Population of the Honey-buzzard in Northumberland
Population data for Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus from 1993-2001 are given in the paper:
Return of the Honey Buzzard by Nick Rossiter, Birds in Northumbria 2001, Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club 169-172 (2002).
Data for later years is appended to Table 1. All the data in the table refers to the study area in south west Northumberland. In 2003 small numbers were found in casual visits to north Northumberland (3 localities, 4 adults, 1 juvenile). In 2004 one adult was found in north Northumberland. In 2006 a single was found in south east Northumberland. In 2007 a pair was found in north Northumberland and singles displaying in west and south east Northumberland. No pairs were found in Northumberland outside the study area in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 in west Northumberland a male was seen in mid-May and a female in display towards the end of July. In 2011 3 birds (pair, male) were seen in the North Tyne valley in mid-July. In 2012 a male was hunting over open moor at Blindburn on 11/8. In 2013 a female was at St Cuthbert's Wood on 11/8. In 2014 there were 3 sightings in north Northumberland in the fledging season: a juvenile at Elsdonburn on 24/8 and, on 7/9, a juvenile at Chillingham Park and 3 birds up in the air over Lilburn Towers at 13:10 with male and female high-up and a juvenile floating a long way below. In 2016 2 sites were occupied in Kidland Forest on 21/7, with a male displaying at one site and a female gliding through a valley at the other. All these sightings, made casually without any systematic survey effort, strongly suggest an established Honey-buzzard population particularly in north and west Northumberland; however, it is not possible to quantify the size of the population.
Year |
Number of localities |
Number of adults seen in season |
Number of juveniles fledged |
Number of migrants seen (juveniles) |
|
|
|
|
|
1993 |
1 |
2 |
? |
0 |
1994 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1995* |
3 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1996* |
5 |
7 |
5 |
1 (1) |
1997* |
6 |
10 |
6 |
0 |
1998* |
6 |
10 |
5 |
1 (1) |
1999* |
10 |
15 |
8 |
2 (1) |
2000* |
7 |
11 |
8 |
2(0) |
2001* |
10 |
19 |
11 |
2(2) |
2002 |
15 |
26 |
17 |
9 |
2003 |
22 |
40 |
21 |
6 |
2004 |
26 |
41 |
20 |
13 |
2005 |
23 |
36 |
20-21 |
8 |
2006 |
26 |
42 |
16 |
13 |
2007 |
28 |
47 |
31 |
11 (8) |
2008 |
35 |
61 |
52 |
21 (14) |
2009 |
39 |
73 |
67 |
7 (5) |
2010 |
41 |
69 |
64 |
11 (6) |
2011 |
46 |
82 |
74 |
29 (12) |
2012 |
51 |
90 |
68 |
35 (27) |
2013 |
53 |
85 |
83 |
13 (8) |
2014 |
56 |
96 |
84 |
40 (20) |
2015 |
57 |
96 |
95 |
16 (8) |
2016 |
Reduction in study area covered: Because of the increasing population, the study area is reduced in size with the elimination of lower South Tyne and Tipalt/Irthing. These areas were responsible in 2015 for 13 sites, 17 adult (11 male, 6 female),12 sites occupied at fledging of 18+ juveniles (6x2, 4x1+, 2x0+) with 1 further site failing (1x0), 2 migrants. |
|||
2015 restated for reduced study area |
44 |
79 |
77 |
14 (8) |
2016 |
49 |
74 |
83 |
39 (22) |
2017 |
49 |
72 |
81 |
32 (27) |
2018 |
Coverage substantially reduced in 2018 with core area of Devil’s Water and Tyne Valley W |
|||
2018 |
32 |
50 |
36 |
13 (10) |
2019 |
30 |
50 |
36 |
4 (2) |
2020 |
33 |
59 |
28 |
21 (9) |
2021 |
38 |
57 |
37 |
20 (10) |
2022 |
23 |
35 |
23 |
9 (3) |
Table 1: Numbers of Honey-buzzard in SW Northumberland from 1993-2022.
Note: Revised figures from 1993-2001 Return of the Honey Buzzard, after personal review, marked by *, changed in light of subsequent knowledge and experience; year 2001 survey affected by foot-and-mouth pandemic
See also Honey-buzzard densities in Britain including Northumberland in 2001.
The results of the 1993-2001 breeding seasons, the first noted in the study area, are given in Tables 0.10 to 0.27. For these seasons before the full methodology was developed, display extends up to mid-June (approx 15/6), sit/rear from mid-June to mid-August (approx 16/6-15/8) and fledge from mid-August (approx16/8).
