Migrant Raptors
Where do you think these birds originate from, are they coming off the continent or are they local birds moving, been trying to work out the origins of the buzzrds i saw on sunday, not able to age them but one or two seemed to have darker bands to the tail and pale areas around the uppertail coverts - possible juv/ 2nd cal yr birds.
My theory is that birds are not yet moving off the continent but young birds that have spent the winter near their parents breeding area are now on the move looking for territories/mates of their own.
Also can anyone suggest the best wind conditions to go out looking for raptors, i'll concentrate most on sunny breezy days, with thermals but i've heard that NW are good for migrants from the continent because they come in low off the sea,
Good to see lots of interest in Norfolk's raptors. Have spent the past 13 springs on Incleborough Hill between Cromer and Sheringham so can at least pass some comment on the timing and conditions likely to bring some raptor movement.
As far as timing goes, I agree with Sue regarding the likely source of the recent red kites - usually continental birds start arriving here from the last ten days or so of March with movement continuing to mid-April dependent upon the weather conditions - a hint of easterly usually is the key to good numbers in the county.
In March the most likely raptors encountered along the north coast will be common buzzard and marsh harriers most of which will be heading west. As already indicated, given the right conditions, red kites should start to appear late in the month but it is usually not until early to mid-April when things start to liven up. Not only is there a chance of some early spring migrants in the shape of hobby and osprey but this is also a good time to see some of the over-wintering stuff such as peregrine, hen harrier and rough-legged buzzard heading out to the east. Mid-April is also the best time to see both resident sparrowhawks (4-5 prs) and good numbers of migrating birds, sometimes in small flocks with the occasional goshawk for good measure.
Things continue to liven up through April into May with the chance of both Montys, Honey Buzzard and if you are really lucky black kite.
The Broadland cranes often go on a day trip at this time of year and other good birds seen include both white and black storks, spoonbill and little egret.
As an added bonus there can be some interesting passerine movement with ring ouzel and woodlark regular plus other good birds such as hawfinch, serin and crossbill.
As far as weather conditions go, as a rule of thumb if it's reasonably pleasant weather to be out birding then you are usually in with a chance of some raptor movement. Cloud conditions don't seem to make much difference but the wind coming from anywhere between SE and SW is usually the key to seeing the larger raptors. Wind from the NE and NW are usually the kiss of death!
However, there are always exceptions to the rule and even on 'ideal' days it is possible to spend several hours and see very little - quite often this is due to poor weather to the south either over England or the near continent which stops any movement in it's tracks.
As for the time of day, between 9.00 and 14.00 is usually the most productive but I've seen some good birds both before and after these times.
The secret is to put in the hours!
