Pam and I decided to go to McArthur Glen shopping centre near Ashford at lunchtime, and it wasn't until we was about halfway between J8 and J9 on the M20 that we had a nice view of a Red Kite.
It was 12:38 when it came into view(I thought I would make a note of the time). I saw this large raptor behind the tree line on the opposite side of the road. my first thought was a Common Buzzard because we have sen them there before, but then it came out from behind the tree's being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. It wasn't until it banked round a little Pam then noticed it had a forked tail. I know she was driving but like me she has seen a lot of Kites in Wales over the years, and it's tale makes it unmistakable.
It went virtually straight over the car with the crow in tow heading north. Fortunately we have got a sun roof in the car so when it passed over I was then able to get a better view of it. What a stonking bird. To see a Red Kite in Kent is a really good sighting. This made me feel so elated because it is and always will be my favourite bird.
Below is a link for information and photo's of the Red Kite.
http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob2390.htm
Congrats! I would love to see this bird one day:) I know how it is when you spot that special bird:) Pretty exciting stuff!
ReplyDeleteRohrerbot.
ReplyDeleteThanks mate, You are certainly right, it is exciting.
Ken ,
ReplyDeleteJust as well Pam was there to get the right ID !
As you say , a really good Kent sighting .
Well done ( and Pam of course ).
Well done with the Red Kite Ken. They are always a treat to see, especially in Kent. Didn't see one locally last year, fingers crossed for 2013.
ReplyDeleteWe live near West Malling, on the North Downs, there is a pair of Red Kites frequently flying over our village,last seen 10 days ago. It was the 'whistling' that gave them away first time, as we heard them before looking skywards!
ReplyDeleteSaw a red Kite this morning in West Kent this morning near the Top of Pollhill. Often see buzzards in this area, but delighted to see that unmistakeable forked tail.
ReplyDeleteseen red kites twice over swanley and yesterday at bat and ball landfill,sevenoaks!
ReplyDeleteI saw a red kite early this year fly over my garden in west Dartford heading towards crayford and hall place. I also saw one on the m25 heading from Dartford towards sevenoaks turn off.
ReplyDeleteI saw loads around Peterborough driving down the a1 also loads when i was working at the Burleigh horse trials.
Leon
Just been watching one circling over West Dartford, from my back garden near the golf course. My neighbour tried to catch it with a long lens to no avail. First time I've seen one close up and was surprised at the size of it.
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