Buzzards Make a Comeback on Hampstead Heath: A Birdwatcher's Delight

With their impressive wingspan, buzzards gliding through the air while searching for prey are a thrilling sight for bird enthusiasts.

Now, birdwatchers—lovingly dubbed “twitchers”—have the opportunity to admire these majestic birds by taking an early morning walk on Hampstead Heath.

Though buzzards are now under protection, in the past, gamekeepers hunted them down, poisoned them, and destroyed their nests to safeguard game birds for landowners’ hunts.

This led buzzards to retreat to places like Snowdonia and Cumbria. However, recent years have seen their return eastward across England, with Hampstead Heath becoming a new, welcoming habitat.

Ecologists have recently confirmed to the New Journal that a pair of buzzards has made this open space their home. Historical records indicate the last buzzard nest on the Heath was a century ago.

Heath ecologist Dr. Jeff Waage keeps a close watch on the wildlife in this area and shared insights with the New Journal on how the presence of buzzards is a reflection of the site’s ecological health.

“They are extraordinary birds—large hunters indeed,” Dr. Waage remarked. “The Heath is one of the rare spots in London with a thriving rabbit population, which, along with voles, rats, and mice, makes it an ideal habitat for buzzards.” The tall trees and woodlands further enhance the appeal of the Heath for these birds.

Buzzards build their nests from branches and prefer perching as high as possible. It’s believed, Dr. Waage mentions, they’ve likely settled in the pine trees of Kenwood.

“They camouflage well among the dense needles of pines,” he noted. Just last summer, young buzzards were witnessed in Kenwood’s West Meadow. Dr. Waage added, “Their call is quite distinctive and they can be quite vocal.” For those hoping to catch sight of a buzzard, early mornings are best. Unlike kestrels, they don’t hover but can be seen gracefully gliding and soaring on updrafts.

The presence of buzzards on the Heath, as an apex predator, provides valuable insights for ecologists monitoring wildlife there. “It’s wonderful to consider that the Heath is sufficiently wild to support a bird of prey,” Mr. Waage enthused.

Hampstead Heath also hosts a diverse array of avian predators: kestrels, sparrow hawks, peregrine falcons, and hobby hawks all make their nesting grounds here. “Every spring, over 50 bird species breed in this area, and our seasonal information panels keep walkers informed about the variety of wildlife that inhabits this open space,” Dr. Waage concluded.