Reserves and species

Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Hobby

Scientific Name: 
Falco subbuteo

The Hobby is a small falcon, smaller than a Kestrel. With their long wings and streamlined shape, they are perfectly evolved for catching dragonflies and small birds, such as House Martins and Swifts, on the wing, often transferring their quarry from talon to mouth in mid-air. They are a migratory species, coming to Britain in summer to breed and wintering in Africa. Hobbies can be seen hunting over heathlands, flooded gravel pits and woodland edges.

How to identify: 
The Hobby is an elegant little falcon, slate-grey above and pale below with black streaks on the belly and brick red 'trousers'. They have a white throat and cheeks, dark moustache and mask. With their pointed wings, they look like over-sized swifts in the air.
Where to find it: 
A summer visitor to the south and east of England and South Wales. A very rare visitor to Scotland.
How people can help: 

The loss of our wetland and heathland habitats to development, drainage and agricultural improvements, is a threat for many of our bird species, such as the Hobby. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland and heathland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.

Statistics: 
Length: 33-38cm Wingspan: 87cm Weight: 180-240g Average Lifespan: 5 years
Conservation status: 
Common. Listed under CITES Appendix I.
Did you know?: 
The popular table-top football game known as 'Subbuteo' got its name from the scientific name of the Hobby, Falco subbuteo, because it was the designer's favourite bird.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
April
End date: 
October
Image: 
Hobby - Stefan Johansson
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Kestrel

Scientific Name: 
Falco tinnunculus

Kestrels are one of our best known bird of prey; a familiar sight hovering over the side of the road, on the lookout for small mammals like field voles which are their favourite food. Kestrels are a little smaller than a pigeon and can be found in all kinds of habitats from open countryside to towns and villages. They nest in holes in trees, old buildings and abandoned crows nests, laying between four and five eggs, which both parents will feed when hatched.

How to identify: 
Kestrels are typically seen hovering, their pointed wings held out. Males have a grey head and tail with a prominent black band, a gingery-brown back and a creamy underside which is speckled with black. Females are similar, but with a more uniform brown back and dark bands on the tail.
Where to find it: 
Found almost everywhere.
How people can help: 

During the past 40 years kestrel numbers have declined by 25% in the UK, probably as a result of the intensification of agriculture reducing the availability of their small mammal prey. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 33-39cm Wingspan: 76cm Weight: 190-220g Average Lifespan: 4 years
Conservation status: 
Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.
Did you know?: 
The familiar behaviour of the kestrel gives it one of its old country names: the 'Wind Hover'. While they hover, they have the ability to keep their head still, even in strong winds, helping them to pinpoint their prey by sight.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Hovering female kestrel - Steve Waterhouse
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Sparrowhawk

Scientific Name: 
Accipiter nisus

Sparrowhawks are one of our smallest birds of prey, the male being somewhere between a blackbird and a collared dove in size. The female is larger, up to the size of a pigeon. Sparrowhawks are excellent bird-hunters, catching small species like finches, sparrows and tits using a mixture of methods that include ambushing prey from a perch or flying low and suddenly changing direction.

How to identify: 
Sparrowhawks have rounded wings and a relatively long, narrow tail. Males are small with a blue-grey back and white underparts showing reddish-orange barring. The female is much larger with browner plumage above and grey bars below. They both have reddish cheeks.
Where to find it: 
A common, diurnal raptor, sparrowhawks are found almost everywhere except the far north of Scotland.
How people can help: 

To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.

Statistics: 
Length: 28-40cm Wingspan: 62cm Weight: 150-260g Average Lifespan: 4 years
Conservation status: 
Common. Listed under CITES Appendix II.
Did you know?: 
Unlike many other birds of prey, sparrowhawks build their own nest, making a new one every year.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Sparrowhawk Credit Happy Hogg
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Buzzard

Scientific Name: 
Buteo buteo

Buzzards suffered from persecution and pesticide poisoning in the early 20th century and until recently were only found in the north and west of the country. Over the last couple of decades they have been doing very well and can now be found almost everywhere in the UK. Listen out for their cat-like, 'kee-yaaa' calls as they soar in high circles over grassland, farmland and woodlands. Buzzards eat small birds, mammals and carrion, but will also eat large insects and earthworms when prey is in short supply.

