Could It Be ?

[SuzieandFlo]

This morning when I was putting out food for the birds, I saw a large bird fly over. I didn't get a great look at it but what I did see made me think Red Kite.
It was bigger than a buzzard, long wings with "fingers". It's wings were slightly curved back as it glided overhead. One thing that DID stand out was a longish tail with a deep fork. I didn't catch the colour or any markings and I was surprised when I saw it.
I'm in South East Midlothian, Scotland and I'm not aware of any in the area. How far would these birds fly to search for food with all the snow we have just now ?

[htcdude]

The only other possibility would be a Golden Eagle, but these are much bigger than a Buzzard, and not as common.

Buzzards themselves though can get quite large and are found all over the UK. So my guess would be a Buzzard.

Nige

[solus]

Sounds very much like a Red Kite - the forked tail is the clincher!

These birds have been reintroduced in many places all over the UK, with several sites in Scotland. I don't know exactly where the release sites are in your area but I don't suppose you're all that far from one and the birds are spreading out from the release areas and can now be seen (even if only occasionally) in most counties.

[david156]

agree with solus, sounds like a Red Kite to me.

[solus]

There have apparently been 4 release sites in Scotland, the nearest two to you being in Perthshire and Dumfries & Galloway BUT I found a report of a bird originally from the Black Isle release scheme which wintered for 3 years in Wales before returning to Scotland to breed in Perthshire! So they do wander far and wide.

[Tringa]

Agree with Solus, it was a red kite. They have been released in many areas and are spreading. I don't know if they were reintroduced into Dumfries and Galloway, but there is the red kite trail north west of Castle Douglas, which may be the closest to you, until your sighting.

Dave

[SuzieandFlo]

I've just found out there is a RESIDENT Red Kite in my area !!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the replies folks. Looks like I've just seen my first ever Red Kite and it's really made my day

[htcdude]

Sorry didn't read the bit about the forked tail!

Definately a Red Kite with that.

Nige

[~T~]

That's class I didn't realise they were up this far. I shall be keeping my eyes peeled in hope of seeing one round about here too. I have noticed that over the last few years birds of prey are getting much more common around here, buzzards in particular.

[Tringa]

As already mentioned they are even further north. Despite the poisoning, the Black Isle ones appear to be doing well.

Most times I'm in the north of Scotland I see one or two from the A835, usually between Tore and Contin, north west of Inverness.

Dave