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Table 0.10: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1993
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -15/6 |
Rearing 16/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Table 0.11: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1993
The results of the 1994 breeding season, when breeding confirmed for the first time, are given in Table 0.12 and Table 0.13.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Table 0.12: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1994
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -15/6 |
Rearing 16/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper South Tyne |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Table 0.13: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1994
The results of the 1995 breeding season, when two more areas were occupied, are given in Table 0.14 and Table 0.15.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 (1x2) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1+) |
|
Total |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 (1x2, 1x1+) |
|
Table 0.14: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1995
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -15/6 |
Rearing 16/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
2 |
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Total |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
Table 0.15: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1995
The results of the 1996 breeding season, when two more areas were occupied, are given in Table 0.16 and Table 0.17.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
1(1x1) |
|
Allen |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 (1x2) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 juvenile E at Scotswood on 25/9 |
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Total |
5 |
7 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
|
4 |
0 |
1 |
5 (1x2, 3x1) |
|
Table 0.16: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1996
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
0 |
1 |
Allen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
2 |
Upper South Tyne |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
Total |
5 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
Table 0.17: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1996
The results of the 1997 breeding season, when Tyne W was first occupied, are given in Table 0.18 and Table 0.19.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1(1x1) |
|
Allen |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 (1x2, 1x1) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
6 |
10 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
|
5 |
0 |
1 |
6 (1x2, 4x1) |
|
Table 0.18: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1997
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Allen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
3 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
1 |
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
6 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
6 |
Table 0.19: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1997
The results of the 1998 breeding season, with solid success in upper South Tyne and Allen, are given in Table 0.20 and Table 0.21.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
2 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 (2x1) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 (2x1) |
1 juvenile resting at Towsbank on 8/11 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1+) |
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
6 |
10 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
5 |
1 |
0 |
5 (1x1+, 4x1) |
|
Table 0.20: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1998
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
6 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Table 0.21: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1998
The results of the 1999 breeding season, with closer study, are given in Table 0.22 and Table 0.23.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 female S at Dipton Wood S on 4/9 |
Allen |
2 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 (1x2, 1x1) |
1 juvenile resting at Staward N on 3/10 |
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 (1x2, 1x1+) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tyne W |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 (1x1+) |
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1+) |
|
Total |
10 |
15 |
0 |
6 |
4 |
8 |
|
6 |
3 |
1 |
8 (2x2, 3x1+, 1x1) |
|
Table 0.22: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 1999
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Allen |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Upper South Tyne |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Tyne W |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Total |
10 |
8 |
7 |
15 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
8 |
Table 0.23: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 1999
The results of the 2000 breeding season are given in Table 0.24 and Table 0.25.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 (1x1+) |
|
Allen |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 (1x2) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
3 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 (1x2, 1x1) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 male E at Wylam 4/9 |
Derwent |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 (1x2) |
|
Total |
7 |
11 |
0 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
5 |
1 |
2 |
8 (3x2, 1x1+, 1x1) |
|
Table 0.24: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 2000
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Allen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Upper South Tyne |
3 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Lower South Tyne |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tipalt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne W |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tyne E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Total |
7 |
7 |
4 |
11 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
Table 0.25: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 2000
The results of the 2001 breeding season, in the ongoing foot-and-mouth pandemic, are given in Table 0.26 and Table 0.27.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Observed Occupied (no. sites) |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
Migrants |
|||||
Display |
Sit/ Rear |
Fledge |
|
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||||
Devil’s Water |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
1 juvenile S 16/9 from site; 1 juvenile SE over Yarridge 16/9 |
Allen |
2 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 (1x2, 1x1) |
|
Upper South Tyne |
3 |
6 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
|
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 (2x1+, 1x1) |
|
Lower South Tyne |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipalt |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tyne W |
3 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 (1x2, 1x1+) |
|
Tyne E |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Derwent |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0
|
1 |
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 (1x1) |
|
Total |
10 |
19 |
0 |
9 |
7 |
9 |
|
9 |
0 |
1 |
11 (2x2, 3x1+, 4x1) |
|
Table 0.26: Results for the Honey-buzzard Breeding Season in SW Northumberland by area in 2001
Area |
No. sites in season |
No. adults in season |
Display -16/6 |
Rearing 17/6-15/8 |
Fledging 16/8- |
|||||||
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Male |
Female |
Juvenile |
Devil’s Water |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Allen |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Upper South Tyne |
3 |
3 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
Lower South Tyne |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Tipalt |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Tyne W |
3 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
Tyne E |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Derwent |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Total |
10 |
10 |
9 |
19 |
9 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
11 |
Table 0.27: Number of Male, Female and Juvenile Honey-buzzard found in each phase of breeding season in 2001
A detailed summary is presented in Table 2.5 from the second full season (2005) with the benefit of the disturbance permit from English Nature. The study area is large comprising 16,600 hectare in the south west of the county.
