Pip and I were going on the daily early morning dog walk, as per our now well established and usual routine. I had my camera with me just in case something caught my eye.
Othe home stretch, while Pip was dreaming of the soon-to-be-his breakfast, I thought I saw a large brown chicken and a magpie in front of us.
Of course, the chuck took flight and went up into the branches of the nearby oak tree.
So, Pip and I followed the bird to see if I could take more pictures. Pip was very good and kindly forwent his breakfast dream to come with me.
I quickly identified the bird as a Red Kite. They have recently arrived in our neck of the woods (the last 10 years) having been re-established in 1994 on Christmas Common in the Chilterns 25 miles away.
I had never seen a Kite before – I’ve heard about them, but never seen one flying above me.
I was very impressed. It soared beautifully.
I am now looking up information – Kites have a wing span of more than six feet.
They are considered scavengers.
From Wikipedia – “The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.”
From the RSPB – “The red kite is subject to the longest continuous conservation project in the world.”
It eventually flew away so Pip and I went home for our breakfast.
Lucky you! Pip is a fine chap, waiting so patiently for his breakfast.
Pip seems to have amazing manners on his daily walks. The Kite is a thing to behold! I’ve never seen one. son thanks for the pictures.
How exciting! (and thank you for looking it up on Wikipedia – I would have done exactly the same thing).
What a good and patient dog Pip is…and I really love this line: “the longest continuous conservation project in the world.” 🙂
My first sight of a red kite was about 20 years ago, driving up the M40 (me, not the bird 🙂 ) near Stokenchurch cutting. We now see them regularly where we live, soaring over our house in South Northants. Beautiful and fascinating to watch them riding the thermals with hardly a wing movement, just the tail “steering” it.
Where I’ve moved to in Thame, they are everywhere, and I’ve often seen four or five birds overhead, circling around as they catch a thermal. They are magnificent birds, and I’ve been able to hear their high pitched cry which is slightly eerie.
Looks prettier than what I assume is a KITE in my area; we used to call them Nighthawks when I was a kid. They come out at dusk and eat mosquitos and such. I’ll see if I have a picture to compare!
Thanks so much for the photos and the info about the red kite. I confess when I saw the title of the post I pictured the paper version of “red kite”.