Red Kite

[VinceS]

I was in Chesterfield on Sunday and saw a Red Kite flying towards Matlock at about 13:30hrs. I was quite surprised to see one as the nearest kites I believed were in Leeds area, does anyone know of any other reports of kites in this area?

Vince

[monkey]

Hi
I am afraid I do not know about Kites in your area but I can imagine how excited you were to see it I saw Red Kites recently in Hampshire and thought the same that they were not as far south as this but it appears from threads that they are in quite a few areas around here so they seem to be spreading which is great as they are wonderful birds

Linda

[Capt_Lightning]

I saw a red kite on two occasions recently in N.Aberdeenshire. At first I didn't think there were Kites in the area, but on a visit to the Hawk Centre at Huntly, I got a chance to see one up close, and that confirmed my sightings.

For anyone who lives in or is visiting that area, the Hawk centre is worth seeing.
There are 'hands on' demonstrations with different birds of prey throughout the day and you can get 1 to 1 'experience days' and hunting trips with a trained Falconer.

[andywolves]

I was convinced I saw a pair of Red Kite in North Devon last year. I scoured the internet for days looking for some kind of reference to them being resident in that neck of the woods but found nothing. Now I am seeing postings from around the country with sightings I am even more convinced that I wasnt having a senior moment (way before its time, I might add!!)

[Helo]

Hi Capt Lighting - Aberdeen is currently in the middle of a reintroduction programme, bringing back the kite to the area.

We are providing chicks from the Chilterns to translocate to Aberdeen. So it's possible you saw one of the 'new' kites that was released last year.

andywolves - It isn't unusual to see a kite these days, in areas well outside the reintroduction areas. Quite often, these could be the non breeding birds, who sometimes like to have a 'wander'. However, they will usually (not always), return to the natal area when they are ready for breeding - usually in their 2nd or 3rd year.

Hope this helps.

[bounce]

I have seen quite a few at bala this year (I know there should be) but over winter 6/7 in a morn/afternoon as spring developed they seem to be moving North, even one 5 miles from Chester.

[andrewatcourtfarm]

Originally Posted by andywolves

I was convinced I saw a pair of Red Kite in North Devon last year. I scoured the internet for days looking for some kind of reference to them being resident in that neck of the woods but found nothing. Now I am seeing postings from around the country with sightings I am even more convinced that I wasnt having a senior moment (way before its time, I might add!!)

Caroline and I saw one red kite near the cliffs near Putsborough Beach (between Croyde and Woolacombe) on the 12th May 2008.

Andrew Hope

[bounce]

Saw two red kites tuesday morning 6.00am along the M40 first one about 20 miles outside london, the second 10 miles further.

[Alison Rowe]

Originally Posted by andywolves

I was convinced I saw a pair of Red Kite in North Devon last year. I scoured the internet for days looking for some kind of reference to them being resident in that neck of the woods but found nothing. Now I am seeing postings from around the country with sightings I am even more convinced that I wasnt having a senior moment (way before its time, I might add!!)

I live in North Devon (well west Devon really I suppose) and have just returned from watching a red kite flying over our local woods. I was so excited I rushed back to see if anyone else knew, and saw this reference. I was unsure at first: we have so many buzzards, then a buzzard appeared, and the differences were clear - and the kite dropped on the buzzard to warn him off! Kite is even bigger that teh buzzard. Just one kite to be seen, perhaps he has a mate, or is looking for one. Anyway, I hope you are as excited as I am. I will keep an eye on him. So no, you were noty having a senior moment!

[Forestman]

I've been seeing Red Kites further south over the last couple of years,south of Didcot being the latest a few weeks ago...