Never Seen a Real Live One Before!

[LoveT]

I'm sorry for being really boring, but I was treated to a lovely sight yesterday.

I spent a day at the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover, and at the last display of the day they released a couple of Black Kites to 'do their thing'. Suddenly, we had a visit from a wild (well, bred at and released into the wild by the Trust) Red Kite - one of several that have been released in the area. I've been visiting for about a year and heard talk of them coming by, but never seen it until now.

Needless to say, my camera did overtime at that point, even though the sun was going down.

Thought you might like to share the moment - these are the best ones (but not Gallery material as usual I'm afraid!):







As you can see, he did get a free meal out of it!



Thea

[ChrisJB]

Red Kites are magic aren't they. I was so glad when the release programme took place in Yorkshire. It's so much closer than mid-Wales and I'm always nipping over the border to see them near Eccup Reservoir.

Regards, Chris

[demicav]

Beautiful birds, would have made my day.

[dunlin]

Nice pictures thea i particularly like the first one it looks like its peeping at you under its wing.

..cheers mark n.....

[SheffieldPete]

They're truly beautiful birds. Only ever seen them over the motorway near Wetherby... keep meaning to have a trip up to Eccup.

[wildmanofthewoods]

just been to gigrin farm in wales today anyone who hasn't been should try to it is truly one of our greatest spectacles somewhere between two and three hundred kites all feeding from the same dinner table .... spectacular

[Jason Green]

I'm sure Pic 3 would be good enough for the Gallery!

Is the bird at the bottom of Pic 4 perhaps a Goldcrest?

[LoveT]

Hi Jason

No - not a goldcrest, but it's chicken fired into the air with a catapault by the falconer to show how good kites etc. are at catching food on the wing (not wise to look up at the birds with your mouth open when this is happening !).

Thea

[Dae]

I agree, I think either pic 1 or 3 would easily be good enough for the Gallery. A touch of editing (ie: removing noise from the background, some careful sharpening and a bit of color touchup) and I think it'd be a sensational addition. Great set of shots!

[LoveT]

Thanks for all your supportive comments - I might do what you suggested Jen.

Might take me a while tho - me and Photoshop have an uneasy relationship !

Thea