While flying at my local slope a few years ago in the company of our usual family of 6 or seven Buzzards, I was approached by a slightly hysterical lady in a Scottish National Heritage jumper. She demanded that I land my glider immediately as I was scaring the big birds to death (“can’t you hear them screaming”?). I tried to explain the circumstances to her but she was oblivious to what I was saying and threatened to call the police.
I landed and proceeded to re-educate her regarding all the birds on the hill (I am also a RSPB member) and their habits. Her reference to the screaming was actually the Buzzard’s natural “I am here” calls. Eventually she headed off down the hill muttering darkly but was never seen again.
My advice is: know your rights, know your hill, know your birdlife and their habits and speak with authority.
Brian.