How to identify: 
Buzzards are the most frequently seen medium-sized birds of prey. They have broader wings and shorter tails than the harriers or red kite. Their plumage can vary from a uniform dark brown to much paler colours.
Where to find it: 
Found almost everywhere.
How people can help: 

Like many of our birds of prey, the buzzard was severely persecuted in the UK. This species also suffered declines in the 1950s when rabbit populations crashed due to myxomatosis infections. Thankfully, buzzards are a success story - increasing in number and now widespread across the country. To ensure their continued success, The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 45-53cm Wingspan: 1.2m Weight: 7800-1,000g Average Lifespan: 12 years
Conservation status: 
Common. Listed under CITES Appendix II.
Did you know?: 
In the spring, male buzzards perform a 'roller coaster' display, soaring up high and then swooping down over and over again to attract a mate. Once paired, buzzards construct their bulky nest in the fork of a large tree, often near to a wood. The female will lay between two and four eggs which take just over a month to hatch.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Common buzzard - Steve Waterhouse
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Hen Harrier

Scientific Name: 
Circus cyaneus

Hen harriers nest on the ground amongst heather on upland moorlands and winter in the lowlands, particularly around the coast, on heathland and on farmland. They are currently the most endangered breeding bird of prey in England: hen harriers feed on small grouse and fowl (hence their name) which brings them into conflict with gamekeepers and farmers.

How to identify: 
Hen harriers are slim birds. Males are blue-grey with a white rump, pale underside and black wing tips. Females are brown above, streaky below, with a white rump and a banded tail.
Where to find it: 
Nests in Scotland and parts of upland Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Only a tiny handful of pairs now nest in parts of upland England. Winters in small and decreasing numbers throughout Britain.
How people can help: 

Hen harriers are one of our most persecuted birds, shot and poisoned for taking game species. Coupled with widespread damage to their wetland and heathland habitats, they have suffered massive declines. Various initiatives are now in place to help this beautiful bird to survive. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 48-55cm Wingspan: 1.1m Weight: 350-500g Average Lifespan: 7 years
Conservation status: 
Classified in the UK as a Red List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review and listed under CITES Appendix II.
Did you know?: 
Female hen harriers are known as 'Ring-tails' due to the distinctive tail banding. Both females and males attend the young - the males providing food which is often passed, mid-air to the female, in a spectacular display of 'throw and catch'.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Female hen harrier - Stefan Johansson
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Marsh Harrier

Scientific Name: 
Circus aeruginosus
How to identify: 
The largest of the harriers, marsh harriers create a distinctive V-shape in the air by holding their wings up. Females are chocolate-brown with a golden-yellow crown and throat. Males have a brown back, gingery belly, pale head and neck and long grey wings with black tips.
Where to find it: 
Nests in East Anglia, South East England, the Somerset Levels and parts of North West England.
How people can help: 

Marsh harriers were severely persecuted in the past for taking game species. Coupled with widespread damage to their wetland habitats, they suffered massive declines in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thankfully, numbers of this beautiful species are beginning to increase gain. To ensure they have continued success, The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 48-55cm Wingspan: 1.2m Weight: 540-670g Average Lifespan: 6 years
Conservation status: 
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.
Did you know?: 
In 1971 only one nesting female remained in the whole country. Today, after decades of conservation effort, there are more than 200 pairs in the UK.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
April
End date: 
October
Image: 
Male marsh harrier - Amy Lewis
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Osprey

Scientific Name: 
Pandion haliaetus

The Osprey is no stranger to fame and attention - its pursuits have been followed closely by nestcams

How to identify: 
The Osprey is a black and white bird which could be mistaken for a seagull at a distance. On closer viewing, its body is dark above and white below, and its wings have dark patches and are angled at the 'wrist'.
Where to find it: 
A rare breeding bird of parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the East Midlands and Wales, Ospreys can be spotted fishing at large bodies of water across the country during migration.
How people can help: 

Ospreys were severely persecuted across Europe in the past, but thankfully are beginning to increase in number today. To ensure they have continued success, The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscrape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 56cm Wingspan: 1.6m Weight: 1.5kg Average Lifespan: 9 years Breeding: Female Ospreys begin to lay their eggs in late April. Incubation period: 5-6 weeks (35-43 days) average being 37 days Age at first breeding: 3-5 years Number of eggs: Usually 3 Colour of eggs: blotched reddish-brown
Conservation status: 
Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review and listed under CITES Appendix II.
Did you know?: 
Ospreys migrate to West Africa during winter; satellite tracking has shown them flying up to 430km in just one day. It takes them about 20 flying days to complete the journey, but in autumn birds stop off to refuel at lakes and reservoirs.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
March
End date: 
September
When to see continued: 
Cumbria Wildlife Trust saw the return of the Osprey at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve this year.
Image: 
Osprey in flight - Stefan Johansson
Links
Links: 
Cumbria Wildlife Trust osprey nest cam
Support ospreys at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria
Read the Foulshaw Moss osprey blog - Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Red Kite

