I was followed by a large Kite-like bird this afternoon. Must've been a good 5ft wingspan. Followed me for around a mile and a half.
I didn't initially think it was a Red Kite... Having seen them before in Shropshire where they're noticeably red, I couldn't notice that distinct colouring.
I thought perhaps a Black Kite but a bit of research makes that seem quite unlikely, just to the east of Snowdonia.
Possibly just a Red Kite and mistaken identity on my part.
The V-shaped fork tail is the thing to look for Travs
Poacher turned game-keeper
Yes it definitely had the trademark Kite tail... Just didn't notice any redness on the bird...
Yesterday's wildlife encounter: two kestrels fighting on some grass. I assume fighting - it looked pretty fierce, with one holding the other down on its back with wings outstretched - not how I'd think mating occurs and probably the wrong time of year.
They were just over a wall and making quite a racket, so I could pop my head over the wall to see what was going on at which point they flew off. They were about 6 feet away from me - one of those times I wished I ever carried a camera.
Maybe quarrelling over territory?
It was probably watching you struggle in the tussocks thinking it might get an unexpected tasty meal!Originally Posted by Travs
Visibility good except in Hill Fog
I had no idea there were red squirrels in wharfedale. Saw one crossing the road in conistone, just near the dib.
Almost 20 years pottering up and down the Leeds-Liverpool canal and today I saw a cormorant for the first time, a couple of miles out West on the canal section close to Jct 3 of the M65.
Didn't seem nervous of our presence at all as we stopped to watch it swimming and then diving down for 5-10 seconds at a time.
It looked to be thoroughly enjoying itself on the small fish which are abundant at the moment.
Richard Taylor
"William Tell could take an apple off your head. Taylor could take out a processed pea."
Sid Waddell
Sparrowhawk made an appearance in the garden again today. Settled down on the bird-table (it usually prefers the top of the fence).
Put on a big show of spreading its wings before flying off, could really appreciate its size.
Those small fish won't be abundant for long!
Visibility good except in Hill Fog
Fifteen (!!) pied wagtails on our roof today. Normally there are a few of them about, but this was like a Hitchcock movie.
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