taken 16 years ago, near to Laurieston, Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland
Three Kites (and a crow!) at Bellymack
There has been a very successful reintroduction of Red Kites to this area.
Persecuted for a long time these birds were wiped out in most areas of Britain -In 1903 they were extinct in England and Scotland with only 3 pairs left in Wales.
They feed mainly on carrion and insects. There are still kites found dead due to poisoning - either from poisoned meat left out for vermin or it is believed also from pesticides. However these birds are quite plentiful now in this area - with up to 60 birds visible at one time at this feeding station. 3/4 of the visiting birds here were born wild.
NX6865 : Three Kites (and a crow!) at Bellymack These are amazing creatures with a tragic tale, yet a (hopefully) happy ending. Reintroduced at Harewood in Leeds two or three years ago. They have been so successful since, they are a head turner for anyone visiting the Weardley (Emmerdale) area. An undeniably impressive bird.