My Red Kite Moment
By Ronnie Reed
Education Officer
There is something about birds of prey. As I sit here writing this in the early morning with the windows of the room open onto the garden, with its scent of honeysuckle and the smell of fresh, rain- washed summer soil in the field beyond I can hear the mewing of a buzzard in the distance, high above the Downs. I cannot see it but I can hear it and if I close my eyes the sound conjures up images of craggy peaks and mist hanging low over mountain valleys; images of wildness, freedom and something untouched by human hand. Then I catch sight of not one but two buzzards lifting on the thermals, spiralling up and up, wing tips lifted, into a vast expanse of sky and cloud.
Kestrels do it for me as well. It is the precision and grace with which they hover, perfectly poised ready to drop for the kill.
I can remember the excitement, a few years ago now, as buzzards slowly returned to this part of the country after a long period of absence; the walks taken across the top of the
That same excitement is building again as more and more reports are being made of red kites being spotted in
And now they are back in
My red kite moment came over the weekend. It was a magical weekend in its own rite. I was helping with a local youth group and we were camping on a farm just outside the village where I live. No names! We had a field and a piece of woodland, a mixture of hazel and oak and a belt of conifers along the edge planted with farm diversification in mind some twenty years ago. On the Friday night, on a perfect summer’s evening we raised tents and slung hammocks between the fir trees and lit an evening fire to cook over. As darkness fell and light drained from the eastern sky and silence descended on the camp site as the children crawled into their tents or scrambled into their hammocks we enjoyed a few moments peace and watched the last of the embers fade before picking our way careful across a bed of pine needles to find our own hammocks. Lying in the deep stillness of the woods, drifting in the hammock, looking up beyond the tall dark arms of the trees above, to the clear pool of light that sat above the forest, it felt as if things didn’t get much better than this.
But they did.
It waited until the middle of the afternoon before putting in an appearance. I was standing in the shade of a large oak tree listening to insects droning softly through its leaves and filling water carriers for the evening meal when I spotted it flying above a narrow belt of woodland to the west. ‘Buzzard’ was the reaction but as it got closer I realised I was looking at a red kite. Forked tail, long angled wings pinked at the edges, and that hint of red beneath the body as it flew closer. A twist of the tail and the direction changed as it cut across the field. Then the drama: from the hedgerow to the side, a loud raucous magpie took to the wing, gained height above the Kite and suddenly dropped towards the bird of prey. As they spiralled the magpie, keeping above, gradually forced the kite nearer to the ground. They compete for food and space and the field was not big enough for the both of them! The magpie won as, with another twist of the tail, a drop in the angle of the wings; the kite changed direction once more and flew off over the tree tops towards the sun going down in the west.
But I had had my Red Kite moment.
Comments
Thanks Ronnie, I so enjoyed reading that. I am lucky enough to live overlooking commonland, not far from the downs, and I had the same thrill this summer from my own garden on three separate days. What a privilege it was to watch this magnificent bird. I have never seen more than one at a time, unlike buzzards where I often see pairs of them soaring, particularly earlier in the year.
30 Jul 2015 11:43:22
As a huge fan of birds of prey I’ve been waiting keenly for Red Kites to make their way back to Sussex. In the last 6 months I’ve been lucky enough to see one on 4 separate occasions now in 4 different locations. Each time the child like excitement spikes and I can’t wait for the next sighting!
30 Jul 2015 11:57:49
Last year we saw one on Ashdown Forest but this year I have not seen any there, But I have seen a few around the m25 in the Dartford tunnel area. And also in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Yorkshire this year
30 Jul 2015 12:12:03
I’ve recently seent them over both Kingsfold and Amberley
30 Jul 2015 12:41:07
This year we have seen a red kite occasionally flying between Dean Lane End and Finchdean on the West Sussex and Hampshire border, north of Rowlands Castle. Flies through the valley quite low sometimes. Easy to distinguish from a buzzard.
