Have you seen a Red Kite, a Kestrel or a Buzzard in SE or central Scotland? If so, please let us know! You can submit your sightings below.
Why Raptors?
Raptors – birds of prey – are top-predators, feeding on a range of different species. The presence of raptors is therefore usually an indicator of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Raptors can also be an important contributor to the British economy through motivation for tourism. However, they are sometimes subject to persecution, illegal poisoning and shootings due to perceived conflicts with other land uses. On top of this, intensification of agricultural practices and changes in land use have also contributed to a substantial decline of many birds of prey.
This survey focuses on Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel. Buzzards have undergone recent population recoveries and are now common in the Lothian and Borders. In contrast, Kestrel numbers have recently been in decline but it is not yet known why. Red kites are currently a rarer sight in our area but are more common in other parts of Scotland and may start breeding here in the not too distant future. The Lothians and Borders Raptor Study Group have reported an increase in the number of sightings over the last few years. By asking everyone to look out for Red Kites, we increase the chances of spotting them if/when they are around and should help us to better understand the existing distribution of Kites in our region.
By inviting everyone to get involved in this survey, we hope to encourage a greater appreciation of the raptors as well as generating many more records of the species, which will give us a clearer picture of the status of raptors in our region. This will help monitor future changes to the populations.
Results to date
Since its launch in May 2014 we have received almost 2000 raptor sightings for our region via this survey. Buzzards are the mostly commonly reported, accounting for almost 70% of the records so far. Kestrel records account for a quarter of all sightings and Red Kite c. 1.5%. We have also received a number of Sparrowhawk sightings, often observed in private gardens. Please continue to send us your sightings and if you are in any doubt about what you have seen please e-mail a photograph, so your record can be verified.
More Information
Factsheets for all three raptors can be viewed and downloaded: Buzzard – Kestrel – Red Kite.
TWIC shares the records from the Record a Raptor survey with appropriate organisations, including the SOC (Scottish Ornithologists’ Club), the Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group and Forestry Commission Scotland. The records are also uploaded to the NBN Atlas Scotland at an appropriate resolution for public view.
To become more involved in raptor-monitoring in the Lothians and Borders, please refer to the Edinburgh Hawkwatch or contact the Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group.
N.B. If you witness a suspected wildlife crime taking place, call 999 immediately. For any other wildlife crime sightings, contact your local police department.
The ‘Record a Raptor’ survey is grant funded by NatureScot and Forestry Commission Scotland.