Red Kite

[Fogey]

The local farmer was cutting his grass for silage this afternoon, which meant there was a plethora of seagulls, one Buzzard and one Red Kite.

Of the three species flying around, the Red Kite was the most obliging.

[Ryewolf]

Nicely caught - it appears to be tagged.

[Fogey]

Thank you.  Yes it is tagged but I'm not surprised.  We aren't too far, (as the crow flies), from the release site in Wales.  I think this bird has migrated from there.

I couldn't get over the wingspan of this bird - the spread was enormous.

Edited May 31, 2021 by Fogey

[Clicker]

They are the most magnificent  of raptors Fogey aren't they ...  I  was awestruck too the first  time I saw them close up... Their wingspan is often five feet ...  that's an inch more than my height !!!  YOU'VE GOT A FABULOUS  SET THERE !

[Fogey]

Thank you Clicker.  I must confess to continually falling over backwards as they were wheeling right above me......and I was wielding a 600mm lens as well, so I was easily overbalanced.

[Kobione]

Great set there Fogey, fantastic raptors!

[Fogey]

Thank you, Kobione.

[Denis]

Love Red Kites, good photos Fogey.

[Fogey]

7 hours ago, Denis said:

Love Red Kites, good photos Fogey.

Thank you Denis.

[CMunzel]

I love raptors, and  your skills in capturing the this bird in-flight. Not easy.

While we have kites in Australia I don't think our kites are as big as a red kite.

Are you familiar with Helen McDonald's book about her training of a Red Kite named Hazel, H is for Hawk?  In it she shares a lot of the history of red kites in England and how they were practically extinct until some red kites were brought over from Germany, I think. Interesting that this one is tagged.