30 Jul 2015 13:15:32
Much to my delight I saw two red kites above the wooded waldron gyhill near Heathfield several summers ago. Something of an anticlimax as I’ve spotted none since….but a week or so I spotted a lone kite flying quite low just north of Ringmer. Hopefully more sitings will follow! As a footnote I was in the Oxford area earlier in the month and am astounded just how many kites there are now.
30 Jul 2015 14:32:34
For many years now I have felt very fortunate that in the fields and woodland in Wisborough Green where I walk the dog every day I regularly see kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. This year for the first time I have also see Red Kite but incredibly not just 1 bird but 5 together! It happened when they were cutting the grass for silage. I saw one from house and walked out to see if I could get closer views and there, to my amazement, were 5 kites wheeling around behind the tractor, behaving a bit like gulls do. For a couple of minutes the air seemed full of kites and then they drifted away to be replaced by the local Buzzard.
30 Jul 2015 14:34:32
Seen one on the A272 en route to Cowfold, flying over a field just past the A23 junction. I’m used to many around Nettlebed, Oxon, near the early release site, and have been looking forward to their arrival in Sussex
30 Jul 2015 15:02:00
I first saw red kites here at Bepton in 2012. A pair perched in a dead tree in the Park Field opposite my house. I have seen them singly and as a pair soaring above my home and along the South Downs Way on many occasions since. One of my neighbours states that they are part of a release program and that at least one of them is tagged. He has better lenses than I have. It is good to be sitting at home in the garden and being able to see them swoop down over the field.
30 Jul 2015 15:23:25
Saw four at the weekend, walking along the Arun, just north of Arundel. Was taken aback; had seen them over the Chilterns but that was my first sight down here.
30 Jul 2015 15:36:13
not been lucky enough to see them yet in Sussex, saw many in France this year and a rather surreal experience at the Red Kite rescue and feeding station in Brecon Beacons – well over 100 swooping in for about half hour – personally I felt this was all rather unnatural – prefer to see them really wild! will keep looking
30 Jul 2015 15:37:42
I was at Highdown Gardens, just above Ferring, and saw a Red Kite circling over the downs.
30 Jul 2015 15:44:51
I have been photographing red kites for more than 20 years seeing my first in 1990 near junction 4 on the M40. I have among my collection one picture with almost 400 kites in it taken in Wales. I have had quite a few sightings in Sussex starting about 10 years ago and I have come across a few nest sites during this time. I am delighted to see my favourite bird now resident in Sussex even though it could be a Spanish import.
30 Jul 2015 15:46:33
It was on Friday morning 10th July when I was walking with friends in woodland in the Robertsbridge, East Sussex area when a kite suddenly appeared flying over the trees at quite a height. As we watched a buzzard flying lower over the trees and almost directly under the kite came into view. To cap it all we then noticed high above the kite, a peregrine falcon was flying and mobbing the kite. We thought it quite extraordinary to see the three birds all at the same time. Sadly we were so mesmerised by the sight, that we did not even try to get a picture.
30 Jul 2015 15:54:25
Last year Hubby and I saw a lone red kite near the top of Houghton/Bury hill and it felt like Christmas day! This year we’ve again seen a lone bird above Highdown Hill and another above our garden in Tilgate, Crawley. Privileged or what!
30 Jul 2015 16:03:46
I have spotted red kites over our garden between East Grinstead and Crawley several times in the last couple of years and a pair over Ardingly in late May this year. Having grown up in West Wales where they became a familiar sight it’s lovely to see them in Sussex now.
30 Jul 2015 16:36:24
While I am a long term Sussex resident, spotting a bird of prey has always hastened my heart rate since I was a boy in Suffolk 50 years ago. I quite often see one or two red kites over Southwater but I get all the more excited when I see common buzzards and red kites as far east as the Suffolk coast. Seeing one of these as a boy in Suffolk would have justified a letter to The Times. In my teens I regularly sent dead kestrels and sparrow hawks to the Monks Wood research station at Huntingdon and their depressing findings were usually that death was caused by pesticide poisoning. Thankfully that is rarely the case now but the demise of the barn owl is something that really needs our attention. Always more to do and why wildlife trusts are so important.
