Record-breaking buzzard

7:07am Sunday 20th April 2008

A BUZZARD taken in by the RSPCA near Taunton could have been a record breaker, say animal experts.

The charity this week revealed how the bird was found to have a surprising history when it was admitted to the RSPCA's West Hatch animal centre in March.

The common buzzard was originally treated and released from the centre in 1984.

The bird was identified by the unique number of the British Trust forOrnithology ring which was attached to its leg on release at the time.

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre manager Rupert Griffiths said: "Back in 1984, the buzzard was identified as an adult bird, which means it would have been at least 25-years-old this year and is probably the oldest wild-living buzzard recorded in the United Kingdom.

"Unfortunately the old bird was in a very poor state when it was admitted to West Hatch.

"It had been the victim of attacks by crows, probably because it was too old to defend itself and had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice to end its suffering.

"Sadly, there was no happy ending for this particular bird. But it does prove there is a very encouraging record for the long-term survival of rehabilitated birds.

"It also demonstrates how sedentary a species buzzards are, as this one was found less than two miles away from its original release site near West Hatch."

The BTO database currently shows the oldest recorded wild buzzard at 24 years and seven months, a bird that was originally ringed on the nest in Scotland.

There have been reports of captive buzzards birds living into their mid-thirties.

Mr Griffiths addded: "Although we were unable to save this particular bird, we have proof of the success ofthe RSPCA vital wildlife rehabilitation work and particularly our successeswith birds of prey.

"We will continue to ring buzzards to broaden our knowledge of theirpost-release survival and we are supplementing this with radio-trackingwork."

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre admits a large number of Buzzards due to the abundance of the species in the South-West.

An average of 100 are admitted each year with a variety of problems including head injuries and broken wings - although 40% of admissions adre admitted for undiagnosed reasons or general weakness.

In January to March 2008, 12 common buzzards were admitted to West Hatch.