Are the birds taking over?

[Silgo]

Since around 10 this morning there has been at least half a dozen BIG birds (not yellow ones ) flying around. These birds are probably about 16" high when standing, with a wingspan of maybe 4 or 5 feet! We tried to work out what they are, but as we're not sure, I took some photos...




Any ideas?

[FunkyNige]

Red Kites, bit of a conservation success story

[mrsshpub]

I don't think they're red kites — the tail's wrong. More likely to be buzzards.

[Silgo]

FunkyNige said:

Red Kites, bit of a conservation success story

I didn't know we had them around here (Derbyshire) - I thought they were only in Wales and Scotland, but Google shows me you're right!
Thanks

[Silgo]

mrsshpub said:

I don't think they're red kites — the tails's wrong. More likely to be buzzards.

Maybe I spoke too soon - I'll have to have that beer back

Looking at this link, it does look like they could be common buzzards - as you say the ones I saw do not have the forked tail...

Thanks

[digger the goat]

Buzzards .... Thousands around my area...

[telecat]

Red Kites are eEstablished in Leeds as well. Started off at Harewood Estate and they are moving out. Seen one over Richmond Hill Near the Middle of Leeds as well as a few Over Bramham and close to Aberford.. They have moved North to Harrogate as well. Hopefully they'll avoid Yeadon!

[TheBALDpuma]

telecat said:

. Hopefully they'll avoid Yeadon!

I live in Rawdon, and there is a pair that live around the abattoir on the A65 towards Horsfoth. I regularly see them over Micklefield park. Not far from yeadon at all!

And to answer the OP, defo a buzzard. The tail in concave on a kite, and convex on a buzzard. Different flying style too. Kites are so common up here, I see them nearly every day!

[jimmy156]

100% a buzzard, Red kites are even bigger

Buzzard:


Kite:

[digger the goat]

jimmy156 said:

100% a buzzard, Red kites are even bigger

Buzzard:


Kite:

[jimmy156]

digger the goat said:

I think i've missed my own joke

[Turn7]

You are not alone....

[digger the goat]

Good grief !!!

Picture of the kite is larger than the buzzard !!!

come on.... Catch up !!!

ETA... Your kite would be larger than pterosaur in comparison so , yes ...MUCH bigger !!

Edited by digger the goat on Monday 17th February 21:42

[Turn7]

Ah, ok....

[jimmy156]

digger the goat said:

Good grief !!!

Picture of the kite is larger than the buzzard !!!

come on.... Catch up !!!

ETA... Your kite would be larger than pterosaur in comparison so , yes ...MUCH bigger !!

Edited by digger the goat on Monday 17th February 21:42

If only that had been intentional! I would have been quite pleased with that

[central]

Common Buzzard. Britain's most abundant Raptor.

[roystinho]

TheBALDpuma said:

telecat said:

. Hopefully they'll avoid Yeadon!

I live in Rawdon, and there is a pair that live around the abattoir on the A65 towards Horsfoth. I regularly see them over Micklefield park. Not far from yeadon at all!

And to answer the OP, defo a buzzard. The tail in concave on a kite, and convex on a buzzard. Different flying style too. Kites are so common up here, I see them nearly every day!

Saw a pair over the tarn today