Secrets of Common Buzzard Breeding Season | Full Story | Discover Wildlife | Robert E Fuller

Follow the story as I hide cameras in a common buzzard nest and watch the chicks grow into ferocious hunters.



Date filmed: June- Nov 2022

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Common buzzard (Buteo buteo)
These birds are the most common and widespread bird of prey here in the UK. They are also found across Europe, Asia and Africa, but in North America, their closest relative is the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

Buzzard id
Common buzzards are one of Britain's biggest birds of prey, easily identifiable by their broad wings and their iconic call, which sounds as though they are mewing.

Finding a buzzard nest
It's long been a dream of mine to follow the secret lives of common buzzards and so when I spot a pair soaring over nearby woodland, I seize the opportunity to find their nest.

Buzzard nest
Buzzards normally nest in loose open structures made from twigs and set at dizzying heights. But this one is not too high and I'm able to reach it with a ladder.

Hidden cameras
After positioning my cameras, I retreat to watch the story. I notice the nest is particularly small which suggests it was made relatively recently. It's possible their original nest was blown away.

Buzzard chicks
There are three chicks inside, aged about three weeks. The chicks are exposed to wind and rain, but this early exposure to the elements seems to have made them resilient.

Buzzard parents
The adult birds are diligent parents. They stay close to the nest, bringing in a varied diet of small mammals, birds, and even lizards. The female is responsible for feeding the chicks and tears up larger meals for the chicks.

Chicks grow up fast
But by four weeks the chicks can handle small prey items on their own. Life in this open nest is tough though, and when one chick drops its meal there's no getting it back!

Getting ready for first flights
As they grow the nest quickly becomes crowded and the eldest chick takes to practising its wing flaps on a nearby branch whilst its siblings look on.

Age difference
Buzzard chicks hatch at three-day intervals, so there’s nearly a week between the eldest the youngest.

First flights
At 50 days old, the oldest chick has left the nest. Its amazing to watch as its siblings also take flight!

Juveniles competitive
As they grow the chicks, once so close, become increasingly competitive, fighting over food and chasing one another away.

Buzzard parents
Common buzzards typically mate for life, staying together all year round even after the chicks have fledged. They also demonstrate remarkable patience with their chicks.

Buzzard feather development
As they mature, the plumage on each buzzard chick starts to change with darker colours giving way to lighter hues.

Time to leave home
As the young buzzards grow, their parents begin to withdraw until finally, in November the female is ignoring their begging calls, and even pushing them off the feeding post. It's time they found territories of their own.

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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CHAPTERS
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00:00 Introduction
00:36 What is a buzzard?
02:10 Searching for nest
04:16 Female buzzard hunts
09:15 First chick branches
10:54 Rob finds fledgling
14:36 Second chick fledges
16:50 Fledgling returns
18:36 Fledglings exploring together
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© Robert E Fuller

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