What a success story the Red Kites are. Around my local Town of Winchcombe in Gloucestershire they are the most common raptor to be seen. A day never goes by when you do not spot them from the town or circling above it. It has not always been this way. In my younger days they were very rare indeed. There were just a few pairs hanging on in mid Wales. I was really excited when I first saw one in a valley in a remote part of Mid-Wales. I remember panicking as there were cars behind me and I could not find anywhere to stop the car. Some great conservation projects: feeding stations, and re-introductions and here we are now. I for one love to see them and also here there distinct calls as they circle around.
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| Calling |
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| On an old Oak bow |
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| There is always plenty of interaction to watch |
Occasionally they come to the ground and allow closer views.
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| Coming into land |
Back in history they were strictly protected and were welcomed as they cleaned up the streets of London of any carrion.
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| Cleaning up scraps |
What a beautiful bird. They have left me with one problem though. Is there a name for compulsive addictive Red Kite photography. I am sure I am suffering with it.
Perhaps one day I will get used to them and not aim the camera at them.
But no not in this life time!
