The Honey-buzzard

Steve Roberts has been studying Honey-buzzards for 40 years and will share his knowledge of this rare and secretive species. Honey-buzzards are perhaps the most charismatic – and least familiar - of our raptors. Summer visitors with particular habitat and food requirements (the clue is in the name), they’re not typical birds of prey. The BTO's website estimates the UK population at 33 pairs, but also says they are probably under-recorded because of their preference for secluded mature woodland and their secretive behaviour – they spend relatively little time in the air. Consequently, they are often searched for by birders, but rarely found. Steve Roberts is the exception to this rule – he has been studying Honey-buzzards for 40 years, and has had several major papers on the species published in British Birds journal. He studies them at nest-sites and has ringed young birds in the nest. Come along and learn about this special species from an acknowledged expert! Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. There’s a bar; under-18s must be accompanied.