Cannock Chase Buzzard

Wow! It's not every day you get to see the back side of a buzzard so well. Really like the shot and respect for waiting long enough. Very interesting indeed.(y)
 
That could be an escapee captive bird. The tail certainly doesn't look like that of a wild bird. Mmmmmmmm
 
Getting close to Buzzards is one of the most difficult things to do even with a hide. You must have been pretty close to this Paul? Can you give more info on how you got it? I am pretty positive this is a captive bird :)
 
Nicely caught nice image. (y)


With the outside chance that it is an escapee,
They soon go feral.

(Trust me I'm a falconer ;) )
 
Why do you think an outside chance Cobra? I think its highly likely.
You dont just "hide in bushes" and get close to Buzzards like this :) I have spent so much time on wild buzzards in the last few years and they are probably the most difficult of any bird Ive tackled. The tail feathers just add to my suspicion and cement my thoughts that this bird is not afraid of people.
 
First off, excellent shot - it shows the bird off beautifully, great detail and turn of the head.

@Alan McFadyen - Are you insinuating that Paul has photographed a captive bird but not declared it? If this is a escapee gone wild / feral then surely it is just 'one of those things' that are beyond anyones control, and photographically speaking, should be fair game just like any other wild subject.

I appreciate I do not have the best knowledge in this area, but a few weeks ago I was out dog walking along the canal and there was a buzzard sat bold as brass on a post like this on the other bank - about 40 feet away. (Obviously I didn't have my camera!). It was facing me, and didn't have any jessies etc, so as far as i'm concerned it's a wild bird. We do often get one circling above this area.

Is there something I should be aware of when looking for signs of captivity, because if I had taken this shot I wouldn't have been either declaring it as a captive and wouldn't have had to clone anything out of the shot, and I don't think I would have been breaking my own ethical code in doing so.

I'm interested on opinions on when a bird becomes 'tame' and should be declared as such.

@Cobra - if this turns into a discussion away from the shot critique, can we consider splitting the thread into 2 so as to keep the discussions apart from Pauls shot?
 
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Pooley in no way am I saying its not declared what im saying is that im sure its not a bird that hatched in the wild. Look at the ragged tail, its a classic sign of a captive and its a shame we can't see its talons. Surely Paul got a lot of shots so maybe we can see of any wear on its talons. I see Paul was commenting on other posts yesterday and didn't reply here so hopefully today he can give us more details.
 
But other than personal interest in subject behaviour, what difference does it make if it is an ex captive?

The bird is now a free one, and if it was not baited (in which case mention should be made unless it's otherwise obvious), then surely the point here should be congratulating or critiquing Paul on his ability to make the most of a situation which presented itself to him, as we all know that in nature, sometimes birds / animals appear in unexpected places at strange times.
 
Right, this stops right now, the photo is there for critique, not debate about the birds origins, which you can only speculate on. By all means mention it is possible when a bird is a feral captive, but make it clear you are not suggesting the photographer is in any way being deceitful so these kinds or arguments don't even start.

Given that some people have a far better idea of the signs of a bird that may be/have been captive [I mean apart from bloody great ankle straps], can I suggest one of you takes some time to do a little write up explaining those indicators so everyone can learn something? Got to be better than threads descending into debate and the merits of the photo itself getting forgotten hasn't it?
 
Never had a problem with Paul and was just pointing out my thoughts and never intended to cause a row. I just asked for the facts from Paul. Im sure he wasnt offended, but apologies if he was. I am not an educated man like some on here so again I apologise if my wording came across wrong Yv.
 
Nice capture Paul, what have you been told about hiding in bushes with a camera :p

Les :D
 
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