[Tony_InDevon]

Hi everyone,

I expect it sounds like a daft question but today we saw 6 buzzards all sitting on either lamp-posts or sign-posts in a torrential downpour. I would have thought that such a large bird not connected with water would find it difficult to fly if they become soaked, So my question is why don’t they shelter or are their feathers more water resistant than I think?

Tony

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Tony,

Their feathers are tolerably water resistant. But a real heavy downpour can give them problems with waterlogging. They have to sit around until they dry out, and can't fly particularly well. At least food isn't too hard for them to find after heavy rain - they walk around fields eating earthworms that the rain brings to the surface.

Michael

[cjay]

Yes I agree I have seen Common Buzzards walking around sheep fields in Wales after a downpour. As the sheep come towards them they skip out of the way. Very Comical to watch.

CJ

[Tony_InDevon]

Many thanks Michael & Colin, you have actually helped me in 2 ways. I now know why and also hopefully I can finally get some decent photo's which of course I will submit if successful Tony