The Red kite (Milvus Milvus) is one of our most stunning birds of prey with a wonderfully striking colours and graceful and effortless flight. The habit of drifting slowly, low over the countryside where it can be appreciated to full effect. It has a wing-span approaching two metres and a long, deeply-forked reddish tail, unlike that of any other British bird. This was taken some time ago on a bright and sunny day when I had to spot meter to try and not allow the light to blow out so much of the rustic colours of its feathers... For those who live within a reasonable drive from the Chilterns or Wales you will find several hundred birds, that are easy to get close to, and many places where you can get even closer to watch them feed.. Often scavangers I recall one occasion when one lady near to a popular spot I go to wanted to know why we were so facinated blaming it for having killed her cat.. which was certainly not killed by the Kite, more reasonable was it was the victim of a car.. However no doubt why this bird was persecuted so much until the 20-30 years ago when it was helped in several areas to return to its former hotspots..