Buzzards (Buteo buteo) are highly successful birds of prey with strong numbers in several parts of the country. They seem to be increasing in the South East on England in recent years. Unlike other raptors (the kestrel and sparrowhawk, for example) they are often seen in pairs or small groups and it is increasingly common to see them circling above fields and woodland.

Most of these shots were taken in Sussex, though a few were snapped at Solva in Wales (September 2009) where the buzzards fly in low over the bay (a fantastic place to watch them). Locally I have a couple of areas where they are very active and sightings are all but guaranteed (2010). Despite their size, buzzards are frequently mobbed by corvids (crows and rooks seem to have a particular dislike of them).

All photos were taken with the Canon 40D with either the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS or EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens