't actually seen the buzzards. But you could tell by their faces that they had.
  
  Some of the buzzards were slightly smaller than others, so I'm guessing that it might have been this year's brood being taught to fly. That said, any suggestion that I know what I'm talking about is completely unfounded.
  
  I can also report that buzzards are camera-shy, because as soon as I went inside to get my camera they all scarpered.
  
  Are there any buzzards correspondents who could comment on whether it's unusual to see so many at the same time? Thanks.
  
  Ian, [Personal details removed by Moderator]
  

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by PeteIsLegend (U10945656) on Tuesday, 13th May 2008

  I'd say nine is pretty impressive. I could only claim to have seen 5 or 6 circling together.
  
  There's definitely an increase in buzzard numbers in Hampshire over the last few years - and very welcome they are too for marking where the thermals are when I'm flying my glider!
  
  Vultures are a different matter. I've been in a thermal with upwards of 50 or so in the Pyrenees.
  
  One day I'll have to regale you with my "crane herding" exploits...

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by Ian_From_Bruton (U10889793) on Thursday, 15th May 2008

  Hasn't the buzzard become Britain's most common bird of prey, having leapfrogged the kestrel to claim the coveted No.1 position?
  
  By the way, does anyone know any good crane herding stories?

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