Red Kite watching
by Steve AstonIn late July 2004 on a lovely sunny afternoon whilst driving along the back road of Churchwood Quarry (Wickwar) were I work my eye was caught by what I thought were three buzzards tossing and turning in the sky almost above me. On a second look they appeared to be engaged in battle.
Then I noticed one bird looked different: the wings were a different shape, the colouring was very unusual and the tail had a deep “V”.
Yes! To my amazement I was watching two buzzards trying to see off a Red Kite.
By now I had parked the truck in a pull in area just off the road and was out of the cab and standing on the platform on the side. Minutes later a car came along the road from behind and stopped by the side, a manager looked up and said "Everything ok? Do you have a problem?"
"No," I replied, "I was just watching a Red Kite."
In a flash he was out of the car and exclaimed his excitement, having never seen one before. We watched for a while until the buzzards seemed to have gained the better hand and the Red Kite flew up higher and glided off across towards Cromhall.
Photo: Mark Garrett
The reason for our excitement was due to the fact they are rarely seen in these parts, with only a few recorded sightings in Avon per year. These birds were almost extinct in the British Isles with only a handful of birds remaining in Wales. But protection and a reintroduction to various part of the country have meant they are breeding well and they will slowly spread.
You too could have seen this bird as it flew over the village; you just need to be in the right place at the right time. But you also need to keep interested in what is going on around you and your luck will change.
If you have some holiday to use up, I can recommend a trip to Rhayader in Wales and a visit to Gigrin Farm, a Red Kite feeding station; the Elan Valley is also very close.
