Red Kite?

[hugnie21]

Saw a large bird of prey today soaring over the motorway, huge wingspan, dark with white patches under the wings, long feathery wings, and a forked tail.

My first thought was that it was a red kite, and a quick google search seems to confirm it. Any other ideas? The reason I don't believe it could be is because this was in Kent and I didn't think they were found around here.

[Cetti]

The forked tail is diagnostic hugnie, so you are right, it was a Red Kite! It couldn't be anything else, but you still wonder, don't you?

I live in Dorset where Red Kites are extremely rare, but had the thrill of seeing one circling over my house about a month ago. The day before a Black Kite was spotted only a mile away, so these fabulous birds are definitely spreading around the country. Aren't we lucky?

[hugnie21]

Thanks Cetti. Wow I'm so excited!!

[Cetti]

It is a wow bird - I'm excited for you :-)

When you come down to earth, don't forget to let your Bird Recorder know as he will be very, very pleased as well!

[emx384]

I am lucky enough to live in Oxfordshire and I get to see Red Kites most days as there are quite a few here - just wanted to mention - because you saw it over a motorway it makes it even more likely it is a Kite. As they scavange dead animals as opposed to killing their own prey, motorways are the best 'hunting' ground. If you drive down the M40 near me you are almost guaranteed to see at least one!

[hugnie21]

Bird recorder??

[burnhal]

Often drive down or up the M40 - near Stokenchurch you are guaranteed to see at least a dozen circling around. They are spreading out nicely now- have seen them as far south as Newbury, as far east as Dunstable. I remember the first time I saw one a few years ago after the initial release- nearly crashed the car in suprise as previously had only seen them near Aberystwyth.
And havent buzzards spread! It wasnt many years ago that they were confined to the west country and Lakeland in England. You can see them almost anywhere now- brilliant!

[Cetti]

Yes, every county has a Bird Recorder that collates sightings and they are particularly interested in rare sightings, such as yours, hugie.

People from all over send in their sightings and It gives an overall picture of which bird is increasing/decreasing - and from which county.

Here's a list, colplete with email and for Kent it's Don Taylor.

http://www.bto.org/birdtrack/bird_recording/co unty_bird_recorder.htm

[hugnie21]

Oh I see, never knew that. I'll do that now.

Thanks again.