[Harold Smith]

For many years I have seen Red Kites along the M40 between Stockenchurch and High Wycombe. They are magnificent birds! Over that last ten years they have ventured further West and I have seen them beyond Oxford. Sadly, I once saw a road kill on the Witney bypass. (Being a scavenger I assumed it was feeding on another road kill). Last year I saw two flying parallel with the A40, beyond Burford, heading towards Cheltenham.

Last March, as a magnificent birthday treat, my wife took me to Gigrin Farm to see the Red Kites feeding. It was the most amazing site I had seen in years. To start with there was not a lot to see apart from lots of Rooks and Crows sitting on the fence around the feeding area. Next thing was the Ravens. I have never seen so many Ravens in one place. They were cronking left right and centre as they flew over. When sitting in the surrounding hedges and trees they made this incredible 'Bell' like sound which was the first time I had ever heard it. High in the sky I spotted the first of the Red Kites. It was nearing feeding time.

At two oclock the tractor arrived and the food it contained was thrown onto the feeding ground. At first, not a lot happend. Then suddently the Red Kites flew in very fast to pick up the pieces of meat scattered about the field. It was incredible how they picked up the pieces and flew of. I was confused until I saw that the Kites actually picked up the food and ate in flight. Amazing! I always thought scavengers stood on the ground or on the prey to feed. During the feeding frenzy Buzzards came in to take advantage of the food lying around. The incredible thing was that despite the Red Kites buzzing the Buzzards (pardon the pun) they were completely unconcerned and continued to feed on what they found. The Rooks and Crows also came in but took flight whenever a Kite flew at them. Only the Buzzards seemed stoical and continued feeding. By the end of the session there must have been well over 100 Red Kites feeding. I was told that on some occassion over 200 Kites would be present.

In the Elan Valley and Crick Howell we saw Red Kites most days. We have also seen Kites in the Forest of Dean suggesting that they are not only moving East but West as well.

If you want to see a red Kite close up then go to Gigrin Farm. It is worth it. It was one of the best birthday presents I have ever had!