Scientific Name: 
Milvus milvus
How to identify: 
The red kite is a large bird of prey with angled, red wings that are tipped with black and have white patches underneath in the 'hand'. It has a long, reddish-brown, forked tail.
Where to find it: 
Now found in several parts of the country including Wales, South East England, Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
How people can help: 

Red Kites were severely persecuted in the past but, thanks to a successful reintroduction programme, are beginning to bounce back today. To ensure they have continued success, The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 58-64cm Wingspan: 1.8m Weight: 1-1.2kg Average Lifespan: 4 years
Conservation status: 
Classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.
Did you know?: 
Red kites were common in Shakespearean London, where they fed on scraps in the streets and collected rags or stole hung-out washing for nest-building materials. Shakespeare even referred to this habit in 'The Winter's Tale' when he wrote: 'When the kite builds, look to lesser linen'. The nest of a red kite is an untidy affair, often built on top of an old crow's nest on the fork of a tree. It is lined with sheep's wool and decorated with all kinds of objects like paper, plastic and cloth.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
The red kite was once a rare sight in UK skies - Wildstock
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

Golden Eagle

Scientific Name: 
Aquila chrysaetos

The golden eagle is the top predator in the Scottish countryside; it is a massive bird of prey that mainly hunts rabbits and mountain hares but will also catch foxes, young deer and large birds like grouse. It can be seen soaring high in the sky in upland areas and remote glens in the north and west of Scotland. Golden eagles have large home territories, nesting on rocky cliff faces and in trees where it builds a giant nest or 'eyrie'. These nests are often used by successive generations to rear their own young. Golden eagles pair for life.

How to identify: 
A massive bird of prey, with longer wings and a longer tail than the rarer white-tailed eagle. Adults are mainly dark brown, with a golden head and neck. Young birds have white patches in their wings and a white base to the tail.
Where to find it: 
A rare bird of the mountains and moorlands of Scotland.
How people can help: 

Golden eagles have been severely persecuted in the past, still suffering today from illegal poisoning, egg-collecting and habitat loss. The Wildlife Trusts work closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 76-90cm Wingspan: 2.1m Weight: 3.7-5.3kg Average Lifespan: 23 years
Conservation status: 
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review.
Did you know?: 
The golden eagle is the national bird of Germany, Austria, Mexico and Kazakhstan! It is revered in many countries, forming the basis of everything from coats of arms to spiritual customs. It is even used to hunt and kill wolves in some communities.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Golden eagle - Wildstock
Posted by admin
2011-05-05 12:54

White-tailed Eagle

Scientific Name: 
Haliaeetus albicilla

Our largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, sometimes known as the 'sea eagle', was persecuted to extinction in the UK; in 1916 the last female was shot on the Isle of Skye. It was reintroduced during the 1970s from Norway and around 40 pairs now nest in Scotland thanks to huge conservation efforts. Good places to spot the white-tailed eagle include the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland where it hunts for fish, mammals and small birds.

How to identify: 
A massive and impressive bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle has broader wings than the golden eagle with which it shares its home. Adults have a white, wedge-shaped tail and a pale head with a yellow beak. They are more likely to be found near the coast than the golden eagle.
Where to find it: 
A very rare bird, found on the west coast of Scotland.
How people can help: 

White-tailed eagles were persecuted to extinction, only surviving in the UK thanks to a successful reintroduction programme. These birds are still threatened, however, as our wetland and coastal habitats continue to degrade and pollutants build up in the food chain, affecting these and other apex predators. The Wildlife Trusts work closely with fishermen, farmers, landowners and developers to ensure that our rare wildlife is protected. You can help this vital work by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Length: 80-90cm Wingspan: 2.2m Weight: 4.3-5.5kg Average Lifespan: 20-25 years
Conservation status: 
Classified in the UK as a Red List species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review and listed under CITES Appendix I.
Did you know?: 
A white-tailed eagle's territory may be up to 70 square kilometres! White-tailed eagles mate for life and breed in the same territory each year - a territory which may be used by successive generations for years to come. Both parents tend to the one or two chicks that hatch each year.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
White-tailed eagle feeding - Wildstock