In praise of Red Kites

[RobinP]

Recently had the pleasure of getting up close to a couple of captive Red Kites ,such beautiful birds...





Robin

[aeshna5]

Excellent shots Robin.

[Jason Green]

Morning Robin,

Yes, great images.

Take care,

Jason

[Elizabeth B]

Beautiful photos - but I hate seeing such birds as captives.

I saw one flying free as I was driving home the other day. Until I stopped to get a better look at the large bird I'd seen, I hadn't realised that it was a red kite! It was very close to where I live, so now I'll be looking upwards whenever I'm in the garden.

[nigel_b]

I think having a captive red kite is one step too far. I know some bird species are bred for captivity and I dont necessarily agree with it, but unless there's a medical reason (e.g. injured in an accident and now cant fly) I cant for the life of me see why a red kite given their status in the UK is a species you would want to keep as captive?

[RobinP]

Sorry, these weren't really captive but part of a falconry centre on the Isle of Wight, flown every day and given five star treatment, hence likely to live twice as long as birds in the wild.

[Elizabeth B]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Sorry, these weren't really captive but part of a falconry centre on the Isle of Wight, flown every day and given five star treatment, hence likely to live twice as long as birds in the wild.

What's the point of living twice as long and receiving five star treatment if you're only allowed to fly when your captors allow?

[Doggle Avaddit]

[quote=Elizabeth B;644102]Beautiful photos - but I hate seeing such birds as captives.

QUOTE]


Well you won't like this very much.

(Link removed)

Shameful, IMHO, but true.

[burntfacedjake]

Have had two Red Kites over the house and garden every day since Sunday. They first appeared while I was watching the football on Sunday afternoon. Watching two Red Kites from the comfort of your sofa with a cold beer in the hand was much better than watching that shambles I'm not far from the Harewood release site but few ever seem to come over this way as its pretty built up where I am.

[pegasus]

Has anyone been to a Red Kite feeding station? We recently went to one in Galloway [there is also one in wales/midlands?] and it was fascinating to see so many[20+] flying close overhead. Now this was easy birdwatching!