Common Buzzards

Over the last few decades common buzzards were almost eradicated from south-east England due to persecution, but in the past few years this large bird of prey has made an excellent come back. Not that long ago common buzzards were only seen occasionally as a scarce migrant flying overhead in Hastings. Now the species can be seen easily due to at least two pairs nesting on the outskirts of Hastings.

The best site to see common buzzards is Filsham Reedbed where a pair nests in woodland close to the reedbed. During winter and early spring the breeding pair and the previous years offspring can be seen together, and three to four birds can be seen commonly soaring over the reedbed. Also you may be lucky enough to witness the aerial mating display of the breeding pair over the reedbed where the pair lock talons in flight.

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve is another good site to see common buzzard, especially from Norths Seat. The nature reserve is also an excellent site for witnessing bird of prey migration. A number of different species can be seen in a day during the best weather conditions for bird of prey migration, and can include osprey, honey buzzard, red kite and marsh harrier.