Common buzzard in flight

Although the common buzzard is one of the easiest birds of prey to find since it is very numerous here and one of the most popular birds of prey by numbers I like it very much. It has a decent size and therefor is easier to photograph as smaller birds but still it is a bit of challenge to get close to them, unlike the kites it is not as interested in people and often flees but their big number helps a lot to be able to find them on nearly every photography trip where I intend to take pictures of birds of prey like the white tailed eagle or the red and the black kite. It is not so much interested in humans like the black and the red kite that tend to circle above your head for several seconds but due to its high numbers it can be found much easier.

Common buzzard in flight. Picture: Florian Glechner.

The common buzzard is a typical Buteo in much of its behavior. It is most often seen perched prominently on tree tops or bare branches, sometimes I also find them sitting on the electric poles. It is a natural predator for mice, snakes and small reptiles as well as small birds. I already found this bird all over Austria but in the eastern part their number is much bigger than in the central Austrian Plain where I live.

I am always happy when I see a bird of prey, but of course I prefer the more seldom ones, the buzzard is one of the more common birds here but still it is always a pleasure watching it.

Common buzzard in flight. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Common buzzards maintain their territories through flight displays. Therefore it is also possible to see several buzzards fighting for a territory. And when the thermal wind is at a good condition you can also watch them using the uplift of the thermal to circle around the area. The best place to get some nice closeup pictures is probably the wide open land of grassland or fields where a lot of mice can be found.

Common buzzard in flight with nice visible pattern at the bottom of the wings. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Common buzzards tend to have a big variation of color in their feathers. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Common buzzard with wings spread. Picture: Florian Glechner.

The buzzards can have a very wide variation of color and pattern on the underside. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Common Buzzard from underneath. Picture: Florian Glechner.