Raptors or birds of prey are come in various sizes, from huge eagles to tiny Falcons, but all are meat eaters. Some hunt, others feed on carrion they find, but all are stunning. Here raptors are split into a few distinct sections: Vultures (0 photos), Eagles (0 photos), Kites, Harriers, Buzzards, Honey Buzzards (0 photos), Hawks, and Falcons.
KITES
Medium sized birds of prey, they feed on small animals or most often carrion found while hunting on soaring wings.
No. of species recorded in the UK: 3
No of species photographed: 2
No of species photographed: 2
Below are my photographs of Kites photographed in the UK, listed in systematic order.
RED KITE
Red Kite
Red Kite
Red Kite
Red Kite
Red Kite
Red Kite
BLACK KITE
Black Kite (Photographed in France)
HARRIERS
Long winged, medium sized birds of prey. known for gliding low over reeds, marshes, meadows, and heaths, mainly eats small birds and rodents. Ground nesters.
No. of species recorded in the UK: 5
No of species photographed: 1
Below are my photographs of Harriers photographed in the UK, listed in systematic order.
MARSH HARRIER
Male Marsh Harrier
Marsh Harrier (Female)
Marsh Harrier (Female)
Marsh Harrier (Female)
BUZZARDS
Another medium sized raptor, they are most often seen drifting on warm air currents, or sitting on telegraph poles, but will occasionally hover. Main prey is small mammals and lizards.
No. of species recorded in the UK: 2
No of species photographed: 1
No of species photographed: 1
Below are my photographs of Buzzards photographed in the UK, listed in systematic order.
COMMON BUZZARD
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard
HAWKS
Small to medium birds of prey often seen soaring, catch prey by hitting them at speed, mainly feed on small birds. Rounded wings help separate them from smaller falcons.
No. of species recorded in the UK: 2
No of species photographed: 1
No of species photographed: 1
Below are my photographs of Hawks photographed in the UK, listed in systematic order.
SPARROWHAWK
Sparrowhawk (a typical view as they soar over head)
A rather warn Sparrowhawk
FALCONS
The smallest of the raptor family (mostly) they are a small to medium bird of prey that catches live prey including mammals and birds. Fast, and pointed winged are the main characteristics of these birds.
No. of species recorded in the UK: 10
No of species photographed: 3
No of species photographed: 3
Below are my photographs of Falcons photographed in the UK, listed in systematic order.
COMMON KESTREL
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel in flight
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel hovering
Common Kestrel in flight
Common Kestrel
EURASIAN HOBBY
Eurasian Hobby
Eurasian Hobby
Eurasian Hobby
Eurasian Hobby
Eurasian Hobby
PEREGRINE FALCON
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon (Juv)
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon (Juv)
