Raptor i.d confirmation needed

Words · #1 (**permalink**) 15-04-2010, 09:14 PM

I saw this bird fly over Sussex University campus today. I was busy in conversation so just assumed 'buzzard' (we have loads of them) and carried on chatting. Now I look at the pictures, I begin to doubt. These look like a red kite to me, which is hugely unusual round here (but very welcome if they are) so confirmation much appreciated.

Gerel · #2 (**permalink**) 15-04-2010, 09:19 PM

I'm saying kite without even bothering to look at the full size pictures.

Steve

Dave66 · #3 (**permalink**) 15-04-2010, 09:21 PM

I'm with Steve. Definitely a Kite. Good news!

Dave.

Words · #4 (**permalink**) 15-04-2010, 09:21 PM

Fab! Seriously, I've heard of one report about 20 miles from here last year, but nothing locally. Seems they may finally have made their way round the M25 and reached us.

Gerel · #5 (**permalink**) 16-04-2010, 12:20 AM

As a resident of mid-Wales I am contractually obliged to say "hummpph, ermm yes well, they're not proper kites you know, ours are the REAL ones" etc. etc.

Seriously though, nice one, they are such great birds it is fantastic to see them doing so well and spreading across Britain.

(If you will forgive an old fart ramblin' on, when I first worked on kites in Wales there were less than 70 pairs (and that was the entire UK population)and we monitored every nest, so to see how far they have come is quite mind-blowing)

Regards

Steve

Words · #6 (**permalink**) 16-04-2010, 06:45 AM

Steve, thanks. The recovery of the kite is an amazing story. I'm compeltely delighted that they've finally made it to our neck of the woods. And don't worry, I can assure you they'll love the Sussex Downs and we'll look after them well

wildherbalian85 · #7 (**permalink**) 17-04-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Words

Fab! Seriously, I've heard of one report about 20 miles from here last year, but nothing locally. Seems they may finally have made their way round the M25 and reached us.

I've known of at least 1 red kite in area just inside the Sussex border, around 12 miles from Portsmouth and north of Chichester. I've seen it regularly over the previous 2 years. One local said that there was a few but i only have his word for that.

Words · #8 (**permalink**) 18-04-2010, 09:44 AM

I knew they had just about reached Sussex (there was a report last year of a pair about 25 miles from where I am). Nice to see them right by the coast though.