Honey-buzzard survey 2020–21

In association with the RBBP, a group of Honey-buzzard enthusiasts are conducting a survey of Honey-buzzards in the UK. After a very successful year of fieldwork in 2020 (see the update from the survey coordinators below), the survey will continue in 2021 with the aim of ensuring 100% coverage of all known sites but also surveying new sites with the potential to be occupied.

Update on 2020 field season

After the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in early July, the planned 2020 national Honey Buzzard Survey was able to proceed, albeit in a limited format, with excellent results from most areas of the UK.  We are very grateful to all surveyors who took part for their efforts in very difficult circumstances. Special thanks to those who visited previously unsurveyed habitat in remote areas with no certainty that they would even record the target species. More than 100 territories were located, with at least 60 confirmed breeding or territorial pairs recorded. This represents a big increase on the 2000 survey when 69 territories were located with 33 confirmed pairs. The major increase was in Scotland where around 50 territories were located, but several English counties recorded their highest totals since the Panel was set up. Definitive results will be published when records from all UK counties are received by the Panel.

The intention is to build on this excellent start with further targeted fieldwork in 2021. We hope to survey some areas, or parts of counties, that either were not surveyed at all, or only received limited coverage in the very short window available to Honey-buzzard watchers in 2020. We will get in touch with relevant recorders and fieldworkers during the winter to establish priorities and get feed-back on their experience this summer.

Rob Clements (England), Steve Roberts (Wales), Ken Shaw, Carol Miller, Chris McInerny (Scotland).

Survey background

The 2015 Rare Breeding Birds Panel Report records a maximum of 39 pairs of Honey-buzzard but notes that “there are large areas of Britain where no-one is looking for Honey-buzzards and the population could be more than double the total given here.” The 2000 national survey organised by the RBBP consolidated a steady increase in numbers reported during the 1990s, with an increase from a maximum of 22 pairs (only two confirmed) in 1992, to 51 pairs (30 confirmed) in 2000. Since then there has been little increase in reported numbers, but an increasing awareness that the numbers reported are too low, less through reluctance on the part of observers, as was formerly the case, but more through inadequate coverage. Roberts and Law (2014) used RBBP data to show that birds have been recorded in suitable habitat in 34 counties since 2000, but only 17 counties provided records in 2013. Clearly, if a true picture of the species current status is to be gained, increased survey effort is required in many counties where Honey-buzzard habitat is present but few observers visit. Having consulted with other Honey-buzzard fieldworkers in England, Scotland and Wales, we feel that the time is right for a new national survey to improve our coverage and knowledge of the current distribution of this fascinating species. The following notes are provided to enable recorders and volunteer surveyors to improve coverage for their county.

Methodology

Honey-buzzards in Britain typically occupy large areas of woodland (deciduous, mixed or pure conifer) in both upland and lowland locations. They have been recorded as breeding in around forty counties, from Devon to Highland Region, so breeding should be a possibility in any county with substantial wooded areas.

Although Honey-buzzards are typically present in Britain from early May to September, their presence is most easily confirmed in July and August when both breeding and non-breeding birds engage in aerial activity above occupied woodland areas. Wing-clapping display and food-carrying flights are typical sightings during this period. The peak in activity for most breeding Honey-buzzards is around July 20th to August 20th. Fledged juveniles may be seen in flight above the canopy from around August 20th to September 10th, depending on the timing of the breeding attempt. Activity is most visible from around 9.00am to 4.00 pm in sunny, breezy weather, though breeding birds especially will also be active in cloudy or rainy conditions. Aerial activity may be seen in a wide area above occupied woodland with birds often flying three to four miles or more from the nesting area. Non-breeding birds are even more likely to wander widely. Honey-buzzards vary considerably in plumage allowing the identification of different individuals within a population. Prolonged observation of an occupied area allied to modern long-range photography allows an accurate picture of the numbers of individuals using a particular area to be assessed.

Surveyors are encouraged to find watch-points that give clear views over large areas of woodland. Some areas of woodland will require several watch-points to ensure full coverage. A typical watch should be of three-four hours duration in good weather during the period July 1st to August 31st. Two or preferably three visits at least a week apart over this period are necessary to confirm the presence of Honey-buzzards though hopefully most surveyors who find Honey-buzzards will be keen to put in more time confirming breeding and the presence of fledged juveniles. It should be stressed that visits to probable nesting woods are not required, and that the presence of breeding birds can be confirmed by observation of behaviour from the viewpoint. This means that survey participants do not need a Schedule 1 licence to carry out the fieldwork. Surveyors should also record sightings of other RBBP species such as Goshawk, Osprey and Hobby which will be of interest to the relevant Recorder.

Most experienced birders/fieldworkers nowadays have little problem with identification of Honey-buzzards, even at long range. Less experienced volunteers should be encouraged to watch for the unmistakable wing-clapping display which is frequently given by breeding and non-breeding birds throughout the watch-period.