Red Kite spotted......

Haribo83 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2011, 08:25 PM

Hi all,
This is my first post...

This morning I spotted a Red Kite circling quite low over the gardens in my village. It came very close but I could not spot a tag (or any Jessies or anklets).
I am in the midland and don't know of any release sites very close to me but I know that they are around and that Kites are increasing in numbers.
My question is..is there anywhere I should or could be reporting this info to? Anyone tracking the spread of these birds?.
Many thanks.

tameblackbirds · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-2011, 08:28 PM

Kites are being seen in the Midlands now

2dogs2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2011, 10:04 PM

Welcome to WAB. Red kites are spreading far and wide now. I am not aware of any need to report any sightings. It is wonderful that you are getting to see them now. Magnificent birds aren't they?

PeteD · #4 (**permalink**) 13-06-2011, 04:14 PM

Welcome to WAB. I'm pleased that you got to see one of these magnificent birds.

Pete

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 13-06-2011, 04:50 PM

Welcome to WAB Haribo83.

Red kites are being reported to Rare Bird Alert here in Norfolk as they are few and far between although I have noticed more reports this year than previous.

And I still haven't seen one....

g8ina · #6 (**permalink**) 13-06-2011, 05:02 PM

Where bouts are you Haribo ? and welcome btw

I've seen loads in S. Shropshire by the Long Mynd, and also in Northamptonshire (Summer Leys) and Lincolnshire (on the road between Kettering and Stamford).

Haribo83 · #7 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 08:39 PM

It was a pleasure to see,and unmistakable. I'm close to Pitsford reservoir.

pammosley · #8 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 10:18 PM

Hi, welcome to Wab. We saw a Red Kite at Pitsford Reser a couple of months ago. We were supprised & pleased

Foz · #9 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 10:36 PM

If its a young bird it will most probably stay around for a few years then head back to where it fledged to breed, or if a release bird back to that area.
They are spreading slowly, but in the winter still tend to gather in groups around feeding stations.
This is my opinion on what I see, Im no expert on red kites but do see around 500+ per year and have 5 birds visit my garden.

davidbale · #10 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 11:42 PM

I believe Red Kite often fly quite long distances in the course of a typical week. I remember being told at the Kite centre in Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire (not a million miles from most parts of the Midlands) that one of "their" (released) birds had been recorded a few days previously at Lowestoft on the east coast but that same day had returned home to the Corby area. Often they seem to follow our major highways. And it would be much quicker following the A14 westbound to Birmingham than eastbound to the Suffolk coast.