DON’T FEED THE BIRDS. ( AS CAR’S GO BY ) Traditional Cache
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DON’T FEED THE BIRDS. ( AS CAR’S GO BY )
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2/10/2013
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Beacon Hill .Aston Rowant national nature reserve, a lovely place to visit to see red kites
What do you know about red kites orchids and nature’s lawnmowers. Their stories are just some of the discoveries waiting to be revealed as you explore this reserve
RED KITES – AN OLD FRIEND BACK FOR GOOD
Red kites were once common across grate Britain, but they were hunted to extinction across England and Scotland by the end of the 20th century, as people believed they were killing lambs and game birds. In fact red kites are mainly scavengers, unable to kill any thing larger then a young rabbit.
There are now over 300 pairs of red kits breeding in the Chilterns, following a 5-year re-introduction scheme that has proved great success
Red kites are a chestnut red with striking white patches under the wings and a pale grey head. Viewed from above, a broad white crescent curves across the inner part of the wings, but it is the underside that produces the most startling image.
The head is equipped with hooded amber eyes ringed with lemon yellow. The beak, wickedly hooked and very sharp, is designed for tearing meat and killing small prey animals. This helps them keep fit and survive in nature. But when people feed them they become lazy and often feed the wrong food (SO PLEASE DON’T FEED THE BIRDS) as it’s not in the kits interest, as they must feed them selves.
the kite has a wingspan of nearly two metres, but a relatively small body weight of 2 - 3 Ibs. This means the bird is incredibly agile, and can stay in the air for many hours with hardly a beat of its wings.
The Kite has excellent eyesight and uses this when over flying the countryside in search of food.
The long fingered primary feathers are white with black tips and being bordered by chestnut coverts and dark grey secondaries give the dazzling patches of contrast seen in every kite.
The legs and feet are bright yellow and can often be seen when the bird is in flight. Unlike the buzzard, it is usually silent while hunting, but it can be noisy when fighting for scraps of food with carrion crows and other kites.
Its voice is an insistent, thin piping raised in complaint. The call is quite distinctive once recognised.
The kite is relatively weak for a bird of its size and is unable to open the carcass of a sheep but has to wait for the bill of the powerful raven or the jaws of a fox to do this first.
A red kites closest relative is the Black Kite (Milvus Migrans), which, although similar in overall appearance, lacks its beautiful chestnut colouring.
(Please remember the country code)
Keep dogs under control,
Take your litter home, and please close the gates,
Thank you
ASTON ROWANT’
Nature reserve.
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