30 Jul 2015 16:45:48
Last year saw my first in Sussex flying over the fields between Eastbourne and Pevensey. Unfortunately have not seen one since in this area.
30 Jul 2015 16:53:07
I’ve seen two this year. One on Ashdown Forest while walking my dogs on a Monday morning and another near Westerham whilst driving home from work. The first time I saw him he was flying around a bird scarer in a field which was shaped like a bird of prey.
30 Jul 2015 17:17:29
My wife and I had walked up from Ringmer to the top of Mount the Cadbury and we’re having a cup of tea looking out towards Newhaven down the Ouse valley. I couldn’t believe my eyes, a Red Kite glided by just below us following the curve of the hill. It wasn’t more than 15m away as it passed. It was around for a while. I’ve been used to seeing them up the M40 8 at a time but this solitary bird was a treat to behold.
30 Jul 2015 17:50:48
Saw a red kite just outside Cuckfield six months ago. It was being harried by two smaller birds and I didn’t get a good look as I was driving and thought I must be mistaken. Should have trusted that my eyes didn’t decieve me and so delighted to know this mesmerising bird is back with us.
30 Jul 2015 17:53:12
Late last summer watched a Red Kite just north of Lancing, it was circling over the same spot for about 5 minutes as if it was looking for something in the grass, it then drifted off west. Once out of site a Merlin shot out of the grass and flew off east.
30 Jul 2015 17:54:56
I saw one near Lewes early this year near Mt Caburn and then again a few weeks later I saw another one driving along the A27 towards Brighton. I can easily recognise red kites because I once lived in south Oxfordshire where they’re now very common.
30 Jul 2015 20:01:34
We see red kites fairly frequently over our garden in Rudgwick. Wonderful sight. When the field next to us was cut recently, we had kites and buzzards.
30 Jul 2015 20:08:22
I have seen a couple near Billingshurst and one over the Downs near Devil’s Dyke. My family live in Berkshire where Red Kites sit on the roof tops and are seen most days! wonderful to watch.
30 Jul 2015 20:51:38
I also saw a Red Kite just north of Arundel a couple of weeks ago. My other bird of prey moment was on the Seven Sisters near Crowlink. I watched a Peregrine in a tussle with a Carrion Crow. It was flying above it and swooping down with it’s talons open. A few minutes later, it appeared from nowhere and stood on the edge of the cliff, no more that 6 meters from where I was walking, just eyeing me as if to say “you’re next!”.
30 Jul 2015 21:01:06
Beautiful birds. We share our time between S. Bucks and E. Sussex so it’s great to hear that the Red Kites are down there. There was concern that they were getting too ‘domesticated’ around here – we literally have them joining us for BBQs! The availability of carrion and people feeding them implied that they were reluctant to spread their wings (excuse the pun) and explore new territories. It’s almost impossible to look up and not see several of these magnificent birds soaring above and hear their elongated ‘peeee’ call. We shall be looking, and listening, out for them on our next trip into Sussex. Be warned though – we don’t see that many buzzards around here anymore.
30 Jul 2015 21:11:30
I walk from Peppering High Barn up around the Burgh most Sunday mornings. I see several Red Kites, they are quite common.
30 Jul 2015 22:16:16
A solitary Red Kite has been seen fairly regularly over the North Horsham area, a marvellous sight, hope to see more here!
30 Jul 2015 23:10:50
I also saw a Red Kite just north of Arundel a couple of weeks ago. My other bird of prey moment was on the Seven Sisters near Crowlink. I watched a Peregrine in a tussle with a Carrion Crow. It was flying above it and swooping down with it’s talons open. A few minutes later, it appeared from nowhere and stood on the edge of the cliff, no more that 6 meters from where I was walking, just eyeing me as if to say “you’re next!”.
