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Red Kites

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tamborine | 10:50 Sat 02nd Mar 2019 | Animals & Nature
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2 red kites waddling around my field. Why are they on the ground?

Grass is short as horses continually feed on it.
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Probably after earthworms.
Maybe there’s no wind. Try again tomorrow.
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hmmm, its the only field with livestock, would the droppings feed the kites?

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As its a pair, where would they nest? The only large tree is an old oak
I would have thought that unlikely, tam. As the grass is so short I would think it easier for them to search for earthworms. Most of their food is taken in the form of carion or small creatures.
Choux is correct, they would prefer to eat their normal fare, but if hungry are not averse to eating earth worms.
https://www.redkites.net/section72403_17698.html

THE NEST. The nest is built high up in a tree usually on the edge of woodland, which enables a smooth flightpath into the nest for the large winged parents. A large number of nests are built in beech trees in the Chilterns. The nest consists of twigs and a neat 'bowl' usually lined with sheep wool or other material. Kites are known to 'decorate' their nests with items such as lottery tickets, teddy bears, plastic bags, gloves, etc.

When I had a rook's nest removed from low down in my chimney last year the sweep said he regularly found yorkshire puddings in their nests and once even a car number plate!
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dogs leave lots of toys around. Am surprised the dogs didnt frighten the kites off; all usual wildlife & chickens were still, quiet & hidden.
Yes, definitely searching for worms in the absence of carrion.
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there are regular hay bales in field, hard bucket nuts & constant water trough.

Any ideas how to photgraph them. I dont have long lenses etc. Theyre beautiful but too near Heathrow (8miles) & flight paths.
Tambo just keep your camera on you and wait for the appropriate time is my advice. They are curious and I had one follow me just above my head, a few feet above. Its head was down and it was definitely watching me. And once at Harwood House on the outskirts Leeds, as I parked my car, one rose up in front of me from behind a wall. Jumped out of my skin. It was massive, just massive with wings outstretched as it rose into the sky. Magnificent. I wish I had been carrying a camera on both of those occasions.
It's my guess that they're finding grubs etc that are under and among the horse dung.
Tambourine you can buy fairly cheap digital camera with zoom lens
Tambo,it's one of the secret facts of life,no matter how often you carry your camera around with you, the first time you leave it behind the perfect shot presents it'self.
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there were 4 here today, one perched on plum tree while others circled.

Ive ordered a tele lense for iphone - fingers crossed.
tambo have you got a link to the tele lens gizmo please?
Maybe they have had early chicks due to the strange weather we have experienced this winter and are teaching them some field craft?
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Search ebay @ £3.59 Optical telescop camera lense fits any smart phone.

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