Were they like rings? If they were rings then it's a tagged bird :) so we can work out where it's being seen
Those sound like falconers' jesses. Some wild Red Kites will be carrying BTO rings, but they are made of light-coloured metal with a clear number code, and there would only be one.
The most likely species to be encountered as a falconer's escape in the UK is the Harris Hawk, they are very popular esp. with amateur falconers, and somewhat resemble Red Kites. Here is a pic of one, complete with jesses: http://apliense.xtec.cat/prestatgeria/centres/b7002752_1966/33d49a978bf8.jpg
And here's a perched Red Kite. Colouring is somewhat similar but note the greyish head.
Unless you were viewing the bird from behind a window you'd never get as close as 5 feet from a Red Kite. You might from a falconer's bird.
Hello
This is great feedback.
Yes, I did see the bird from behind a window on the top floor of the building.I saw it land and then had 15 seconds astonished viewing before it flew off - there were 3 of us and it looked startled. I remember the black flecks/spots on the wing tips. The wing darkened towards the tips.
The jesses, as they probably were, looked less wide than the ones in the photo.
Whether it's a harris hawk, red kite or one of the many other birds of prey common to London, it's still an experience to cherish.
Harris hawks are used commercially to scare pigeons or other birds from open spaces and deter them from nesting.
Red Kites cluster mostly to the west of London and juveniles do regularly fly-in to explore. We've had no confirmed records of red kites nesting in central London ... yet.
There are more than two-dozen pairs of peregrines though and loads of sparrowhawks.
I miss seeing the Red Kites, used to see them all the time on my travels to the North West coast of Scotland, I'm down in the South of Scotland, haven't seen 1 here, stunning birds, absolutely huge too
pat m said: I miss seeing the Red Kites, used to see them all the time on my travels to the North West coast of Scotland, I'm down in the South of Scotland, haven't seen 1 here, stunning birds, absolutely huge too Not sure which part of Southern Scotland you are in Freckles but last time we were in the South West,Dumfries and Galloway we had great views of Kites and I believe there is a Red Kite Trail and a feeding station.
Not sure which part of Southern Scotland you are in Freckles but last time we were in the South West,Dumfries and Galloway we had great views of Kites and I believe there is a Red Kite Trail and a feeding station.
I'm just outside Edinburgh Pete, planning to take my new camera out and about, may even jump on the train down towards Dumfries, never captured a good pic of a Red Kite, didn't have a decent camera, have not though YAY !!!
Never ... until just this morning: Tooting. Awesome!