31 Jul 2015 07:05:37
A couple of summers ago my wife told me she had seen a Red Kite near our home in Warninglid. I was sceptical to say the least, until two days later I saw a solitary Kite drift right over the middle of Haywards Heath mid-afternoon and had to eat humble pie!
31 Jul 2015 08:32:26
I occasionally see a red kite above farmland where I live in Warnham. I am also a Forest School leader and was explaining to my class the difference between a buzzard, which we always see when are in the woods, and a red kite. Next day above the school field they all rushed up to me suoer excited and sure enough above us in Loxwood was a red kite (shows they were listening!). Seen it a few times between here and there but always alone.
31 Jul 2015 09:58:59
We had a Red Kite moment in May. We live in Old Holbrook not far from Warnham. We were sitting in our neighbour’s garden next door enjoying a weekend lunchtime drink watching the buzzards circling above us when a lone Red Kite drifted down the Blackthorn hedgerow, quite close to us. It then spotted the buzzards which had drifted a little lower and made a swift exit. We quite often have half a dozen buzzards circling together above the field behind us and about two weeks ago I spent a good half hour watching one devour a rabbit about 50 yds from our fence. We will probably lose them all if they go ahead with the proposed (and totally unnecessary) North Horsham Development.
31 Jul 2015 10:57:13
I saw a pair of red kites two years ago above Comb hill ,Willingdon East Sussex. I couldn’t believe it ,they looked magnificent with that lovely forked tail . Definitely my favourite bird of pray.
31 Jul 2015 19:16:28
I saw a kite while driving between Hailsham and Herstmonceaux last month, I have seen many in Wales, but it was lovely to see the red kite in east sussex
31 Jul 2015 21:52:38
They really are a joy to see
and how disappointing that the Magpie won-out in the food battle! It really would be the icing on the cake if the Kites contributed to a reduction in Magpie numbers :)01 Aug 2015 09:39:14
Thank you Ronnie for lifting me out of the hum drum day to day routine into the wild blue yonder with your skilled capture and share of your Red Kite Moment. A magical moment.
01 Aug 2015 10:03:20
I live in Washington and over the past 6 weeks have had several spottings of this magnificent raptor,has only ever been one,perhaps they are like scouts looking for the right area.Still an amazing privilege.
01 Aug 2015 10:57:17
I have seen a red kite regularly near Maresfield just as one drives out of the Ashdown Forest – probably I have seen it in the same spot for the last three years. I am guessing it lives in the Forest bet comes over the road to look for roadkill.
01 Aug 2015 14:14:06
Winderful, that is unless you keep free range rare breeds of poultry. We have already lost Light Sussex hens and bantams to buzzards who drip down from the trees above our chicken runs and now we have red kites to watch out for. And we do not intend chopping down 50 year old oak trees so we simply hope the kites find some other part of the county to inhabit.
03 Aug 2015 10:01:05
I live in North Horsham. One day back in June there were a lot of gulls screaming overhead and I looked out of the back door and right overhead was a Red Kite! I had a perfect view of the colours – made my day!
12 Aug 2015 09:09:37
I was working in slinfold west sussex 2 weeks ago and right above me were 5 red kites and 3 buzzards 3 of the red kites were youngsters in my mind does that mean the adults have moved down from somewhere like the Chiltern hills and bred here or the adults brought there chicks from there does anyone know and wow what a sight
19 Aug 2015 16:19:23
I also had a Red Kite moment! It was in Rushden, Northamptonshire, middle of July and I was gardening for my mother, in the silence a shadow appeared above me, I looked up and a Red Kite was literally hovering, I saw every detail, wow:)
21 Aug 2015 21:22:23
I was walking my dog across farmland just to the north of Battle yesterday when I noticed what I first took to be a buzzard above Petley Wood. I didn’t pay much attention initially as my walks in the area are often accompanied with the mewing of buzzards and the sight of them circling. As I continued my walk the “buzzard” drifted ever closer until it became clear that it was in fact a red kite. As it wheeled the forked tail and under wing markings were very clear. I lost sight of it as it moved closer to the town. This is the first red kite that I have seen in East Sussex.
