[Misc] Red Kite Sightings

[poidy]

I think they are all the result of a project to re-introduce Red Kites organised by the RSPB about 20 years ago not far from High Wycombe. It was only a few dozen at most to begin with and it's been an astonishing success - they've been spreading along the motorway network, feeding off the roadkill, ever since.

Must be 15 years since I first saw one of them, on the M4 near Wycombe. Nearly crashed the car because it was such a surprise - I thought they'd been extinct in England for centuries. Then about 30 seconds further down the road, there was another one, and two more 30 seconds after that. Fantastic to watch, but I'd been wondering why they hadn't made their way around the M25 and down the M23. Now it seems as though they have.

I live in Stokenchurch (J5 of the M40) and they are heavily populated around here. Believe that project probably originated here as well. Cant beat sat in the garden on a glorious summers day, beer in hand, watching the Kites gliding above.

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[Flagship]

There's been a pair at Bolney for about 10 years.

 

[Raleigh Chopper]

I was on Plymouth Hoe this afternoon and although I didn't see a red kite, did see a yellow one and a green and blue one, the stiff breeze but sunny day was perfect conditions to see a kite.
Bizarre thread, but I thought I would contribute as I saw a couple of them.

 

[dazzer6666]

Didn't realize there was a birds of prey centre in Horsham. planning to go there in a couple of weeks. Bit of luck can hold and fly an owl.

Went to this one a while back - really good - https://www.westsussexfalconry.co.uk/
Near Chichester.

 

[Nobby]

Reintroduced in Buckinghamshire and East Northamptonshire a few years back.

Those two populations have now nearly joined up and we get quite a few now in North Bedfordshire.

They’re just brilliant to watch

 

[East Staffs Gull]

One of the populations was started by Paul Getty on his Walmley estate close to Stkenchurch.