Red Kites in Reading

[Flier]

Hi, I've just signed up so I can share these (poor) shots taken with my Sony Ericsson phone. These two fellows (?) seemed to be in slight conflict at the top of Kendrick Road in Reading about 10:30 Yesterday morning (16/11/07).

I'm assuming they were Red Kites? and probably same sex because one seemed to be chasing the other away. I watched them over the same building for about 15 mins..


Regards
Trevor

[rolf]

Hi Trevor, welcome to the forum. Unfortunately we don't allow direct upload of powerpoint files, but you can zip it up and attach it.

One of them is certainly a Red Kite, but in one of the shots, the wing shape of one of the birds looks wrong.


Had a great sighting of a single Kite yesterday on the A4 London Road dual carriageway approaching Shepherds Hill, one was diving down to pick up some roadkill and swooped three times before picking it up. Alas, I didn't have my camera with me and was driving at the time anyway, but it was only yards away by the time it had actually picked up the roadkill.

[Chocky]

Well spotted Trever
Nice to see them

[Flier]

Rolf,
thanks for converting the picture
To your point that you think one was a Kite but perhaps the other may not be....
The photos don't do justice... they were definately the same species... just could not understand why one was chasing the other unless it was teritorial and both males. The other thing I guess its not too common to be teritorial in a built up area.

Trevor

[rolf]

I think they play games and compete with each other Trevor, I spent 20 minutes a year or so back, watching a couple of Kites "dog fighting" over a field at Sonning Common, but there appeared to be little malice in it.

[Flier]

Possible brothers just sparing

[andy b]

a great spot flier, they are definetly both red kites, as you say. on the top right hand image ( with both birds in it). the bird flying towards... you can see the pale underwing patches and black wingtips, also the pale forked tail is clearly visible from underneath. on the bird flying away... the forked tail is also clearly visible. you were privileged, indeed, to see not just one but two of these top birds. nice one!!

[Flier]

Andy, Thanks.
Agreed, a privilege. But more surprising is the fact it was near the middle of Reading in a completely built up area. I guess there is an outside chance one of them may find a mate and nest in the area. I keep my eyes open in the spring.