Could this be a swallow tailed kite?

Hi Helen

Firstly - there is no photo uploaded.

Secondly - I think there only has been 3 recorded sightings of a STK so it is highly unlikely that your friend saw one in this country but I'll wait for the photo.

It could just be a Kite that has a few missing tail feathers or an albino Kite - I don't know but I look forward to seeing the photo so I can judge.

/Users/helenpettman/Desktop/what sort of kite is this?JPG.JPG

I hope you can see this photo now which my friend took and thinks it is a swallow tailed kite

Hi Helen, I think that link is only valid on your computer. If you use the 'Use rich formatting' option for replying to the thread, you can drag and drop the photo into your post. That will be immediately visible to readers without the need for links.

Sorry still can't see the photo. It is very unlikely the closest one has been reported is the Azores. Red Kites can look pale underneath and given that BOP shed out feathers in pairs it may have dropped the inner feathers making the fork more swallow like.
I've also scanned the lists of lost BOP and can't see anything that remotely might be similar

Germain is right little chance of it being s S T Kite

Hi Pete,

This helped me. Thanks,

Helen.

Hi Germain,

Thank you for going to such trouble with your reply.   Here is the picture and I can assure you this is 100% taken in Evington Park, Leicester and it was the noise of the bird that alerted him to look up and snap a photo.

Helen. 

Ummmm………. Well That is definitely a photo of a Swallow-tailed Kite. I think your pal had better have a chat with their county recorder. www.bto.org/.../county-bird-recorders

I’ve just found there was an unverified report of one in Kent in mid July. Found a report on RareBirdsAlert
www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/.../weeklyRoundup2021_30.aspx