Red Kite (not the actual one, but a lookalike)
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Red Kite over Bodmin Moor
Lovely raptor sighting on Sunday afternoon. We were strolling up Caradon Hill near the moorland village of Minions, with dog on the lead and babs in pushchair when my attention shifted from the massive 600ft Tv transmitter on the top of the hill to a little mid-air skirmish between a bird of prey and a crow. The usual reaction would be "ah...the buzzard and the corvid, nature's most ancient struggle for power(!)" but the longer wings, distinctive forked tail and general demeanour of this raptor unmistakeably spelt Red Kite. Cornwall occasionally witnesses visits from this stunning bird, whose numbers are happily increasing these days, but I hadn't seen one since last year so this was quite a coup for our Sunday leg stretch. Anyway, dismissing the crow with a sudden lunge, the kite soared upwards then passed overhead and receded slowly into the far distance, heading out towards Stowes Hill and Sharptor beyond.
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2 comments:
Wotcha Joel... I thought I had seen red Kites around here and have done for a few years now but always told that they had been sparrowhawks. Now anyone seeing them both in action couldnt really think they were the same I would have thought but nice to know they are about.....or am I losing my mind!!!!
Howdy Matey!
You're not losing your mind, red kites do frequent Cornwall! I think they are mainly "passing through" when they are here but I've definitely seen them before and look forward to seeing em again. Apparently some people spot black kites, now that would be good! Catch you later!
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