Red Kite

Rainbowsend

A fairly local Red Kite, delighted to see it today.

MB Lacey

That's an amzing photo!
What lens/ camera have you got?

I've got quite a few photos I've taken of Red Kites around Yorkshire, they fly really close to you there, but in Ireland they don't fly half as close - so your photo is really great.

It wasn't me!

Was in Germany recently and took a train from Memmingen to Friedrichshafen and saw two kites along the way (along with foxes, roe deer and countless other animals) and then they hovered over the city while I was in Konstanz. Fantastic to see.

Rainbowsend

MB Lacey wrote: »

That's an amzing photo!
What lens/ camera have you got?

I've got quite a few photos I've taken of Red Kites around Yorkshire, they fly really close to you there, but in Ireland they don't fly half as close - so your photo is really great.

Thankyou very much! I use a Sony a700 with a Sigma 50-500 that was at full stretch and cropped slightly. I was delighted to see it, I knew they were in the area but have not been lucky enough to see any untill today.

Feargal as Luimneach

Class photo!

Roen

Well played! Hard to catch them at all

LostCovey

Rainbowsend wrote: »

A fairly local Red Kite, delighted to see it today.

A lovely photo, thanks for sharing it. I guess this is an adult, given the difference in shape between the inner secondaries (pointed) and outer secondaries (rounded), it seems to have moulted some of its flight feathers.

LostCovey

Valmont

I was in Yorkshire for the weekend and I saw two Red kites and a kestrel. That is more than I've seen the past year in Ireland!

MB Lacey

Rainbowsend wrote: »

I use a Sony a700 with a Sigma 50-500 that was at full stretch and cropped slightly.

Well the sharpness is great, I wonder if I can get a Sigma 50-500 to fit onto my nikon d40, I'll look into it.

Valmont, my parents live near Harewood House where one of the Red Kite re-introduction programmes took place, so whenever I go home I see several flying very low evey day.
Is that where you were? Leeds, Otley, Harrogate area?
Its quite cool aswell that Emmerdale Farm is filmed in the grounds of Harewood House, so they often have Red Kites flying over their set!

If you want to see more photos of RedKites I write a blog and have some Yorkshire Red Kite photos posted here.

E39MSport

Rainbowsend wrote: »

Thankyou very much! I use a Sony a700 with a Sigma 50-500 that was at full stretch and cropped slightly. I was delighted to see it, I knew they were in the area but have not been lucky enough to see any untill today.

I have the same lens on my Cannon. Love it. Hefty beast though.
Nice shot.

ThunderCat

Great photo. Lovely animal. Easily my favourite bird of prey, such a beautiful flyer.

Rainbowsend

@ MBLacey..........I am sure Sigma do a Nikon fit in that lens, I know they do in the 150-500 which is not quite so heavy but still a good lens. That shot was handheld, I didnt have time to get the tripod out, I dont usually get good shots handheld, so I was really lucky

MB Lacey

Rainbowsend wrote: »

@ MBLacey..........I am sure Sigma do a Nikon fit in that lens, I know they do in the 150-500 which is not quite so heavy but still a good lens. That shot was handheld, I didnt have time to get the tripod out, I dont usually get good shots handheld, so I was really lucky

I looked at the price of that lens - €1600!!
I'll have to stick to my cheaper lens and blurrier bird photos for a while I think!

bogtreader

Brilliant picture Rainbowsend looks like a "young un" it seems to have a tag still on.As far i know the tag only stay one for a year when they moult if falls off.Thanks for sharing:):)

wildlifeman

2 red kites n the river road along the tolka in D15 for the past two weeks.

