Richard and i caught up with the Black Kite at Gigrin Farm this afternoon – well worth a trip, despite the cold. The bird appeared from Brynafon direction almost as soon as we got there and circled for a while directly overhead. The spectacle of 600+ (There are at least 420 in the bottom photo – that shows around 70% of the group) Red Kites sweeping down for food was incredible – a contrast to the 25 I saw back in the summer!
The Black Kite was difficult to track amongst the Reds at times, but came close to the hides on several occasions. It also stuck around longer than most of the rest. A beautiful bird – the most stiking difference at a distance being its obvious long thin ‘fingers’. The coloration underneath is much darker, with small white patches. Most of the time the tail looks un-forked and gives the bird a shorter tailed look. A slight fork can be seen at times though. Wings are broader, making them look shorter. From head on, its distinctive face patterns make it reminiscent of a Hen Harrier or Short-eared owl.
The amount of Red kites on view, all in the air at once was amazing – brave the weather and take a look, its well worth it! Photos below were taken on my diddy Canon Ixus, hence the quality – see the Radnor Bird Blog for the best images.
Rhayader by Nature 
