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The density of territorial pairs, laying pairs and the breeding performance of three raptor species, Buzzard Buteo buteo, Goshawk Accipiter gentilis and Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, were investigated in relation to rainfall and temperature during the breeding cycle. In all species the density of territorial pairs was not related to spring rainfall and temperature. In the Buzzard the percentage of pairs that bred unsuccessfully was significantly related to May rainfall. The number of young fledged was negatively correlated with rainfall in April and May. In the Goshawk the percentage of laying pairs was negatively correlated to rainfall in March and April. Success in terms of number of young fledged was related mostly to May temperature. In the Kestrel the density of territorial pairs was dependent on March‐April rainfall. The number of young fledged per successful pair was highly correlated with May and June temperature. All these relationships showed that the hatching period and the subsequent two weeks were most important for chick survival.

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