21 Oct 2015 13:27:13
All through this summer I frequently saw a bird of prey with a reddish appearance perched on the same gate post in a field beside the railway line (just after Southease and outside Lewes- before the line crosses the river- on the Seaford to Brighton line, East Sussex) as I passed by each morning around 9.30am. I would love to know if anyone else saw it. Once I saw it take off from the post and noted its reddish brown body and black tipped wings which I now see in this pic of a red kite.
07 Nov 2015 14:55:47
This evening, Thursday 2nd December 2015 I saw about 5 large birds flying over Crossbush on my journey home from Arundel. I think from the descriptions they were red kites – did anyone else see them. I would love confirmation they were red kites – I nearly caused a traffic problem in my attempt to watch them whilst driving! Lucy
03 Dec 2015 21:15:50
Driving back from a windswept Bognor Regis Mary and I saw a red kite swooping down to pick up some road kill just opposite Duncton Quarry. Amazing sighting and so close! We did not know that the kites were around this area!
01 Jan 2016 11:18:10
Been staying in Arundel this week, and have seen several red kites near Burpham and on the Monarch’s Way just north of Arundel castle. Fabulous sight!
11 Feb 2016 15:38:06
Lats week I had a great view of a Red Kite while on the train between Angmering and Ford.
18 Feb 2016 16:47:46
Hi. I’m a new birder and would love to take pics of red kites or buzzards. I live in Littlehampton, I would like your help please if possible.
Cheers.
Geoff.
27 Feb 2016 21:31:46
We visited Uppark House ( a National Trust property) near Petersfield W. Sussex on the 30th February 2016 and stood memerised by a pair of Red Kites soaring low over the woodland beside the carpark (unmistakable forked tail and effortless gliding). Uppark House is situated at the top of a crest in the downs and they rode the thermals around the crest. Below them were a large group of pidgeons who were obviously aggitated by the kites and flew ahead of them as they circled. Magic sighting.
06 Mar 2016 15:18:23
we just had 3 red kites over the Herne Farm housing estate in the middle of Petersfield – I remember being with a keen bird watcher 35 years ago in mid Wales who stopped driving every 10 minutes because he thought he might have seen a red kite and to think we now have them in the middle of Petersfield!
19 Mar 2016 17:38:33
On the 5th at Mannings Heath Golf Club. A most beautiful site soaring and dipping at tree level. First one I have seen here. Chuffed. There are lots of Buzzards too. Love birds of prey.
30 Mar 2016 18:42:37
About a year ago I was in my garden, looked up into the sky to trace an unusual airplane noise and, instead, caught sight of a Red Kite soaring above me – in Southwick!! I saw it again a little later being chased by some Crows. I started a conversation about my sighting on a local blogging site and, to date, we have had well over eight hundred ‘postings’ (often with photos) about people’s interest in wildlife – all from that one Kite! Several of us have also met up for some ‘nature ambles’ and will be visiting Woods Mill in May.
09 Apr 2016 11:04:35
Saw at least three probably 5 or more at Goodwood this week. They are infrequent along the A27 to the north of it between Brighton and Worthing, and we saw 4 at Beachy Head. I have also seen them near Gatwick and over Pycombe on the A 23.
09 Apr 2016 19:59:57
I spotted a solitary Red Kite flying low over Lower Beeding at lunchtime on Sunday, 10th. April 2016, whilst on a walk in the area. I came to this website, as I wanted to know how frequently these iconic birds are being sighted in Sussex at present
11 Apr 2016 19:59:25
Spotted a solitary Red Kite flying low across the downs above Steyning early in the afternoon on Wednesday last week. At first I thought it was a Buzzard, but as it flew over me, saw the black and white under his wings.
