Various Bits

There are really only two reasons for an altercation between a peregrine and a pair of buzzards - that the buzzards have got too close to a peregrine nest site or, perhaps more likely in this case, the peregrine has a kill on the ground and the buzzards are trying their luck to intimidate the peregrine to surrender its kill, This is not uncommon buzzard behaviour, but you are very lucky to see it. Could you see whether the peregrine was an adult (grey) or immature (brown) bird?

There should be a lot more posts like this. I get tired of reading impressive lists of impressive species seen away in the distance by people cleverer than me with their more expensive telescopes. Everyday observations of relatively everyday birds is more interesting. Bird-watching shouldn't be simply a matter of lists and one-upmanship. It's more important than that.

There was a treecreeper in my neighbour's apple tree this morning. In 40 years at this Healing address, I can recall only 1 or 2 previous sightings.

There was a pair of song thrushes in a field in Irby-upon-Humber this afternoon, with probably a third bird in an adjacent field.

Also near Irby, my wife and I watched a 'battle' between a peregrine and pair of buzzards. For at least 10 minutes, the peregrine persistently flew at the perching buzzards and tried to dislodge them. After a rest on a hedge, the battle resumed.

If anyone can throw any light on this behaviour, I would be very interested.

Regards
Martin Francis