Red Kite feeding

It's half term, so Bug Mad Girl and I decided to feed the Red Kites and watch the show they put on. We don't feed them very often, but it's such a spectacular sight to see them diving down to pick up chicken from the lawn, that it's areal treat when we do.

Two magpies were the first to spot the chicken. They seemed very nervous about going near it, probably because they knew who it was for! They turned their backs on it and had a bit of a chat about what to do next, then turned and charged at it, glancing up all the time.

"So, how shall we go about this then?"

Just make a dash for it and see what you can get

But keep checking above you!

There's nothing that annoys a Red Kite more than a magpie trying to steal it's chicken, so it didn't take long for the kites to start circling and calling. They are such beautiful birds!

Then they swooped, chasing off the magpies and trying to grab the chicken. At the first attempt they dropped it, but went round again and got it the next time. Several more swoops and all the chicken was gone.

#100DaysOfNature Day 100
A magpie making a hasty exit (behind the kites right wing)

Dropped the chicken

Got it this time!

Almost flew into the trampoline!

 

All of these photos were taken out of my kitchen window. Not a bad view of the back garden drama!