24 Apr 2016 13:02:29
I swear I saw a Red Kite this morning near Kingsfold! It was vast and took my breath away as it divebombed into a field (I thought it was a pheasant falling out of the sky) but then it swooped up again! Incredible sight! Made my day – and that was after hearing a cuckoo this morning!
05 May 2016 10:23:55
Walking from Cocking to Seaford College, about 11:00 this morning, below the Downs, was overtaken by a red kite, slowly making its way along the hedgerow line, only about 100ft above me. It wheeled away to a small copse, re-appearing after several minutes, being harried by a crow(?), then resuming its hedgerow search, quite unconcerned by me walking behind it. Very pleasant addition to my wak.
06 May 2016 16:55:55
I saw and got pics of a pair of Red Kites yesterday near Lancing Ring.
07 May 2016 10:27:12
I have just seen a red kite flying over the industrial site in East Grinstead west Sussex. Never seen one before over this way “Brill” “Wow”
13 May 2016 11:58:45
Saw a red kite fly over my house in Hailsham, East Sussex. Dad didn’t believe me!
15 May 2016 14:18:11
Red kite sightings between may 2015 till now (may 2016)
Only single birds each time
1. Blackbushe aerodrome last may
2.Stonecross Pevensey in the garden last summer.
3.cross levels way eastbourne last summer.
4.lewes A27 the other day.
22 May 2016 09:12:16
24th may 2016
Spotted my first red kite ,not just 1 but three,over Sittingbourne kent.
24 May 2016 19:14:34
24th may 2016
Spotted my first red kite ,not just 1 but three,over Sittingbourne kent.
Ho yes I’ve got a picture on may phone
24 May 2016 19:18:13
A23 Handcross, most days. sometimes sitting on the road lamps sometimes soaring adjacent to the roadway. Big,magnificent, mighty, awesome to see.
09 Jun 2016 12:51:18
A red kite visited my garden yesterday (near Blackboys, East Sussex). It swooped down past my bedroom widow and it was pecking at something on the ground for about 8 seconds before it took off. Its beautiful reddish-brown wings, white underwing patches and forked tail were clearly visible. Wonderful that they are coming back in this area ! I feel privileged to have seen this!
30 Jun 2016 08:03:31
Saw a red kite on 2 occasions whilst on holiday in West Sussex. Once on the way from West Dean towards Midhurst and once over West Dean Gardens. Great to see them spreading so widely.
09 Jul 2016 21:04:11
Friends and I saw a red kite having a barney with a crow earlier this year, between Ticehurst and Flimwell, East Sussex: local birder thinks there may be a pair at Bedgebury Pinetum.
I’ve alsonsee
12 Jul 2016 19:19:51
i was lucky enough to see a pair of Red Kites Saturday just north of Lewes hope they stay around a while as an amazing bird to watch in flight
01 Aug 2016 08:04:37
I grew up in Mid Wales where Red Kites were brought back from the brink of extinction and are now common. Saw my first Sussex Red Kite Near Partridge Green while cycling off road, such a thrill!
02 Aug 2016 11:42:38
We appear to have a resident pair of Red Kites near the Tesco store in Crawley, West Sussex. See them most days soaring over the neighbouring farm fields. Often being chased by gulls and crows. I did also see earlier this year a pair over Rusper/Ifield, which I tried to photograph but just looked like a black speck.
06 Aug 2016 17:00:23
I am sure I saw 3 of these beautiful birds just enjoying the thermals on a perfect summers day soaring above the Long Man at Wilmington
23 Aug 2016 18:40:59
Hi, have seen Red Kites last on the A24 near to Southwater and in Woldingham Surrey. I observed three Red Kites drift over Tilgate Golf Course on the 13th May 2016. Also seeing plenty of Buzzards and Sparrowhawks.
11 Sep 2016 13:42:50
I had the privilege of seeing three red kites just south of Mount Caburn on 23 September – all three were together on hedgerow before they flew off.
