Red Kite in Hampshire

ray55 · #1 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 09:00 PM

I was driving on the M27 past Rownhams services near Southampton this morning and saw what I thought was a buzzard..how surprised was I when I realised it was a Red Kite!!!....Nearly drove into the Audi in front of me...Are they heading south or was it just passing through??? Lets hope it's the first option, be great not to have to drive to oxfordshire or wales everytime I want to see them!!

Deer Stalker · #2 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 09:06 PM

They are around in Hampshire Ray. Some were released as part of a breeding/reintroduction programme a few years ago.

ray55 · #3 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 09:19 PM

I have seen one or two in north hampshire and towards newbury but never this far south..lets hope we see more

LynM · #4 (**permalink**) 28-07-2009, 10:42 PM

Funnily enough, I caught sight of one when I was driving from Salisbury towards Shaftesbury along the A30 yesterday afternoon. It was to the west of Wilton, just before Barford St Martin.

There are some to be seen, by good luck rather than good judgement, in the Wiltshire/Hants/Dorset border area.

nakedgardener · #5 (**permalink**) 29-07-2009, 06:46 AM

They are spreading out from the core area.. I saw one on the Hants/Wilts border, on the A303

cosycrafter · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 11:40 AM

I have just come off the M27 at junction 11 this morning, a flock of pigeons took off and as I looked up there was a pair of Red Kites, I have never seen them this far down before, has anyone else then them?

Deer Stalker · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosycrafter

I have just come off the M27 at junction 11 this morning, a flock of pigeons took off and as I looked up there was a pair of Red Kites, I have never seen them this far down before, has anyone else then them?

Seen them over the New Forest before. They get seen here every year.

Dorts · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 09:07 PM

I First recorded them on more than an occassional basis in N. Hants in 2001.
Dorts.

cosycrafter · #9 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 07:45 AM

I have been down here 11 years and this was the first time I have seen them here, glad to know they are around now and will keep a look out for them in future

ray55 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 12:15 PM

I saw one fly over my house near waterlooville a few days ago...mobbed by a single crow...and I have seen them in the new forest..they are moving south!!!!