Buzzards and Woodpeckers

I took Suki for a walk through the mizzle this afternoon. As we were walking down past Troutbeck Church I heard a  frantic screeching coming from the copse over the road and saw what looked like a buzzrd flying down to the beck. We crossed over in time to see a woodpecker escape from the buzzard talons and take refuge in some roots that were growing into the stream. I am guessing that the buzzard, who lives around the copse, must have taken the woodpecker from a tree and brought him down screaming to the waters edge to finish him off.  The moment’s lack of attention on the buzzard’s behalf as we arrived was enough to allow the woodpecker to make good his escape. Later on we saw another woodpecker flying over our heads to a tree – common as muck round here they are, but I’m still glad that we helped on escape. I love the buzzards too but I wish they’d stick to the magpies!!