24 Sep 2016 13:26:24
Saw a Red Kite flying over Butts Brow, Eastbourne. Quite a few crows giving it a hard time! Looked so majestic in the air
02 Nov 2016 22:32:15
I saw a Red Kite on 15/02/2017 flying over the south-east Kent village of East Langdon. My partner and I saw one again the next day around 10am, again flying low over East Langdon which is near to Dover.
18 Feb 2017 18:38:09
I saw a red kite last week, over at the back of Cowfold, beautiful!
20 Mar 2017 20:02:59
Saw a Red Kite yesterday morning flying over Denne Hill, Horsham. Circled and flew low for at least half an hour at approx 10am
27 Mar 2017 11:00:58
i saw a red kite in the lottbridge drove area of eastbourne on 31/03/17 at aprox 12:00. poor thing got mobbed by seagulls and soon flew off
31 Mar 2017 11:30:51
Amazing site over the last two week ends and yesterday. A pair of Red Kites circling high above Sissinghurst Kent. Watched in ore for an hour or so. Beautiful, graceful birds. Feel so lucky. Just hope they return. Unfortunately by the time I got my phone they were too high to capture picture. What a site. Feeling truly overwhelmed by these birds.
30 May 2017 22:34:29
After watching Red Kites at Tollie in north Scotland last week I was lucky to spot 2 birds soaring just north of Firle this morning (11 June 2017) – my second such sighting in this area.
Colin
11 Jun 2017 17:27:08
Today myself and 3 friends were playing golf at Singing Hills Golf Club , Albourne,East Sussex.We were walking between the 7/8 holes on the Valley when we saw 3 red kites flying and swooping almost landing in front of us. What an amazing and exciting site. They eventually flew off into the trees on the 4th hole.
15 Jun 2017 18:13:30
I often see red kites around Slinfold. I was watching cricket at Slinfold CC yesterday and here were 4 red kites in the area most of the afternoon. One actually came down very low and close – beautiful!!
03 Jul 2017 08:01:44
I’m sat in my garden near Chichester watching a pair of Red Kites that are following the farmer as he plows the field. I’ve never seen one before, very exciting! They are incredibly beautiful to watch.
07 Jul 2017 16:35:43
Driving past Goodwood race course and spotted a beautiful red kite sitting up high in a tree, fantastic site!!
19 Sep 2017 19:06:38
We saw a Red Kite circling overhead West Grinstead. We recognised it from the light patches on the underside of the wings and it’s distinctive tail. The only other place we have seen them is over the A40 in the Chilterns on the way to Oxford. We hope to see more.
08 Nov 2017 08:28:43
Could I have just heard one near Lewes? I’ve looked up the call and it sounds like one to me.
11 Dec 2017 23:13:17
I was lucky enough to see 3 red kites while riding my bike on the South Downs this morning. Coming back through Angmering Park the last kite flow overhead and stopping riding I then watched it circle me 4 or 5 times while it looked down at me talking away.
17 Dec 2017 19:17:27
Had the pleasure of seeing (what I assume to be) the same Kite twice in a week whilst out running along the lanes afoot the downs/Mt Caburn in Ringmer. Buzzards are very populous in the area with sightings of up to four at a time common for me. It took a double and triple take to be sure I was seeing the same species I recognise from trips to Wales and working in Uxbridge and running out into Bucks.
14 Jan 2018 14:33:56
Spotted a Kite this morning while walking just south of Steyning.
27 Jan 2018 15:43:56
Magnificent Red Kite over Ditchling village yesterday.
21 Feb 2018 06:31:35
At least four Red Kites seen flying with Buzzards to the west of Tatsfield today.
07 Mar 2018 20:55:43
We are seeing them occasionally above Washington, West Sussex.
28 Mar 2018 18:48:44
Saw a red kite this morning flying over Wakehurst Place near Ardingly.
