Honey-buzzards in Sussex in 2025
In another good year for the species, there were at least 21 pairs of Honey-buzzards in Sussex in 2025, of which a minimum of 12 bred successfully. About 65 adults were seen in breeding habitats during the summer.
A professional wildlife film-making team, specialising in breeding birds of prey, recorded events at one nest that had been used the previous year.
The Sussex Ornithological Society gave a grant of £4000 towards the equipment to support this work.
You can watch this here.
If you’d like to see Honey-buzzards this year, try one of the watchpoints published in ‘Where to Watch Birds in Surrey & Sussex’ (Ed Stubbs & Matt Phelps, 2024).
FAQs
Was this project given the necessary licences, e.g. Schedule 1 permit?
Yes.
Were the birds disturbed by the film-making?
No, the equipment was installed well before the birds arrived in Britain and removed well after departure.
Did the filmmakers have enough experience to avoid risk to the birds?
Yes, they specialise in filming breeding birds of prey and also received advice from leading British experts on Honey-buzzards.
Where is Sussex was this nest?
This is confidential, to avoid the risk of disturbance or harm to the birds if they return.
Will the nest be used by Honey-buzzards in 2026, and if so, will another filming project be attempted?
It could be used again, but we have no way of knowing. No final decision has been made on another project this year.
Where can I see Honey-buzzards in Sussex?
Try one of the watchpoints mentioned in ‘Where to Watch Birds in Surrey & Sussex’ (Ed Stubbs & Matt Phelps, 2024).
Are Goshawks a risk to Honey-buzzards?
They can be. Goshawks may kill some young Honey-buzzards, and even adults. The presence of Goshawks may deter Honey-buzzards from nesting. However, many sites with Honey-buzzards in Sussex now also hold Goshawks.