In rapture over raptors

Birds of prey in flight have a reputation for being very tough to identify. However, follow these guidelines and you have a good chance of telling these five larger species apart. Note photos are not to scale.

Scourge of the bird feeder and a master of ‘shock and awe’ assassinations, the sparrowhawk pursues its quarry with such tenacity and unpredictability that it often blindsides its prey

It may appear lethargic, but no one could argue with the hunting prowess of the common buzzard when it transforms into a surging missile intent on an unsuspecting victim

Most wildlife crime happens in remote places, making walkers the most likely witnesses. Here’s how to recognise the signs – and help bring the perpetrators to justice

The white-tailed eagle, the UK’s largest bird of prey, was brought back from extinction – and it all started with an ambitious project on a mountainous Scottish island, half a century ago...

The marsh harrier, with its effortlessly slow and floating signature manoeuvre, is so enjoying its UK comeback that it now stays with us all year round