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Red Kite near Basildon, Essex

EPB76
30/01/2022 16:10

Hi all,

First post, apologies if I'm not doing it right!

We live in Laindon, Basildon, Essex, and today we saw a very low flying Red Kite. 

We only have a small garden, but very fortunate to see jays, doves, long-tails and a little family of woodpeckers.

The odd sparrow-hawk disturbs the peace from time to time but today this beautiful large bird of prey got us a bit worried... since we found fresh blood marks near our feeding station. 

Should we worry?

In advance, many thanks for any advice.

Cheers,

Manny 

  • 30/01/2022 17:51
    I have never heard of a Red Kite catching small birds on bird feeders but although highly unlikely maybe not impossible. They do not have a lot of strength in their talons so could only kill small birds/mammals by crushing. Your bird may have picked up fresh meat or carrion nearby and landed to eat it on the ground. I am very jealous as after watching Kites for 20 years or so I have never had one in the garden

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • 30/01/2022 18:41
    By the way I recommend you change your user name for the forum as using your email address can leave you open to spam

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • 30/01/2022 22:00
    What a good sighting, beautiful red kite against that blue sky. I doubt too that the Kite would take any small birds, but I suppose a pigeon or wood pigeon might tempt it. Keep that camera ready in case it lands again.
    I agree with Pete it might be safer to change your user name.

    Lot to learn

  • 31/01/2022 12:47 in reply to gaynorsl
    Thanks, I must have been tired! :)
  • 31/01/2022 15:36
    One of our forum members has Kites visit his garden, he offers them bits of chicken - I don't think he has ever mentioned then taking small birds. I think the Sparrowhawk has probably been through and the kite is on the look out for a freebee - waste not, want not - if the Sparrow hawk gets spooked off its trophy I'm sure a hungry kite will be happy to clean up as they are scavengers

    Cin J