Red kites in Norfolk (1 Viewer)

[Paul Woolnough]

I get the impression there are one or two red kites moving around Norfolk.

Am still pinching myself but have three sightings recently.

Only one was lingering - the bird I saw over the poplars on the A47 at Honingham, Friday 27 March. Since it was still there when I turned off through the village and found a viewpoint, I called RBA. Bird stayed for others to enjoy.

Two this bank holiday weekend!!!
Both flyovers.
Hickling Rush Hills, heading east yesterday afternoon Friday 10 April
Second bird north over river, then west over Strumpshaw Fen this afternoon

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Red Kites have bred several times in Norfolk and on the Suffolk Border: it's only a matter of time until they become a familiar sight, IMHO. In a similar vein, we have a pair of Buzzards displaying over woods near my house: a new site, and very welcome in Broadland.

 

[Paul Woolnough]

I am not sure but my two Broadland birds may be the same. I guess my Hickling sighting is same as that seen flying past Happisburgh on same day Friday 10 April.

Honingham bird was different.

Glad kites are becoming more common. Indeed they regularly occurred in Shakespeare's London - birdsofbard.blogspot.com site found whilst writing this message.

 

[kittykat23uk]

I posted a Red kite sighting a few weeks ago on the Norfolk birding thread and I also know that Josh who works at the cley visitor centre also saw one around the same time. The one I saw was on the way back to Norwich from Cley, off the A140.

 

[Brian Robinson]

hi

new to this site today just wanted to say that i have a pair of buzzards near me does anyone know if these are common I last saw a pair on holiday in Wales and there calls just make the hair on the back of my head stand on its end

Brian

 

[mr.sim]

Buzzards appear to be increasing in numbers throughout Norfolk. There have been new terrotories being set up this year. I have at least 6 pairs spread across a couple of estates near me. I'll let the "more experienced" Norfolk birders tell you about when "there used to be none"...
As regards the Red Kites, what are peoples opinions on their origins? Continental birds or offspring of introduced birds from the Midlands etc.? What is the likelehood that they will stay and maybe breed? I know there's at least 3-4 birds touring Norfolk at the moment.