Red Kites and Buzzards in Berkshire 2006

This survey has now ended. Why not take a look at the results?

The ROC and NDOC invite all members, other birdwatchers and the public to help track Red Kites and Buzzards in Berkshire in 2006. Both birds are spreading rapidly and we would like to know how many breeding pairs we now have in the county and how far east they’ve got. Our request is simple; when you see either of these birds anywhere in the county just send a brief record of the details as described below and we will compile a report based on the sightings. If you send a record we will send you a report at the end of the survey period.

Identifying Red Kites and Buzzards

Superficially both these large birds of prey look similar but if you look carefully they are quite easy to tell apart. The best way is by their flight shape. You are most likely to see these birds in the air, often at some height soaring in circular flight. Even at a distance it is easy to discern the diagnostic feature of the Red Kite which is its forked tail (which it frequently twists in flight); Buzzards do not have this feature; their tails are shorter and much broader. Buzzards also have much broader wings while Kites have longer, narrower ones. In soaring flight Buzzard’s wings are nearly always held in a shallow V compared to the Kite’s which are held flat or slightly drooped. Closer views of Red Kites in a good light should reveal the reddish plumage of much of the body (particularly noticeable if seen from above) and the large white patches near the tips of the underwing. Buzzards have essentially brown plumage but this is quite variable in shade ranging from creamy to almost black but is never red. Most Buzzards you will see however are a medium brown and have contrasting white and brown patches on the underwing, often with a distinctive dark “eye spot” midway along the leading edge.

Your sightings

Our request is very simple. If you see either of these birds anywhere in Berkshire between 1st January and 31st July just tell us :-

• What bird(s) you saw
• Where you saw them (a map reference would be really helpful)
• The date
• The number of Kites and/or Buzzards seen
• Any comments on what they were doing (e.g carrying food, at nest, feeding young etc)
• Your name and address (or email address) if you would like a copy of the report at the end of the survey