Harry Hussey

Hi there,
The initial Red Kite image is amazing, one of the best that I have seen taken in Ireland. As a result, the finer details of moult and wear are readily visible, enabling accurate ageing, though, as my own experience with ageing of Red Kite is limited, I concede that some of this may be incorrect.
So, to start, this bird is in obvious primary moult, and this means that it can't be one of this year's juveniles: the very pale iris, mainly yellowish bill and streaked underparts are also all features of older (adult-type) birds anyway. We are thus dealing with a bird in its second calendar year (i.e. born in 2009) or older. Now, I can't help but notice that the outer four (dark-tipped) primaries are retained older feathers, with a gap where the fifth primary should be. That said, it really interests me that the outermost primary is a lot more faded than the next three feathers: in Common Buzzard, during the first complete moult in a bird's second calendar year, the moult is very often incomplete, with a variable number of juvenile primaries not being replaced at all, and not moulted until the next complete moult, in the bird's third calendar year. If Red Kite has a similar moult strategy, and I don't see why it may not have, this would make this bird a 3rd calendar year, with three primaries remaining that it moulted in last year, and the outermost a juvenile feather that is almost two years old and will be replaced before too long.
Now I just need to study my copy of Forsman and see if my logical reasoning is flawed or not...
Regards,
Harry

Rainbowsend

Thanks Harry, so this could have been one of the original Kites that were
introduced here. The tags are still in place would these stay put throughout the moult?

Harry Hussey

Rainbowsend wrote: »

Thanks Harry, so this could have been one of the original Kites that were
introduced here. The tags are still in place would these stay put throughout the moult?

The original batch of releases was in 2007, as far as I recall, so this bird, if my reasoning is correct, would have been from the second batch of releases, in 2008.
Tags, and this is not as barbaric as it may sound, are actually stitched through an area of skin membrane on the wing, and, while some wear away a little and fall off, they are designed to stay on a bird. This does not cause pain, it's probably no different to human beings wearing earrings or something.
Of course, reading the tags, were that possible, would allow 100% accurate ageing...
Regards,
Harry

cuddlycavies

Anyone wanting to view these magnificent birds will be rewarded by a trip to Avoca. A half mile from the town on the Arklow road is a ruined church on the right. Immediately opposite is a panoramic view of the wooded river valley. Up to seven kites can be seen daily riding the wind thermals above.

cuddlycavies

photo0006.jpg

sables2

Hi Rainbowsend,
What a stunning picture you caught there! The rapture is SO graceful in flight. I'd LOVE to see one. Tried Broadlough Co. Wicklow. No sign. I'v been told they're pretty common around Rathdrum??
Why don't you post a 'find' to: www.irishbirding.com Your BOUND to get a name for yourself there - especially if you get a picture of birds who are uncommon and rare.

Rainbowsend

Thank you very much for the compliment sables2, this was taken in Rathdrum, I had been there for the day and had just about given up when I was returning down the hill into the village he flew right in front of me! A great sight for sure, you can sometimes get them over the Nll just around the Arklow bypass too.

cuddlycavies

Saw one soaring at Roundwood this morning. But Avoca is a dead cert if you want to see them.

coolhandspan

those kites still around guy????????

sables2

Ok Rainbowsend. Thanks for advice. Can't wait to see if i can spot one. "Patients is a virtue, have it if can - seldome in in a women, but never in a man"

Feargal as Luimneach

http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/newsitem.asp?c=11&cate=__9764
From the link above: "This year (2010) they have managed to breed – the first breeding of Red Kites in Ireland for more than 200 years. Twelve chicks were raised from seven nests in Co Wicklow and five chicks by four pairs in Co Down".
So that's a total of 16 chicks raised North and South this year:D

Rainbowsend

that is a wonderful achievement Feargal lets hope they all survive!

jkforde

Damian's Clarke's email here, reckon we should bombard him with congratulatory emails! Fantastic news on a day when the news is otherwise plain depressing.

sables2

Yes, it is Rainbowsend - great news about the red kites.
prosperous thread by Feargal. It's AMAZING news! God, i do hope the chicks thrive and live long enough to breed themselves when the time comes.Tonight i saw the RTE programme: 'The Eagles Return'. It was TOTALLY depressing to see SO many raptors poisoned. Will farmers...(who else??) ever learn. The Norwegians have us under scrutiny, and rightly so. If it continues..the illicit negligence of our farmers, we'll have little or NO birds of prey left. They..(the Norwegian farmers) don't use poisonous bait, simply put - they'd be imprisoned i believe. These precious and beautiful birds are in our hands..literally.

