Young Buzzards

While we were out walking near Appleby in Westmorland we spotted a Buzzard nest across a small valley with a stream below. The footpath was at the same height as the nest and about 60m away with two chicks in it.
All shots are with the 600mm and cropped to the same size.

First sighting.
1. ISO 200, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2102.jpg[/IMG]
2. ISO 200, f8, 1/250.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2114.jpg[/IMG]
3. ISO 200, f8, 1/250.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2180.jpg[/IMG]

Second visit two weeks later.
4. ISO 400, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2623.jpg[/IMG]
5. ISO 400, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2638.jpg[/IMG]

Third visit two weeks later again.
6. ISO 400, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2647.jpg[/IMG]
7. ISO 400, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2654.jpg[/IMG]

Fourth visit a week later.
8. ISO 800, f8, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2790.jpg[/IMG]
9. ISO 400, f6.7, 1/180.
[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_2839.jpg[/IMG]

Hope you enjoy.

WOW! talk about right place and time, and the opportunity to return and record their growth too.

Tom, you are one lucky so and so

Wonderful series!...do you think it ate it's sibling?..

Lovely photos, and good to see how much they change in such a short time.

We have buzzards nesting in the woods where I walk the dog. Never managed to get a picture of the nest though. The parents attack cyclists and joggers when they go past - some have had quite nasty head injuries. Walkers and dogs seem to be OK though thank goodness.

I love it when the babies have fledged and sit is the trees near the nest calling to their parents to be fed.

A great set of shots Tomkeet.

hi tom
fantastic shots
neil

Great shots - I really like the fact that they show the little ones growing up

You might be right Ken, both were there last weekend but only one on Saturday.

The other could have already fledged and have been in a tree nearby.

Just as well we had our Border collie with us.
Very true Gwyn, had a good look but to no avail. Will be back in the next couple of weeks to see what's happening.

Very good picture story Tom.

Had another look over this weekend and both chicks are fine, here is a few shots.

1. ISO 200, f8, 1/180. FA* 600mm.

[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_3329.jpg[/IMG]

2. ISO 200, f8, 1/180. FA* 600mm.

[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_3349.jpg[/IMG]

3. ISO 200, f8, 1/180. FA* 600mm.

[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/SIX_3322.jpg[/IMG]

4. ISO 100, f4.5, 1/350. DA* 300mm.

[IMG]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr132/tomkeet/_IGP6187.jpg[/IMG]

Hope you enjoy.

Tom, these are stunning. As has been said, you are a lucky $££%$%£$!!!

My favourite is number 2 of the most recent batch; I love the action shot - but they all enviable shots every one of them. Well done.

Fantastic set - growth and maturing of the birds - what an opportunity and you have certainly made a great record