A map of the area can be found here
Parking is by the side of the Clumber to Cuckney road. The two main spots are just to the west of the war memorial and at the bottom of the hill by the Carburton Upper Lake opposite Cat Hill Plantation. Both are on the road verges on the lake side of the road. There is even a raptor portrait hung on one of the trees at the upper parking area.
Honey Buzzards used to be regular summer visitors here and are still a possibility . In the past there could be two breeding pairs, but more usually one. These birds range over a large area including Clumber Park, Thoresby and Perlethorpe. One of the problems the Honey Buzzards have is because of their late arrival in spring, they find themselves in a competitive environment when they arrive, both the Goshawks and Common Buzzards have set up their territories by April whilst the Honey Buzzards do not return until the end of May.
To see Honey Buzzards, one really requires a telescope, as the birds may be up to a mile away, and to watch from the western watchpoint looking north. Some good field characters to look for are the tail length (about as long as the wing breadth) and the habit of downward flexing its wings (especially the ‘hand’), when gliding, whereas Common Buzzards will glide on slightly upturned wings, and soar on ‘V’ wings. If you are really lucky then the Honey Buzzard will wing-clap — that is raise both its wings high above its back for a second or so.
Common Buzzards are the most noticeable raptor here, having increased from zero 20 years ago, with nowdays maybe up to double figures in the air at the same time on a good day. Kestrels and Sparrowhawks are practically abundant with Goshawks and Peregrines being seen here from time to time. Ospreys have over summered and Hobbys can often be seen in the summer.
Grey Herons used to breed in Cat Hill plantation, across Carburton upper lake from the eastern view point, in what was one of Nottinghamshire’s largest heronies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that they have been "out-psyched" by the Buzzards ‘hanging’ above their nests. Common Buzzards being relative new comers, increasing rapidly here in the 1990’s. Other notable birds to be seen include Green Woodpecker, Marsh Tit and Hawfinch.
Any criticisms, corrections or comments to the author Derek Huskisson
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