Red kite

[Mike Poole]

I'm sure most British members are aware of Gigrin Farm. For those that don't, it is a Red Kite feeding station in mid Wales where daily feeding is helping boost a once failing population. On this day there were about 150 of these birds after an afternoon snack. Shooting positions are limited so possibly not the best for original photography, but as a spectacle- it's superb

143015

Canon 1d3, 400mm f5.6, 1/2000th at f5.6 ISO 800

[William Dickson]

Very nice Mike, lovely capture. I remember seeing Red Kite in Wales, back in 1972, at that time there was only 20 breeding pairs in the UK ,and they were all in mid Wales.

[Ian Wilson]

Splendid capture Mike in what looks like high sun angle. Nice light on the bird's head makes it the focus of attention. Glad to learn that this species is recovering so well. Cheers, Ian.

[Arthur Morris]

Everything excellent but for the position of the bird's right wing--had it been fully raised this one would be rated several notches higher. I was at that location twice in 1998--both days were so foggy that I could not see my hand in front of my face....

Do you know if Red Kite is seen at all in the northern UK?

[William Dickson]

Hi Arthur

I know the RSPB released a large number of red kite throughout Scotland during the past few years.

You may find this interesting http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/redkite/conservation.aspx

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks William. I am pretty sure that I saw one (naked eye) just south of the Scottish/UK border.

[Frank Schauf]

Nice in flight pose, good capture.