MB Lacey

Just a reminder that any sightings should be reported to the Golden Eagle Trust, where, when etc

Here's the link http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=129

sables2

Hi MB Lacey,
Will do...if/when i see them: gosh, wouldn't it be sooo exciting!

Monkaa

Rainbowsend wrote: »

Thank you very much for the compliment sables2, this was taken in Rathdrum, I had been there for the day and had just about given up when I was returning down the hill into the village he flew right in front of me! A great sight for sure, you can sometimes get them over the Nll just around the Arklow bypass too.

Interesting, as I was fishing with the other half in rathdrum last May and saw what I think now was a Kite flying overhead & into a forest. At the time I didnt know what it was but knew it was something special! Ive been watching the eagles return each week & from that I thought it must been a Kite and now your post basically confirms this! Beautiful birds, would love to see one again!

sables2

Monkaa wrote: »

Interesting, as I was fishing with the other half in rathdrum last May and saw what I think now was a Kite flying overhead & into a forest. At the time I didnt know what it was but knew it was something special! Ive been watching the eagles return each week & from that I thought it must been a Kite and now your post basically confirms this! Beautiful birds, would love to see one again!

Hi Monkaa,
Your one lucky man. I'd LOVE to see a red kite. I'm sure they're around, no doubt! Spotting 'em is another thing. I believe they're in the 'kite triangle': Rathdrum, Avoca and Kilcoole.. (correct me on the stats?) I'm sure that was a kite alright you saw.They REALLY are stunning birds of prey Monkaa.

Monkaa

sables2 wrote: »

Hi Monkaa,
Your one lucky man. I'd LOVE to see a red kite. I'm sure they're around, no doubt! Spotting 'em is another thing. I believe they're in the 'kite triangle': Rathdrum, Avoca and Kilcoole.. (correct me on the stats?) I'm sure that was a kite alright you saw.They REALLY are stunning birds of prey Monkaa.

One lucky woman you mean Im pretty sure it was a Kite because I thought it was an eagle type bird and when I saw it, all makes sense now! Only saw it for a couple seconds tho...but hoping to spot more in the next few weeks as will be out wicklow way again! I came onto this forum to see where people were spotting them!

heavyballs

sables2 wrote: »

Hi Monkaa,
Your one lucky man. I'd LOVE to see a red kite. I'm sure they're around, no doubt! Spotting 'em is another thing. I believe they're in the 'kite triangle': Rathdrum, Avoca and Kilcoole.. (correct me on the stats?) I'm sure that was a kite alright you saw.They REALLY are stunning birds of prey Monkaa.

have seen a few Kites in both Avoca and Rathdrum,however have not seen a sight of one in Kilcoole,there are a fair few Buzzards up near Druids Heath golf club

during the summer i drove my neighbour who's a huge BW fan down to Avoca.
We were driving home a bit pissed off after a few hours of spotting,then my son points out a kite from the back seat of the car,we stopped the car and he hung about 25 feet above the car for about 30 seconds almost without moving,the best sight i have ever seen.

cuddlycavies

I guarantee you'll see them at Avoca every day rain permitting.

cuddlycavies

Monkaa wrote: »

One lucky woman you mean Im pretty sure it was a Kite because I thought it was an eagle type bird and when I saw it, all makes sense now! Only saw it for a couple seconds tho...but hoping to spot more in the next few weeks as will be out wicklow way again! I came onto this forum to see where people were spotting them!

Check your id on this one. Kite is large red eagle like in wings and forked tail. Buzzard large eagle like with fan tail, darker colour. And finally believe it or not a White Tailed Sea Eagle has been visiting near the area you mentioned for over a month now.

sables2

cuddlycavies wrote: »

Check your id on this one. Kite is large red eagle like in wings and forked tail. Buzzard large eagle like with fan tail, darker colour. And finally believe it or not a White Tailed Sea Eagle has been visiting near the area you mentioned for over a month now.

