Satellite tracking honey buzzards from Wales to Africa

09/09/2008 11:33:35 September 2008. A rare honey buzzard from Wales has started his migration early and is already heading south across Africa.

The bird, a male from a breeding pair in South Wales has been fitted with a satellite tag by researchers from Ecology Matters as part of a research programme into this rare species. A second bird, a female from North Wales, has also been tagged and is now on her way south in France.

Honey buzzards
Although superficially resembling the common buzzard, Honey Buzzards are in fact more closely related to kites. They are a secretive and elusive bird which spends a lot of time in the tree canopy of their forest habitat.

Increasing in the UK
Honey buzzards are common on the continent, yet they have never been recorded as common in Britain, and probably became extinct around the turn of the last century. They returned to breed occasionally and in the last few years they appear to be increasing, and the British population is now thought to be at least 100 pairs. They were first recorded breeding in Wales around 1991, and the population there is now possibly 20 pairs.

Windfarm threat
Mick Green from Ecology Matters commented "One of the main breeding areas in South Wales coincides with some of the Welsh Assembly Governments favoured areas for large windfarms. There is therefore concern that such developments could affect the current population, or reduce its capacity to spread. In addition, little is known as to where the Welsh population winters, or the migration routes used to reach their wintering grounds. Our research programme aims to find out more about the habitat use and migration patterns of this elusive bird and enable any developments to avoid crucial areas"

Rahel Jones, from Nuon Renewables -a sponsor of the research project, said ‘Ecology Matters' research will provide vitally important information for us as we consider the design of the proposed wind development in South Wales. We want to make sure that we have the best possible understanding of this fascinating species to avoid impacting on the population and its use of the local habitat here in Wales.'

5 years tracking
The satellite tags are solar powered, and are designed to last for up to 5 years. Ecology Matters hope to follow the bird to its winter quarters in Africa, and then back to South Wales over the next few years, where the tracking will allow research into its hunting range and habitat requirements.

Updates are being regularly posted at www.ecologymatters.co.uk/honey_buzzard.shtml