Buzzards

[nbt]

We've noticed the buzzards along the whole of the goyt valley, there seems to be a breed based somwehere around the quarry part of Offerton Sand and Gravel

Yesterday we were lucky enough to see a kestrel really low in Bramhall as we came home, thinking back it is some time since I've seen a kestrel locally. We do get a sparrowhawk in the garden quite frequently, which is a wonderful sight

[admin]

Mrs Whit and I have noticed them too when we've been walking in the valley and also when we've had a meal in front of the fantastic picture windows at the Sportsman. But following your post Dave I had an email from a member of Marple Naturalists, who watches but doesn't post, that says:

In your forum Dave comments on seeing four buzzards on Monday. The buzzard population is increasing rapidly at the expense of the kestrel , at one time seen frequently from nests in the Goyt Mill and generally over motorways but now nearly an endangered species.

Every silver lining has a cloud it seems

 

[Dave]

For those of us who like birds, the gradual return of buzzards to this area has been a welcome development in recent years.     Normally they are seen in ones and twos, but on Monday there were four wheeling round above the Goyt Valley between Strines and Mellor.  Is this a record?