Buzzards over Kibworth.
It was amazing to see this Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) performing his territorial display over farmland just outside Kibworth in February.
Buzzards have a much more complex so cial behaviour than was once thought. They protect their territories all year round but from February onwards, displaying birds are seen more frequently. Fine days with a mixture of sunshine, cloud cover and moderate winds seem to be best for observing them.
Display stoops like this can be a mixture of aggression against intruders (with talons lowered) or more passive stoops, simply reassert ing their claim to a breeding territory.
The speed of the stoop and the continuous calling from the bird were very dramatic. It was certainly a privilege to witness it. Ian Harrison
Kokoro Karate Dojo.
