• Replies 17 replies
  • Subscribers 94 subscribers
  • Views 2278 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Latest posts

Hello from south Oxfordshire

larkandwarbler
21/10/2009 19:00

Hello from Red Kite Country - I have just joined because, having managed to attract lots of lovely birds into my garden, in the last couple of  months they've all abandoned my food laden birdtable, but info on the forum has alayed my fears!
I am eagerly awaiting the first frosts.

  • 21/10/2009 19:08
    Hi larkandwarbler - welcome to the forum - yep first frost they'll all be back. Wait till the breeding season you'll be constantly refilling feeders! We are on the edge of Red Kite country here (Montgomeryshire/Shropshire border) but we always enjoy driving down thru Oxford to see how many we can spot along the motorway - I have to say usually many more than we see in one go up here unless you go to the farm where they are fed. Lovely to see them flying and circling along the road ahead of you.
  • 21/10/2009 19:31 in reply to lucybob

    Hello and welcome from me. I have red kites overhead most days now - though I am still trying for a decent photo as they are rather high in the sky. One day....

    The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.

    The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!

  • 21/10/2009 19:32 in reply to lucybob

    Welcome to the forum Larkandwarbler! I'm also from Shropshire and have been lucky to see one kite fly over the village I live in! Like Lucy, I enjoy 'counting' the kites on my way up & down the M40!! :-)

    "All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)

    My photos on Flickr

  • 21/10/2009 20:00 in reply to lucybob

    Hi Lucybob, Squirrel & MarJus

    Don't drive past!  Leave the M40 at Junction 6 the Lewknor turn, just past Oxford on the way down, go west 3 miles to Watlington then left up to Christmas Common - suddenly it's the remote unspoilt Chilterns. Wonderful walks and Red Kites everywhere, soaring, gliding, hunting with their mournful cries filling the air.
    Sometimes if you're on a hill you'll see them below you quartering a pasture, gliding silently just above the ground. 
    Each new sighting is a delight; it never fails to lift your spirits. 

     

  • 21/10/2009 20:11 in reply to larkandwarbler

    Many thanks for that info. As I am not far from there I think a dedicated drive out is called for one weekend soon.

    The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.

    The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!

  • 21/10/2009 20:37 in reply to Squirrel

    Squirrel B said:

    Many thanks for that info. As I am not far from there I think a dedicated drive out is called for one weekend soon.

    Squirrel - do post any photos you take on your trip, and alert me to them!

  • 21/10/2009 20:49 in reply to larkandwarbler

    Welcome from me too.  It's a great place for new friends and lots of birding tips.

    I'm in South Wiltshire so no red kites here  A trip up your way is now on my long and still growing list of places to visit.

    There is something new to learn everyday...

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/

  • 21/10/2009 22:21 in reply to larkandwarbler

    larkandwarbler said:

    Many thanks for that info. As I am not far from there I think a dedicated drive out is called for one weekend soon.

     

    Squirrel - do post any photos you take on your trip, and alert me to them!

    [/quote]

    I certainly will do. My experience of photographing them so far switches between too high up and no bird at all so hopefully this may prove more fruitful.

    The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.

    The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!

  • 21/10/2009 22:23 in reply to larkandwarbler

    Thanks for those detour instructioons from off the M40, which we use on our trips to the north west. Only usually see Red Kites on the motorway.

  • 21/10/2009 22:39 in reply to Brenda H

    Yes thanks very much for that info!! Will certainly leave an hour earlier in future to stop off for a while and may even do a day trip there one day!!

    "All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)

    My photos on Flickr