Buzzard

Description:

Medium sized raptor, about 50cm in length, and extremely variable in appearances - to the point that its french name is 'Variable Buzzard'... Most of those I observed in our areas are with brown back and head, whitish and brown spotted neck and belly, while the chest is stripped brown and white. Legs are yellow, flanks and the tail are barred whitish-brown.

Habitat:

Seen in the backyard of our residence building, at outskirts of a small urban center in Geneva lake valley. The backyard counts a number of deciduous trees and shrubs, most of them spontaneous and local, some planted. The backyard neighbours a meadow (used for producing hay) and a lowland deciduous (mainly oak and beech) forest, and some other agricultural fields.

Notes:

Had a surprise with my coffee this morning, as this beauty showed up, in my backyard, for a photo session from my window. I see these guys quite often, but never so near by - this one stayed relatively calm on this branch while I shot my fill of clicks... The caveat however is that it was probably attracted by activities on feeders in our backyard; which also prompted me to go around them and make sure they are well positioned...