I had a dental appointment at 1015, that meant that I had to put today's adventures on hold. I planned to return to the caravan and hide at around lunchtime when I hoped to replace the Rabbit and see how long it wouldl take for the Buzzards to come in to feed. It was incredible to see yesterday how much food was taken at one feeding session. A really large, substantial amount of flesh was taken in 50 minutes of constant feeding. One of my motivating factors is always to use my observations to gain as much knowledge as possible. Already I feel that I have learned so mutch about buzzards. I can identify individuals and I know how to age them, this is all to do with the tail band which is broad and dark in an adult and thin and equal to the other tail stripes in juveniles. Eyes are light in juveniles but dark in adults. Its also been interesting to see how easy it is to identify individuals because of the variety of plumage.
I also found it fascinating to discover a discourged pellet. I hadn't even made the connection that buzzards would eject a pellet. More to follow about that.........
From the caravan hide I wrote.
"Its now just after 1200 and I have just arrived at the caravan to find that a horse has escaped from the adjoining field and wrecked the pit hide which is somewhat of a disappointment, but it will repair with a great deal of work again. Just hope that the horse is OK. Anyway, a great surprise, as I parked the car I could see one of the Buzzards perched on the log waiting hopefully for food. I had removed the rabbit last night becuase I knew I wouldn't be there in the morning due to dentist as explained above. The buzzard took to the air when he saw me and then circled above to then be joined by another! The rabbit is now safely replaced and I am waiting for one, or both to return. This is great news, they are asociating this area with food now and recognising it as a feeding station. I am getting to the stage of being able to expect a visit rather than just hope for one".
The paragraph above was written just before the dark bird that came to feed yesterday returned again and fed in just the same way. I tried very hard to get some in flight shots, thats not working out too well but I need to keep working at it. Anyway heres a few efforts.
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