Area |
Number sites |
No. nests found |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
||
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||
Hexhamshire (Devil’s Water) |
5 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
Allen |
5 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
3-4 |
South Tyne |
7 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
Tyne |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
Derwent |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Total |
23 |
6 |
17 |
1 |
5 |
20-21 |
Table 2.5: Results for Honey-buzzard in SW Northumberland by area in 2005
A significant majority of the sites are in private woodland on shooting estates. This is indeed deeply ironic in view of the history of birds of prey in the county. Reasons suggested for the success in such areas are the tendency for timber to be grown on to maturity, the habitat mosaic with heather moors adjacent to meadows and woods and the quietness of the land. Last, but not least, losses to their main predator, the Goshawk, are likely to be low because of ample numbers of easier targets for the hawk, such as corvids and pigeons. The highest numbers are found on land owned by the Allendale, Featherstone and Whitfield Estates and the National Trust. 11 of the 23 sites are in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Eight types of call have now been analysed and related to behaviour and over five hours of video were taken this year during routine visits to the breeding sites.
In 2006 the survey of nest sites was intensified and ten nests were found. Five of these were in Norway Spruce Picea abies, two in Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris, two in Common Oak Quercus robur and one in Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii. In Holland Norway Spruce was also a popular choice with 36.5 % of nests in this species compared to 33.7% in Douglas Fir, 15.4% in Scots Pine and 12.5% in Larch (Bijlsma et al 1993, p.72) . The results for 2006 are summarised in Table 3.
Area |
Number sites |
No. nests found |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
||
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
||||
Hexhamshire (Devil’s Water) |
6 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
Allen |
6 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
South Tyne |
7 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
Tyne |
5 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
Derwent |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
Total |
26 |
10 |
18 |
4 |
4 |
16 |
Table 3: Results for Honey-buzzard in SW Northumberland by area in 2006
The detailed results for 2007 are summarised in Table 4.
Area |
No. sites |
No. adults |
No. nests found |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
||
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
|||||
Hexhamshire (Devil’s Water) |
6 |
12 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
Allen |
6 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
Upper South Tyne |
6 |
11 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
Lower South Tyne |
2 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
Tyne |
6 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
Derwent |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Total |
28 |
47 |
10 |
24 |
1 |
3 |
31 |
Table 4: Results for Honey-buzzard in SW Northumberland by area in 2007
In 2007 the survey of nest sites continued and ten nests were found. Four of these were in Norway Spruce Picea abies, three in Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris, two in Common Oak Quercus robur and one in Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii.
Migrants are not included in the tables above. Table 5 shows the visible migration noted in 2007, together with comments on the overall picture.
Date |
Time |
Locality |
Age/Sex |
Count |
Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 Apr |
13:20 |
Tyne Valley |
Adult male |
1 |
W up Tyne, into site |
24 Aug |
10:05 |
Tyne Valley |
Adult male |
1 |
To SE, exiting site (presumed same as on 28/4, stayed only 119 days or almost 4 months!) |
4 Sept |
11:40 |
lower South Tyne |
Adult female |
1 |
To SE, exiting site |
20 Sept |
11:50 |
Stocksfield (Tyne Valley) |
Juvenile |
1 |
To SW, exiting area |
25 Sept |
10:10 |
Stocksfield |
Juvenile |
2 |
To SE, exiting area |
26 Sept |
11:50 |
Stocksfield |
Juvenile |
1 |
To E, passing through |
2 Oct |
12:50 |
Corbridge (Tyne Valley) |
Juvenile |
1 |
To SE, passing though |
5 Oct |
11:10 |
Stocksfield |
Juvenile |
2 |
To E, moving out after stop |
27 Oct |
13:30 |
Eals (upper South Tyne) |
Juvenile |
1 |
To S, bird with damaged right-wing |
Summary/ Comments: |
|
|
|
|
|
Apr: 1 Aug: 1 Sept: 5 Oct: 4 |
10-11: 3 11-12: 5 12-13: 1 13-14: 2
|
Tyne Valley: 9 lower South Tyne: 1 upper South Tyne: 1
|
Ad male: 2 Ad female: 1 Juvenile: 8 |
11
|
IN: 1 W OUT: 5 SE, 3 E, 1 SW , 1 S |
Most records are for migrating juveniles, hence late in season from 20/9-5/10 and even 27/10 |
Mid-morning is always a good time for aerial activity in this species |
Tyne Valley was good this year, may vary from year to year with winds |
Juveniles are weaker fliers, so more obvious |
A fairly typical annual total |
Birds tend to follow Tyne Valley, rather than go due S |
Table 5: Visible Migration Movements noted for Honey-buzzard in SW Northumberland in 2007
The detailed results for 2008 are summarised in Table 6.
Area |
No. sites |
No. ad-ults |
No. nests found |
Breeding Category |
Number young fledged |
||
Conf |
Prob |
Poss |
|||||
Devil’s Water |
6 |
14 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
9 (3x2, 3x1+) |
Allen |
7 |
13 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
9 (4x2, 1x1) |