Red Kite in Dorset today, 7th Feb

[nigel_b]

Just got back in from a walk in Wareham Forest and thought I'd pass this on. No photos I'm afraid as I went with glasses only.

Spotted a red kite having a good look around the forest at about 3pm this afternoon.

For the last couple of years I have spotted one early May time but this one is significantly earlier.

I hope they are starting to spread into this area as they are a lovely sight.

[aeshna5]

they do seem to be slowly spreading.

[bigdave60dog]

In the other end of the UK. I saw one over Brora on Saturday. My most Northerly Kite yet.
They are certainly well distributed nowadays.
Dave

[Bekki :)]

I think I saw it too

I was driving at the time so couldn't exactly fully focus. I don't know that much about Red Kites to know for sure :S.

The way I would describe what I saw was a bird bigger than a kestrel but slightly smaller than a buzzard, seemed to hover but not fluttering its wings like a kestrel does.

I did pull in at the corner where the cars park on that road, turned to look but couldnt see it

[nigel_b]

Hi Bekki

I saw it at Sherford Bridge just after I'd parked my car. It was pretty big, typical buzzard sort of size but not such broad wings. This one didn't have a really obviously forked tail, being more straight across as the tail was fanned, but definately not curved as per a buzzard.

They can tend to hang without much flapping. This one was just above tree top level.

[Bekki :)]

Hi,

Sounds the right size ... but I probably saw a buzzard and then got hopeful after the previous days report of it.

[bigdave60dog]

Red Kite always have forked tail. If you can`t see the tail look at the wings. When flying they a quite narrow where they join the shoulder a bit "tacked on " really. If you see a few you soon get the idea.