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Buzzard

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Buzzard

The Buzzard is the most common bird of prey throughout the islands. They can be confused for eagles but are much smaller with shorter rounder wings. However, despite their smaller size they are a formidable predator capable of taking prey species close to their own size. In contrast to golden eagles they are very vocal with their distinctive mewing calls. If you see a large bird of prey perched on a fence post or telegraph pole close to the road it is most likely to be a buzzard.

Diet

Although Buzzards have a broad diet ranging from earthworms and frogs to large birds and mammals, rabbits are the buzzard’s favoured prey and they can often be seen hunting across machair areas where rabbits are abundant. They will also feed on carrion and are regularly seen feeding on road kill.

Where to look

Buzzards can be found throughout the Outer Hebrides and can be seen at all the trail locations. However, they are uncommon in the most remote mountainous terrain where golden eagles are dominant and pose a threat to buzzards.

When to look

Buzzards are resident throughout the year.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Committee Road

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5DS

Isle Of North Uist

Surrounded by rolling moorland and young plantations this is a hotspot for hen harriers and short-eared owls. The roadside car park is an excellent vantage point from which to watch.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Bogha Glas

Address

Bogha Glas, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AD

Isle Of Harris

A path leads you into the North Harris hills; one of the largest areas of un-roaded land is Scotland. One of the most reliable places for locating both golden and white-tailed eagles and where the two eagle species are often seen together.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Craigston

Address

Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XS

Isle Of Barra

A path leads into the interior of Barra with views over Heaval, the islands highest peak. Scan the ridges for golden eagles and white-tailed eagle and keep an eye out for merlin darting across the moor.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Druidibeg

Address

Stilligarry, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5RS

Isle Of South Uist

This location is on the shore of a large fresh water loch surrounded by moorland with views south over Beinn Mhor, the highest peak in the Uists. Both species of eagle, hen harrier, merlin and short-eared owl are regularly seen here.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Rueval

Address

Isle Of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LY

Isle Of Benbecula

A path runs across Benbecula, through an area of low lying moorland and lochs. This is an excellent area for hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin during the breeding season.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Aline Community Woodland

Address

Aline, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9LE

Isle Of Lewis

A path takes you to the shore of Loch Seaforth, a long fjord-like loch and a stronghold for the white-tailed eagles and otters.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Langais

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5HA

Isle Of North Uist

Beinn Langais is a prominent hill surrounded by vast areas of peatland, freshwater and sea lochs. A short path runs up to an archaeological site with excellent views over the area.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Stiapabhat

Address

Lionel, Ness, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 0XB

Ness, Isle of Lewis

Located at the North of the Archipelago, this rich Machair loch and surrounding wetland is an important migration stopover for wildfowl and waders attracting regular visits from hunting bird of prey, especially during the spring and autumn migration.

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Bird of Prey Trail - North Harris Eagle Observatory

Address

Meavaig, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AW

Isle Of Harris

The observatory is a purpose built hide perched in the interior of the rugged North Harris hills commanding spectacular views over the territory of a pair of golden eagles.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Sgioport

Address

Loch Sgioport, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SN

Isle Of South Uist

Located in the northern end of South Uist, Loch Sgioport is a great placee to spot white-tailed eagles.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Ravenspoint

Address

Kershader, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9QA

Isle Of Lewis

This visitor centre, hostel and cafe have good views over the shore of loch Erisort, a sea loch regularly visited by white-tailed eagles. This is also an excellent place from which to explore the remote Pairc peninsula.

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