[Madrat]

I'm beginning to think it was a case of mistaken identity.  The hen that was injured was a cuckoo leghorn so not all that big, and we have lots of wood pigeon that hang around the garden,  I think a buzzard or goss halk or something made a mistake. 

[Herb]

I'm afraid it's probably nothing to do with mistaken identity - they'll take any type of bird.

They won't care if it's a large pigeon or a small chicken - they are both just meals to them!

[Markw]

I expect that you will never find out what killed the bird, most birds of prey are opportunists, We have got most stuff flying around where I live, even red tailed kites. I have seen buzzards take live rabbits, and even dead ones while netting.

I wouldn't expect a sparrow hawk would take it, mind you I have seen a golder eagle take a fox. anyway it is nice to see the birds of prey back again, years ago you would hardly see any about.

[Madrat]

Yes. although loosing Twister is bad I never thought I would be even considering blaming a bird of pray, not in my life time.  I will get their part of the garden planted up with more cover.

[trampyjoe]

Red kites have made it to Bromley? Gonna have to look out for them next time I visit me dear old mum (spotting kites has gotta be better than watching those damn parakeets!).
Mark, did you see the footage of the golden eagles attacking young reindeer a few years back?

I'll agree that all birds of prey are opportunists and if a buzzard spotted an opportunity then it could've had the chickens.

Golden Eagle Video - Top of page

[Markw]

I am about 3 miles from Bromley, the kites were up in Biggin Hill / Cudham last year. I have actually seen Buzzards over West Wickham last year using the thermals. My friend is a falconer., his friends eagle takes foxes,

He has had some lovely birds over the years, I can remember he had some kind of American kite, It attacked a poodle while out flying it, and a week later, it killed the neighbors cat . He would leave the bird tethered on a perch in the garden in the daytime.The cat was thinking the bird was dinner.. (no contest) he had to get rid of it. so a bird of prey can easily kill a chicken. Thanks for the link, having problems opening it

[Madrat]

We have buzzard's in Leicestershire & Warwickshire.  My neighbour regularly sees red kites on his way to Oxford.

[Herb]

We have buzzard's in Leicestershire & Warwickshire.  My neighbour regularly sees red kites on his way to Oxford.

Buzzards are pretty much everywhere now, they are our most common raptor.

I get both them and Red Kits above the allotment in Leeds - fantastic to see!