Wonderful Red Kite display (3) over the South Downs, in the gloom this afternoon, watched for ages whilst walking the dogs. Sware they were just flying for fun!!!!!
I saw a couple just playing silly buggers over Henley-on-Thames a week or so ago - no intent to do anything, just wheeling around in the sun - lovely :)
When I moved to Wales 25 years ago, the prospects for the Red Kite were looking pretty grim with a dwindling population centred in Mid Wales. It's good to know that they are colonising eastward.
I'm not a twitcher but they are a pleasure to watch.
[Mmm, isn't that a bit like saying "I'm not a racist/sexist but..."?]
looking forward to coach trip to london new years eve if it goes M40 route Redman will get his wish to see some never tire of them its quicker by train but rather take an hour longer and see these 'Stokenchurch Pigeons'
I live near Harewood House where they had a Red Kite breeding programme and whenever i go out i see at least 5 at a time. I think the maximum number in one flock i have seen must be around 30 birds.
Here, in N.E Yorkshire we have more than our share of raptor poisoners and in spite of being out every day with a pair of Leicas in my pocket have not yet seen them near home.
I live a couple of miles away from Stokenchurch and although I find the Kites amazing to watch, especially when you're having a BBQ in the summer and they just hover over your garden but a lot of people round here now regard them as vermin. There are so many of them thay they scavange for food wherever they can get it and they are getting very brave.