Male & Female Buzzard

Brilliant shots Mick,the buggers won`t land on my bait....:bang:

Probably because some azzhole has been trying to shoot them......:bat:

Love buzzards and these shots are fabulous........(y)
 
Nice set well caught (y)
It is indeed called "mantling"
the purpose is to protect the "kill" from prying eyes, from above.
Seems a little strange that both should mantle and then leave though.
If they are a bonded pair will / should get food passing possibly "Aerial"
unless you have already missed that bit.
The first one has a half decent "crop" but the second has very little.
Its possible that it was actually scared off, though.

Its impossible for me to tell if they are male and female from the pictures
but as an idea females are about 25% bigger / heavier than males

 
Good info,thanks Chris.......(y)
 
grumpybadger said:
I was about to say the same as Cobra - are you sure it wasn't the male down first. Its the behaviour I've seen with White Tailed Eagles - the male first and then he calls the female as he is trying to persuade her to mate...
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Psychic Paul ? :D you posted well before I did
and so I didn't bother posting with that possibility (y)
 
Very nice set and information (y)
 
Cobra said:
Nice set well caught (y)
It is indeed called "mantling"
the purpose is to protect the "kill" from prying eyes, from above.
Seems a little strange that both should mantle and then leave though.
If they are a bonded pair will / should get food passing possibly "Aerial"
unless you have already missed that bit.
The first one has a half decent "crop" but the second has very little.
Its possible that it was actually scared off, though.

Its impossible for me to tell if they are male and female from the pictures
but as an idea females are about 25% bigger / heavier than males
Click to expand...

The second bird, as I said, was definately much bigger. I noticed it straight away and at first it stood and ate the Rabbits back legs and I could'nt get it all in the frame so had to sit back and watch.

The first has a big crop as it was feeding for at least 20 mins, which I find about average before they start to loose interest. Mind you I had fell asleep and was waken by Jackdaws calling so I don't know how long it had been there before I woke up.

The second bird only fed for a few minutes before the other bird called for him to 'get off'

I have seen this a few times where one bird will feed and another will call and the feeding bird will leave straight away....that's normally meant the end of any photography but not this time.
 
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Excellent stuff, both genders very well caught not to mention that your patiance has been well rewarded with a brilliant set.
 
Busby said:
Brilliant set, stunning stuff :clap:
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Thank's..

MarkEvan said:
Excellent stuff, both genders very well caught not to mention that your patiance has been well rewarded with a brilliant set.
Click to expand...

Thank's...

Kerioak said:
I think everyone else has already said everything but this really is a beautiful set, both photographically and to see their behaviour which most of us will never get the opportunity.
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Yes, it's worth sitting in a hide just to watch..with no camera.

Duck_Pond said:
Fantastic, and a great description. If you ever decide to allow visitors, let me know ;)
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Funny you should say that as I've had a few offers already..:)
 
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