Red Kites in south wales...

[Swirlything]

Coming home from shops this afternoon, I was surprised and impressed to see what I'm sure was a red kite (similar size/larger than a buzzard, reddish colour, large forked tail) flying low across the road, pursued by a flock of jackdaws.

This was a few streets away from my house. I live in the Rhondda valleys, South Wales. Are red kites known from the area?

If so, that's brilliant and I'll look out for them in future. If not... well, I have to wonder what was slipped into my tea this morning!

[aeshna5]

From your description (especially the forked tail) it has to be a Red Kite- stunning birds that are expanding their range.

Congrats on your sighting + hopefully more to come!

[Swirlything]

I thought it must have been a kite. I'd seen them before from a distance in England, but this is the closest I've got to one- I feel privileged XD

I just wish I'd had a camera on hand! The local jackdaws weren't at all happy, it would have made an amazing photo.

[captaincarot]

you're well within kite wander range of gingrin farm, they have been known to wander 150 miles from their release points.

i.e. harewood house birds turning up in the chilterns, so anywhere in wales is in with a chance if one takes it into it's head to go for a mooch round

[accipter]

Went to Gigrin farm last year on hols saw gos raven and peregrine in the area plus kites and sparrowhawks sometimes I wish I lived in wales, but the winters are a bit too cold for me. If you have never been I highly recommend it Alan.

[NicolaB]

Definitely a red kite, they're nesting as far south as Merthyr now so I'm not surprised they're turning up in the valleys

[Swirlything]

Thanks for the replies Now I know they may be around, I'll keep a closer eye out. It's nice to hear about a bird species increasing its range instead of disappearing from the area for a change!