Annual Raptor Totals in SW Northumberland

These totals are derived from the BTO's BirdTrack central database as compiled for NR from each field visit. The tables below are not necessarily in order of abundance in the study area. The priority of the species has a significant effect on the relative numbers as this determines the type of habitat visited and the degree of persistence in investigating a site. The priority varies slightly from year to year and is given to qualify each annual total. The totals may differ slightly from those given in the reports for the individual raptors as the totals below include all bird seen, including migrants.

A summary of the totals for the 5 years 2007-2011 and any apparent trend is given in Table 1.

Table 1: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland from 2007-2011: ordered by number of tetrads in which found in 2011.

Of course 5 years is not long enough to produce reliable trends but the detailed studies described elsewhere for Honey-buzzard, Hobby, Goshawk and Red Kite, do provide a longer perspective. At present it appears that the Honey-buzzard population is the only species increasing, but this is of course the top priority species. The figure do suggest that if you're a 'buzzard' in game rearing areas, you'll be welcome, or at least tolerated. Attitudes to other large raptors are much more uncertain. Numbers do vary considerably from one year to the next. For instance Kestrel were only noted in 41 tetrads in 2009, a year when figures were low nationally for this species; but in 2010 numbers recovered well with the species found in 65 tetrads. The Sparrowhawk has become more restricted to suburban/urban areas in recent years. The Red Kite picture is one of disappointment after colonisation started so well in 2007/2008. Peregrine Falcon and Hen Harrier are proscribed, alas, and both are close to being locally extinct The Merlin is very much understudied because its habitat has so little overlap with that of Honey-buzzard. The Hobby appears steady at best after securing the initial colonisation so confidently.

The totals for 2007 for the study area in SW Northumberland are shown in Table 2, together with the results from occasional other visits to nearby areas.

Table 2: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland in 2007: ordered by number of tetrads in which found, then by number of records, then by number of birds.

The first three places are clear enough with Common Buzzard now the commonest raptor in the area, followed by Kestrel and the slightly more elusive Sparrowhawk. For the others, Merlin is clearly understated: more visits to the moors in the summer would give a substantially higher figure. 11 species of raptor is not bad at all. In a keen shooting area like this, in the mid-1980s you would have been struggling to get more than four.

The totals for 2008 are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland in 2008: ordered by number of tetrads in which found, then by number of records, then by number of birds.

Once again Common Buzzard and Kestrel are the commonest raptors (by tetrads) and both had a good season. Honey-buzzard, boosted by migrants and high numbers of juveniles, moves into a clear third position, which is probably justified even allowing for its position as highest priority. Sparrowhawk is very plentiful in the eastern Tyne Valley (Stocksfield, Prudhoe and Wylam) but much scarcer in the west of the study area. The secretive duo of Hobby and Goshawk tie for 5th place with Red Kite rapidly catching them up. A bit more effort is being put into Merlin and 3 nest sites were identified on Whitfield Moor. Peregrine Falcon is now very scarce, no longer breeding in the area. A single Rough-legged Buzzard was seen but not a single Osprey, nor any Harriers, were seen this year.

The totals for 2009 are shown in Table 4.

Table 4: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland in 2009: ordered by number of tetrads in which found, then by number of records, then by number of birds.

Common Buzzard continue to prosper with no obvious gaps in their distribution or in their breeding success. So Honey-buzzard move into second place but would expect Kestrel to hold this position if it were the top priority species. Kestrel were definitely more difficult to find this year so the decline is real but whether it's a trend is uncertain at this stage. It's a bit more debatable whether there are actually more Sparrowhawk than Honey-buzzard. Because the former are recorded through the whole year and conspicuously at bird tables in the winter, I do not think they are so under-recorded. Hobby maintained their position but breeding success appeared to be poor. Goshawk declined further in numbers but there was some breeding success this year. Red Kite retreated back towards their core area around Wylam. Peregrine Falcon attempted to breed but failed: this is a very scarce bird in the area. Less summer visits to the moors lowered the numbers of Merlin found. Osprey must be a candidate for colonisation with the success at Kielder this year. Hen Harrier is just about locally extinct.

The totals for 2010 are shown below in Table 5:

Table 5: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland in 2010: ordered by number of tetrads in which found, then by number of records, then by number of birds.

Kestrel strongly rebounded from their poor season in 2009 to almost become the most widespread raptor for the first time. Common Buzzard numbers have been very stable over the last few years. Honey-buzzard continued their slow increase but Hobby, the other recent colonist, apparently continued to struggle to make any further advance but coverage in May was less complete than in recent years; numbers in autumn appeared to be normal. The Red Kite was the major disappointment of the year with low counts matched by evidence of poisoning incidents with carbofuran. For the first time no Peregrine Falcon were recorded, a tribute to the zeal with which 'keepers pursue this proscribed species.

The totals for 2011 are shown below in Table 6:

Table 6: Analysis of Records for Raptors collected by NR in Northumberland in 2011: ordered by number of tetrads in which found, then by number of records, then by number of birds.

Kestrel numbers fluctuate more than most with a decline this year after the rebound in 2010. Honey-buzzard numbers continue their steady increase and Common Buzzard were reported in a record number of tetrads. Hobby, the other recent colonist with Honey-buzzard, apparently continued to struggle but there are always worries about coverage as it is an elusive bird to pick up. Red Kite showed some signs of stability after the terrible year in 2010 with poisoning incidents. Perhaps the only decisive move of the year was the dive in Goshawk numbers and breeding success: this species is really struggling probably because of persecution.

More details may be found for particular species at Honey-buzzard, Hobby, Goshawk and Red Kite.

Honey-buzzard Home Page

(c) Copyright Nick Rossiter 2007-2012