Kestrel © Steve Waterhouse
Kestrel (c)Elliot Neep
With distinctively pointed wings and long tails, kestrels are often found hovering beside the motorway or a roadside verge on fast wing beat as their head remains focused on their prey. They have adapted readily to man-made environments and have been known to nest in the centre of cities, as have peregrine falcons.
Where to see: Barnsley Main, Ledsham Bank
Barn owl - (c) Elliott Neep
Heart-shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white underparts, giving it a ghostly look, the barn owl is a distinctive and much-loved countryside bird, quartering over fields on agile wings. They are also famous for their nighttime shrieks, a counterpoint to their almost entirely silent flight.
Where to see: Carlton Marsh, Stirley, Yelland’s Meadow, Filey Dams, Spurn
Red kite at Staveley nature reserve - (c) Sean Jones
One of our most unmistakable and now abundant birds of prey identified by its forked tail. The red kite is one of the UK’s most successful conservation come-backs following pioneering reintroduction programmes – with Yorkshire’s kites released at Harewood House in 1999.
Where to see: Ledsham Bank, Kiplingcotes, Sherburn Willows, Hetchell Wood – and spreading across Yorkshire!
Sparrowhawk © Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION
Moving incredibly fast, you may get a glimpse of this efficient hunter zipping through your neighbourhood in search of food. Sparrowhawks can be identified by their flap-flap-glide flight over trees, and often take their prey back to a perch – or the middle of your lawn!
Where to see: Woodland reserves, often above trees at Potteric Carr, Askham Bog - and the most likely bird of prey to spot in your garden!
Merlin - (c) Rob Jordan/2020VISION
The UK’s smallest bird of prey – not much bigger than a blackbird – merlin population numbers increase during the winter months as most of the Icelandic breeding birds migrate to our warmer climate.
Their small size also allows them to ‘hang’ in the breeze as they pursue their prey.
Where to see: Fen Bog, Paull Holme Strays, Wheldrake Ings, Spurn
Buzzard - (c) Jon Hawkins
The commonest and most widespread UK bird of prey, buzzards spend much of their time perched on their favourite vantage point or gliding through the air on broad square-cut wings. They have a peculiar mewling cat-like call.
Where to see: Townclose Hills, Ellerburn Bank, Seata Quarry, Barnsley Main (and many more!)
