RED KITE
The red kite is a rare visitor to Lundy and the individual I photographed was an escaped falconer’s bird (you can see the jesses hanging when it is flying), but I still think it is worth including here as it is such a gorgeous bird, and it is my website!
Before seeing this bird outside Pigs Paradise (staff properties), I had only ever seen them at Reading train station. I know that is a bit random, but they are common there, I do not know why.
With its streaked white head, distinct white patches on the underside of the long, narrow wings and its forked tail, it is easy to identify.
Red kites’ nest in tall trees and prefer a habitat which includes trees, open pastureland or fields and a large water source, like a lake. They also like rubbish, so a nearby tip is handy. As well as refuse, they will eat carrion, voles, mice and insects and they can catch small to medium sized birds in surprise attacks.
