We are blessed in this part of the country. Blessed with the very successful re-introduction of the Red Kite, about fifteen years ago.
There isn't a day that passes that I don't see one or more, often from our garden.
Common in cities a few hundred years ago (and protected in London, for their 'street-cleaning skills'), they were ruthlessly persecuted in the 18th century, and since the end of that century there only remained a tiny pocketed population in the forested hills of central Wales.
Re-introduced to the Chilterns (and other parts of the country) in the early 1990s, from Spanish Red Kite eggs, they have gone from strength to strength, and now number in the several 100s if not 1000s nationwide.
Magnificent birds of prey with a 5'6" wingspan, watching them will show you how effortlessly they fly - sometimes without flapping their wings for a very very long time.
They can be recognised at distance by their size and the way the hold their wings whilst gliding. Kites have slightly sloped downwards wings, and more of a 'hunched' appearance than the Buzzard, whose wings are held in an upwards facing 'shallow v'.
At close quarters the Kite is unmistakeable. A russet red body, grey head, forked tail, and very distinct white marks on each wing are a giveaway.
I do love seeng these birds, but as I've said on the Buzzard post, I'm more than a little concerned about the Kites outcompeting our beautiful Buzzards in the area.
I was talking with a colleague about Kites at work today. She has lived in Reading for seven years, and only this week has she seen Kites floating over the centre of town! My mother today has pretty well said the same thing in Hazlemere.
These birds are very successful, and are spreading very quickly!
04/05/07 A photo taken by me. Note the prominent 'elbow' of the birds, and in the top bird, the obvious forked tail - VERY distinctive...
Click to enlarge.
