Our Rough-legged Buzzards are back…
Over lunch, I looked up and saw a couple of large birds of prey circling – just about level with our chalet in Chamonix valley. Helen and I dashed to the window to take a closer look – and low and behold – these two enormous birds were swiftly joined by two more… and then we spotted a fifth flying way up high above…
Last year, we noticed that the usual couple were joined by a third – their offspring…
but we were shocked and overjoyed to witness five of these beautiful creatures in flight circling each other…
We think they are Rough-legged Buzzards (Buteo lagopus) judging from the markings on their wings and their screeching cry.
Rough-legged buzzards in flight above chalet Maison Jaune
They are about 50-60cm long with a 130cm wingspan, and have a high-pitched, almost cat-like, scream.