31 Mar 2018 21:02:15
Red Kite in garden this afternoon about 3pm sitting in tree and then hunting before returning to sit again. We live in Stonegate, East Sussex next to farmland with some barns and small pockets of woodland around. Beautiful to watch!
23 May 2018 18:34:24
Red kite seen over etchingham (sheep street lane)East Sussex, numerous times recently 6 June 2018
06 Jun 2018 19:34:11
Red kite seen over etchingham (sheep street lane)East Sussex, numerous times recently 6 June 2018
07 Jun 2018 21:21:57
Spotted while driving across the Ashdown Forest one Red Kite. Location between Wych Cross and Nutley
29 Jun 2018 16:59:18
Saw a red kite fly over our garden yesterday in Burgess Hill
15 Jul 2018 14:46:24
Spotted one flying over Weald and Downland museum. Amazing as I’ve only been them in Berkshire, living so close to them now is definitely a bonus!! :)
11 Oct 2018 14:25:00
Saw one near Ashford kent this summer
21 Oct 2018 11:37:00
I frequently see a Red Kite over the South Downs Way at Kithurst Hill in West Sussex. I’ve seen them over the fields just to the east of Amberley. This morning, to my delight, one was circling over the fields next to my house in Storrington and it went out of view after flying directly over my house. It made my day.
06 Nov 2018 11:49:00
I saw a pair this morning when walking across a field just west of Plumpton Green.
18 Nov 2018 14:14:00
My children and I saw a Red Kite circling over the back of our garden into the fields and village green in Cocking. We live at the base of the South Downs. It was stunning!
12 Dec 2018 13:31:00
I saw 4 of these circling together over Polegate yesterday! Was so awesome, clear blue skies and their calls where really sharp
15 Feb 2019 13:26:00
A fairly young Red Kite has been flying around Liss and the Rother valley for the last week or so. Swooping low over house, gardens and along the river. Beautiful colouring and distinctive call. Think it’s looking for a mate…
25 Feb 2019 11:16:43
I spotted a Red Kite yesterday (14th March ’19) low over the A22 just south of Sackville School, East Grinstead. West Sussex.
15 Mar 2019 08:48:00
Just seen a pair of Red Kites travelling east over Warninglid. The forked tails were very obvious. How fabulous for them to come here.
14 Apr 2019 11:35:00
Just spotted a pair of Red Kite up at Firle Beacon, beautiful.
14 Apr 2019 16:23:00
Very excited to see a red kite flying over Highdown hill near Ferring.West Sussex, hunting for prey. What a magnificent bird
17 May 2019 11:24:00
18/09/2019 – Convinced I saw a Red Kite over Crawley Avenue, rush hour this morning, is this possible?
18 Sep 2019 08:12:00
I think I have seen two eagles in Pevensey east Sussex. .
22 Oct 2019 13:26:00
Had an amazing view of approximately 25 Red Kites (they wouldn’t keep still to be counted!!) flying around at the back of tbe Downs just before sunset. Good to know they are thriving there.
29 Nov 2019 13:10:00
Had an amazing view of approximately 25 Red Kites (they wouldn’t keep still to be counted!!) flying around at the back of tbe Downs just before sunset. Good to know they are thriving there.
29 Nov 2019 18:47:40
Saw a red kite over Ninfield this after noon, being hassled by a rook.
31 Dec 2019 15:30:00
Red kite flying over East Marden today … what a sight
01 Jan 2020 01:25:00
Red kite spotted thurs 23rd jan 2020 flying south over cowfold sussex.
23 Jan 2020 16:53:00
Red kite spotted hovering over fields in London road, Battle, East Sussex. 13th Feb 2020
15 Feb 2020 11:42:00
Just seen a red Kite from my top flat window in Orchard way East Grinstead. He cruised around for what seemed like ages. Beautiful. It’s made my day.
Ps- A very well written and beautiful piece above by Ronnie Reid 🙏
24 Jan 2026 12:58:00