Red Kites in Chiltern Crescent

Image: © Des Blenkinsopp Taken: 14 Jun 2011

Red Kites are now seriously suburban. These large birds of prey were reintroduced into the Chilterns having not been seen for very many years. They have established successfully and are numerous all across the area but now have a boldness not usually associated with this sort of species. It's quite normal in Wallingford to see groups of a dozen or more circling low over houses and gardens, as in this picture. They are especially fond of this part of town, where they are obviously getting fed. The Nature people keep saying not to do this because kitchen waste isn't good for wild creatures, but I suspect it's an uphill struggle given the attraction of having these great things on your bird table rather than starlings and pigeons. So, bird watchers, no need to head for the hills to see Red Kites. Suburban Wallingford's the place.

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