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I'm sure we've all seen Buzzards and other BoPs "mobbed" by other species on the wing but I've not seen this before when it's been a target on the ground. Would this have been simply another "bugger off you're too close" response from the Peregrine or was it in fact actually trying to kill the Buzzard for food?
It sounds territorial to me. A few years back I watched a male Marsh Harrier from my kitchen window soaring low-down over S. Aberdeen. Suddenly a Peregrine streaked in from the north and batted the Harrier on the left wing from below. The Harrier obviously lost its composure for a second or two, and the Peregrine sheared off at speed and left the scene. My impression was 'Oi you. Gerroff my land!' rather than an attempt to kill the Harrier. Peregrines seem nearly always to kill in mid-air from the successful attacks I've seen (about twenty to thirty over the years), as they rely on a 'killer blow', or a seizure in pursuit. I don't think a Perry would seriously tackle a Buzzard on the ground, but you never know. I think a Gyr might try it. In my years in Wales the local Peregrines stolidly ignored Buzzards, sparred in flight with Ravens (including 'playing tag' on one occasion), but assaulted Wood Pigeons mercilessly.
Very interesting - thanks! We were surprised but thinking about it, the only chance to make "the kill" so to speak would have been to deliver an instant fatal blow. Even a wounded Buzzard, I guess, would be difficult for a Peregrine to handle on the ground without the risk of injury to itself.
(We're pretty new to birdwatching and this was the first time we'd ever seen an attack - it was certainly a "wow!" moment ).