Red Kite

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Red Kite

Red Kite

Milvus milvus - The Red Kite I took this photo at Nant-yr-Arian near Pumlumon Fawr in the northern Cambrian Mountains (August 2008). Possibly one of West Wales’ most enigmatic icons is the once extremely endangered Red Kite or boda wennol (swallow-tailed hawk). The Cambrian Mountains were the last refuge of this beautiful bird in the British Isles, which were down to just a single breeding female during the 1930s. It is thanks to the areas wildness, and the hard work and dedication of a few local enthusiasts and farmers that saved it from extinction within Britain’s shores. Even as recently as the 1970s you could travel all day in mid-Wales and not see a single red kite but today following the widespread appreciation of this magnificent bird and strict conservation measures, it is now thriving in Wales and has been reintroduced to several parts of England and Scotland with great success. The red kite was voted overwhelmingly as “Bird of the 20th Century” by members of the British Trust for Ornithology and the RSPB. More information about Red Kites can be found on the RSPB's website: www.rspb.org.uk
Nanuls
on Oct 8, 2008 4:10 pm
Lat/Lon: 52.41636°N / 3.88403°W
Image Type(s): Wildlife
Image ID: 451187

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Marcsoltan

Marcsoltan - Oct 8, 2008 11:37 pm - Voted 10/10

How large are these

Red Kites?
Outstanding.

Nanuls

Nanuls - Oct 9, 2008 4:38 am - Hasn't voted

Re: How large are these

Thanks for the vote! Red Kites aren’t that big, their body weight is typically only 2-3lbs. They make up for this with a relatively long wingspan of just under two metres (about five-and-a-half-feet). They're not particularly strong or aggressive and feed mostly on carrion and small mammals. Watching them fly is stunning, they move with such grace, making sharp and bold moves with only the slightest twist of the tail or adjustment to their wings.

Cheers
Dan

Marcsoltan

Marcsoltan - Oct 9, 2008 9:55 am - Voted 10/10

Re: How large are these

Flight characteristics similar to swallows. I love to watch them fly. And, they are very smart and aware of their surroundings.

I need a btter camera.

Nanuls

Nanuls - Oct 9, 2008 10:28 am - Hasn't voted

Re: How large are these

Yea, very much like swallows, in fact the traditional Welsh name for them is boda wenol which means 'swallow-tailed hawk '.

Marcsoltan

Marcsoltan - Oct 9, 2008 10:41 am - Voted 10/10

Re: How large are these

Wow, thank you so much for your initial reply, and your subsequent one Dan.

Marc

Nanuls

Nanuls - Oct 9, 2008 5:42 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: How large are these

he he, slow work day :)

Nanuls

Nanuls - Oct 10, 2008 6:09 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Red kites

They are indeed beautiful, and are actually getting quite common around where I live. When I was a kid you were very lucky if you ever spotted one; now when I go out for a run, I see as many kites as I see buzzards. This is a case where conservation and public awareness has really worked wonders.

Cheers
Dan

Viewing: 1-7 of 7