Rough-legged Buzzard

Weather conditions were not ideal but we could not risk missing the Rough-legged Buzzard so Wednesday morning saw us travelling over to Jevington to look at what was a truly
magnificent bird.

The photography was difficult with strong winds, overcast conditions and regular heavy showers. It did brighten up a bit later in the day but then we had problems with the white areas of the bird burning out. Photographers are never happy with the light. It just makes you realise what a really efficient instrument the human eye is. Camera manufacturers have a long way to go.

When we first arrived we tried following the footpath up onto the hill behind the Buzzard's usual hunting ground. This would give us views looking down on the bird instead of the usual silhouettes you get when taking pictures against the sky. It was a good idea but the bird must have known we were there and it didn't come close. As soon as we moved back down to the road it started flying up to the area we had been standing in.

Anyway here are my picture. I would have liked better but they are a record of what turned out to be a great days birding. Things have really been looking up over the last few weeks.