Live stream reveals rare bird of prey’s nest
Live stream reveals rare bird of prey’s nest
A live stream of a nesting pair of honey buzzards is offering a rare glimpse into one of the UK’s most secretive birds of prey.
The birds, which have laid two eggs in Sussex woodland, are being filmed around the clock as they incubate them and prepare for the arrival of chicks.
Experts say it is the first time such detailed nesting behaviour has been captured for the species, which migrates from West Africa in May.
“It’s phenomenal, it is such an intimate glimpse in to this secretive bird. We are already learning so much about their lives,” said Ash Walmsley, who is leading the project.
Very little is known about the unusual species, which feeds on wasp larvae, as they are often misidentified.
Walmsley, who is head of countryside at Ashdown Forest, said: “We put cameras on several nests before the birds got back in the country.
“None of the other nests were successful but I am so delighted we have got this pair using the nest, they have eggs and are doing everything they should be doing with the eggs. It is brilliant.”
He said the camera had already revealed the fascinating behaviour of the male bird, who spent 22 hours on the nest without a break.
Viewers have also heard audio of motorbike clicking and subtle whistling from the female, that may never have been heard in the UK before.
The project is in partnership with Ashdown Forest, the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) and Wildlife Windows – a tech company that specialises in filming wildlife in remote areas.
There are thought to be between 130 and 150 pairs of honey buzzards in the UK, with more than 20 pairs believed to breed in Sussex.
The birds are known to pair for life and typically return to the same nesting areas in undisturbed woodland each year.
The nest’s exact location is being kept secret to ensure the protected species are not disturbed.
Walmsley said the live stream is the “perfect way” for people unable to visit the Ashdown Forest to connect with nature.
Mark Mallalieu, from Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) said: “Very few people have been able to observe their breeding habits so intimately”.
He said viewers can watch “what they’re feeding on, nesting behaviours and in time, what they will feed their young and hopefully a successful fledgling”.
The Honey-buzzard livestream can be accessed via the Ashdown Forest and SOS websites.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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Britain’s protected birds of prey still being shot, trapped and poisoned, says RSPB
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Stream to capture birds’ 25th year at cathedral
Related links
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Ashdown Forest honey buzzard live stream
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Sussex Ornithological Society
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