Kevin, my local Red Kite, usually sits at the top of a neighbour's conifer tree and calls for me to feed him.
When I do it's usually quite large pieces of the remains of roast chicken. He swoops down at great speed and grabs the treat without landing.
I thought I would try small nuggets of chicken instead so that he wouldn't be able to grab it and fly off. It worked and he landed.
To my surprise a second kite landed and they seemed quite comfortable with each other. She (I'm assuming) waited patiently while Kevin picked up a scrap.
Is this courtship feeding or what .... maybe? We know it happens with Robins, Blue Tits and the like but Red Kites?
"I love you babe" ........................."I love you too babe"
Oops, I'm getting over sentimental.
____________________________________________________________________
Tony
My Flickr Photostream
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
_____________________________________
Regards, Hazel
Lot to learn
Fabulous photos Tony, and my first impressions of the pair together, was courtship, so nice to see others saying the same.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Tony, I don't agree with feeding the Kites mainly because food like processed meat can be harmful which is why the "official " feeding stations use raw meat. I can understand why people do feed in their garden or local patch when they get results like your brilliant photos like you have. When the release scheme was set up in Yorkshire it was a stipulation by the landowners that no feeding stations were put in place but a few unofficial ones have been created. Another thing against the large scale commercial feeding was that it discouraged the birds from spreading far from the area. Since those early days they have spread greatly and more people are enjoying them now.