Your right about the White Tailed Sea Eagle. It was reported in: irishbirding.com a sighting of the sea eagle was spotted at Broad Lough Co. Wicklow last month. WOW! Imagine seening that baby.Good detail of the various birds you gave cuddlycavies..all spot on!

cuddlycavies

And last weekend also, on the Murrough I believe.

sables2

cuddlycavies wrote: »

And last weekend also, on the Murrough I believe.

Looks a likely spot alright. I was at Avoca today trying to see if i could catch a glimpse of a Red Kite. Nothing - mind you, was only there about an hour and half. I guess you never know where they'd pop up though. Will keep The Murrough in mind for the sea eagles.

snowstreams

Avoca town is where I saw my first one. Id recommend a short drive around the back roads just north east of Avoca. You will almost surely see a good few red kites there. Maybe not if its raining though!

sables2

snowstreams wrote: »

Avoca town is where I saw my first one. Id recommend a short drive around the back roads just north east of Avoca. You will almost surely see a good few red kites there. Maybe not if its raining though!

snowstreams
Hi snowstreams. Sounds good. That's my next port of call! I was only opposite the woollen mills off the round-about, so maybe too noisy for 'em??

cuddlycavies

Arklow road, 1/2 mile outside Avoca, ruined church on rhs. Immediately opposite is the river valley. There are several kites patroling this area. On any day you will see them weather permitting.

cuddlycavies

What abou this one. At Avoca last week. White Tail being mobbed by Kites

http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=234&r=2.551

sables2

cuddlycavies wrote: »

Arklow road, 1/2 mile outside Avoca, ruined church on rhs. Immediately opposite is the river valley. There are several kites patroling this area. On any day you will see them weather permitting.[/QUOTE
Hi cuddlycavies
Thats great. SO glad for that information. I simply didn't know where to go. It's 'easy when you know'. I was really peeved off there yesterday, waiting and watching. Only saw rooks, crows some pigeons and wagtails. bump:mad:

sables2

cuddlycavies wrote: »

What abou this one. At Avoca last week. White Tail being mobbed by Kites

http://www.goldeneagle.ie/portal.php?z=234&r=2.551

That's WAY OUT...(as the yanks would say). Was it not in fact buzzards i read??

cuddlycavies

sables2 wrote: »

That's WAY OUT...(as the yanks would say). Was it not in fact buzzards i read??

''Bird was circling over the avoca valley and was being mobbed by a group of 5-8 buzzards and red kites''. Both.
When I was a kid none of these birds lived here. Buzzards were confined to Antrim, and the other two extinct. We have come some way.

sables2

cuddlycavies wrote: »

''Bird was circling over the avoca valley and was being mobbed by a group of 5-8 buzzards and red kites''. Both.
When I was a kid none of these birds lived here. Buzzards were confined to Antrim, and the other two extinct. We have come some way.

Here,here...There was none either when i saw a young fella. It's really EXTRAORDINARY to see, isn't it? We should be on our knees - thanks to the eagle trust and i suppose bird watch ireland. I'm so proud of them all. I hope to see even ONE next visit.

Feargal as Luimneach

Went down to Avoca village (saw Kites from the bridge in the village). Saw two kites (one of which had a blue wingtag) and a pair of buzzards. Here's a photo, buzzard on left and red kite on right. Great to see the birds soaring together. Quality of photo is poor (not a Rainbowsend quality photo I'm afraid), but good to compare and contrast each species>:)

sables2

Feargal as Luimneach wrote: »

Went down to Avoca village (saw Kites from the bridge in the village). Saw two kites (one of which had a blue wingtag) and a pair of buzzards. Here's a photo, buzzard on left and red kite on right. Great to see the birds soaring together. Quality of photo is poor (not a Rainbowsend quality photo I'm afraid), but good to compare and contrast each species>:)

Feargal. These are AMAZING!! WELL DONE. I love the contrast and the lovely 'command' presence they give off. I'm SO envious of you, honestly.

rog1985

I saw a red kite about a mile from Ballymurphy, Co. Carlow. April just gone. Two mornings in a row. Someone else saw it there too. Delighted to hear how they are spreading out. Hope some move down to Kilkenny!!