I've now managed to entice the red kites into the garden to feed. This is my first picture. They move so fast I'll need a faster shutter speed next time. :(
This kite fed four times yesterday and was back this morning looking for more food (we had none).
The tray is approx 18inches long so you get some idea of the size of the kite!
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They are cool birds, I often go to Oxford up the M40 and see lots of them from High Wycombe onwards.
Blink and you'll miss it.
http://www.radarspotting.com/downloads/MVI_1336.MOV
Lamb's hearts. ;D
Amazing!
Very nice Mike, garden looks tidy :)
Quote from: Ian K on April 25, 2012, 07:46:30 PM
Very nice Mike, garden looks tidy :)
I Photo Shopped it.
Interesting. My cats were sat in the garden as the kite was feeding.
I suspect this "story" has been embellished a bit.
"A bird of prey twice tried to snatch a woman's dog as she walked in fields near her home in Berkshire."
Read down to the bottom:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-17866195
Quote from: Anmer on April 27, 2012, 06:40:30 PMInteresting. My cats were sat in the garden as the kite was feeding.
I suspect this "story" has been embellished a bit.
"A bird of prey twice tried to snatch a woman's dog as she walked in fields near her home in Berkshire."
Read down to the bottom:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-17866195
Not unheard of in these parts. Golden Eagles and particularly sea eagles are often suspected of snatching young lambs. Our local ospreys are also accused of snatching salmon from the farms as well.
On the subject of red kites, we were at the "official" opening today of the Tollie Red Kites centre - although we spent several afternoons there last year as well. If you're ever up in these parts
http://www.rspb.org.uk/media/releases/312767-red-kite-centre-is-flying?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Press+releases
Thanks Chris.
I'm opening my own centre soon. Might pay for a holiday or two ;D
I would swap some of the Buzzards and Sparrow Hawks that visit my back garden for a Red Kite.
Got a webpage for kites or sea eagles Chris? .Also looking for info on Snowy owls on shetlands
Billko
Quote from: Tracker on April 27, 2012, 07:13:09 PM
I would swap some of the Buzzards and Sparrow Hawks that visit my back garden for a Red Kite.
Sparrow Hawks come a calling now and again. Watched one take an age to placate a Starling which it then ate alive.
We have 2 pairs of Common Buzzards behind us but they keep clear of the village.
They just come and perch on my fence and intimidate my cat.
http://www.kevin-bates.com/Published/slides/Sparrow%20Hawk%20Nov%202011.html
Fantastic set of photos Kevin :)
Quote from: shakysen on April 27, 2012, 07:39:52 PMGot a webpage for kites or sea eagles Chris? .Also looking for info on Snowy owls on shetlands
Our local red kite centre is at Tollie - http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/t/tollieredkites/index.aspx Although they can often be seen on the road past RAF Tain, alongside Tornados!!
Best place we know for sea eagles is over at Portree, although they have been seen recently on the Moray coast as well.
As for birds in the garden, our local garden birds regularly get taken by sparrowhawks and we also see waders (red shanks mainly) being taken by a Peregrine.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/6973353208_a10da140fe_n_d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/6973353208/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/6973353208/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Probably our rarest visitor
(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4017/4225458802_d93500d475_n_d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/4225458802/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbat/4225458802/sizes/o/in/photostream/
EDIT: Also meant to mention the osprey nest we monitor locally. No chicks last year, due to a nasty storm in the summer, but we're hopeful this year. They can be seen fishing at the Nigg Bay bird hide - where you'll often find me as well!!
Cheers Chris. Will take a tour of the site. RSPB & British trust for ornithology member of many years standing
Billko
We've been monitoring the return of our house martins for about 6 years and they usually appear around 17th April give or take a day.
Spotted them this year on the 22nd but only two. Either the main flight is late or many haven't made it? I hope they're just late.
They make a mess but they're fun to watch and hear their chatter.
Hi all. Spurn points B.T.O.not reported seeing any summer visitors yet..Hoping we have some Hen-harriers nesting this year at Blacktoff.
Billko
QuoteWatched one take an age to placate a Starling which it then ate alive.
Last year we had a sparrowhawk take a blackbird. And then pluck it while still alive and start eating it. After an hour or so, it flew off with the remainder of the carcase.