Leeds Castle Birds of Prey Centre, early July 2024
I spent an enjoyable day at the Birds of Prey Centre at Leeds Castle, courtesy of a gift from my wife. It may not be birding but I can recommend the day out to any impatient bird photographers who, like me, needs an easy, productive environment in which to practice their skills.
Red Tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, is a bird of prey commonly found across North America. It is easily recognizable by its characteristic reddish-brown tail, broad wings, and robust body.
These hawks are versatile in their habitats, thriving in diverse environments such as deserts, grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, and urban areas. They primarily hunt small mammals like rodents, but their diet can also include birds, reptiles, and insects. The estimated population of Red-tailed Hawks is approximately 2.3 million individuals. This species is considered stable and widespread, benefiting from a wide range and adaptability to various habitats.
Pale Chanting Goshawk
The Pale Chanting Goshawk, Melierax canorus, is a striking bird of prey found predominantly in the open savannas and semi-deserts of southern Africa. Recognizable by its pale gray plumage, long legs, and distinctively long, barred tail.
These birds are known for their melodious, whistling calls, often heard during early mornings and late afternoons. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large insects. The population of Pale Chanting Goshawks is estimated to be between 100,000 and 1,000,000 individuals. This species is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, thanks to its adaptability and relatively stable population across its range.
African Spotted Eagle Owl
The African Spotted Eagle-Owl, Bubo africanus, is a medium-sized owl native to sub-Saharan Africa. This owl species is characterized by its prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a plumage covered in a mottled pattern of brown, white, and gray, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark and rocky environments.
African Spotted Eagle-Owls inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, grasslands, open woodlands, and even urban areas. They are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles, which they hunt with keen eyesight and acute hearing. The population of African Spotted Eagle-Owls is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. This species is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status due to its wide distribution and stable population.
The Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a small falcon widely distributed across the UK. Recognizable by its chestnut brown plumage with black spots, long tail, and pointed wings, the Common Kestrel exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having blue-grey heads and tails, while females are predominantly brown.
In the UK, the population of Common Kestrels is estimated to be around 31,000 breeding pairs. However, their numbers have shown some decline in recent years due to changes in agricultural practices and habitat loss.
Lanner Falcon x Peregrine Falcon cross
Typically bred as Pergrines are too stressed to do well in captivity, whereas Lanners are rather more 'laid-back'.
Steppe Eagle
Aquila nipalensis (Steppe Eagle) is a large bird of prey native to the open grasslands, deserts, and semi-desert regions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Characterized by its broad wings, brown plumage with paler patches, and a powerful hooked beak, the Steppe Eagle is a formidable predator, feeding primarily on small mammals and carrion. As of recent estimates, the global population of the Steppe Eagle is around 50,000 to 75,000 individuals. However, the population is decreasing due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and poisoning, leading to its classification as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this majestic raptor.
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