Red Kites roosting at the bottom of your garden?

rlchew · #1 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 06:04 AM

Does anyone have Red Kites roosting at the bottom of their garden?

If you live in a housing estate near Gateshead you do.

Red kites roost at housing estate

This is part of the spectacular success story behind the re-introduction of the Red Kite to north east England. They seem to have established themselves here far quicker than any of the other re-introduction sites in the UK.

More information ....

Red kites return to the skies

Rare birds return after 200 years

Northern Kites

I am familiar with Red Kites in the first re-introduction site in the Chilterns in southern England and the traditional areas of mid Wales but it seems like a detour to the north east England locations on the way to my next holiday in Scotland may be on the cards.

For those WAB folks that live in this part of the world, get out and see these brilliant birds .... the Northern Kites website has a page detailing the best locations.

Richard

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 06:15 AM

This is great news- the Red Kite story must be the biggest success story in the UK ever + what a fabulous bird.

It's good that here ordinary people who may not otherwise see many wild birds are able to connect with them + realise what special creatures we have here.

I'm still waiting to see one over London, though there are several sightings annually now, since the incredible establishment not far away in the Chilterns.

smartie · #3 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 07:36 AM

Oh great. Only a few miles from where my ma-in-law lives. We were due a visit soon

rlchew · #4 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smartie

Oh great. Only a few miles from where my ma-in-law lives. We were due a visit soon

So there are benefits of visiting the mother-in-law after all

.

Have a good visit!

Richard

smartie · #5 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlchew

So there are benefits of visiting the mother-in-law after all

.

Have a good visit!

Richard

Yes, she's near Big Water as well, so we've a chance for otters. Healthy walks - good for her

rlchew · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 05:22 PM

My bus trip to school was never this interesting ....

Pupils make inaugural bus journey

Richard

Reptilian · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 06:01 PM

It was a lovely day today and on a drive to Aberystwyth to get some shopping i must have seen a dozen Red Kites and an equal number of Buzzards soaring low over the coastal feilds. They're not really rare here but i still love seeing them, fantasic birds and i'd love to have them nesting in my garden!

There is a Red kite feeding center close to Aberystwyth in Nant yr Arian just before the Cambrian mountains. I remember passing it one evening and seeing 100+ Red Kites all soaring together over the feeding center, quite a sight!

This is a picture from another kite feeding center (There are lot's around Wales) i found on their site which is simaler to what you can expect to see.

Za · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Thats an amazing picture!

Gaina · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 04:33 PM

That's great news! I remember the Children from a local school adopting a pair and they were devestated when the pair were killed, so this is wonderful

.

Has anyone heard about Red Kites in Wells, Somerset? I have just been on the BBC Springwatch forum and someone spotted 2 a few days ago. Can anyone shed any more light on this?

JeffH · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 06:00 AM

That's great news richew (and a great photo Reptilian) - can I have some at the bottom of my garden please?

I remember seeing some film on TV some time ago of a guy who had Red Kites coming to his bird table in his garden - imagine that!

Jeff