Red Kites Playing

Easter Sunday Walk & Red Kites

I had the most delightful experience during my recent walk around the charming small village of Brimpton. After a month of wet weather, the sun finally made an appearance, casting a hazy warmth over the countryside. It was the perfect day for a leisurely stroll through the fields, and I couldn’t resist the lure of the nearby church, which I had heard had a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and its wildlife.

As I made my way through the fields, taking in the sights and sounds of nature awakening after the rain, I suddenly spotted something unusual in the sky. Two majestic Red Kites Play in Brimpton were soaring high above, seemingly engaged in a playful game. It was a mesmerising sight, and I couldn’t help but stop and watch as they swooped and dived, displaying their acrobatic prowess. It was time to start photographing birds! especially birds of prey!

As I sat on the old church wall, I realised that these birds of prey were not just playing with each other, but with something else entirely. To my amazement, they were playing catch with a ball! It was a sight I had never witnessed before, and I was captivated by their agility and coordination as they passed the ball back and forth, taking turns in a graceful aerial dance.

I quickly took out my camera (already armed with the Sigma 150-500) and started capturing the magical moment, trying to capture the beauty of the scene in front of me. It was a challenge to capture the fast-paced action of the red kites playing with the ball, but I was determined to document this unique spectacle by photographing birds in their natural environment.

As I watched the red kites play, I couldn’t help but marvel at the intelligence and complexity of these magnificent birds of prey. It was a stark reminder of the wonders of nature and the awe-inspiring behaviors that can be found in even the smallest corners of our world.

After a while, I reluctantly tore myself away from the scene, feeling grateful for the unexpected gift that nature had bestowed upon me when photographing birds. I made my way back home, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to review the photographs I had taken of these birds of prey and relive the experience.

When I finally sat down to process the pictures, I was amazed all over again. The images captured the essence of the moment perfectly, showcasing the kites’ breathtaking display of skill and playfulness. It was a reminder of how fortunate I was to have witnessed such a serendipitous event and how nature continues to surprise and inspire me in the most unexpected ways.

As I reflect on that beautiful day in Brimpton, I am reminded of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the simple joys and marvels of our natural world. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, but moments like these remind us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the beauty around us.

So, the next time you find yourself on a walk, whether it’s in a bustling city or a quiet village, I urge you to keep your senses open to the wonders of nature. You never know when you might stumble upon a magical moment, like I did with the kites in Brimpton. It’s these unexpected encounters that make life truly special and remind us of the incredible beauty that surrounds us every day.

Facts About the Red Kite

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a large bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. This species is known for its striking appearance with reddish-brown feathers, deeply forked tail, and a distinctive white head and neck. Red Kites are known for their graceful flight and are often seen soaring high in the sky, effortlessly riding thermals in search of food. They have a wide distribution across Europe, and are particularly associated with the United Kingdom, where they were once on the brink of extinction but have made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts. Here are some key facts about the Red Kite:

Fact	Information
Scientific Name	Milvus milvus
Average Wingspan	155-175 cm
Average Length	60-70 cm
Habitat	Woodlands, forests, and open countryside
Diet	Mainly scavengers, feeding on carrion, insects, small mammals, and birds
Reproduction	Monogamous; lay 1-4 eggs in a large stick nest in trees or on cliffs
Conservation Status	Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Lifespan	Up to 26 years in the wild
Interesting Fact	Red Kites are known for their aerobatic displays, often performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air
Distribution	Found across Europe, with a significant population in the United Kingdom