red kite
red kite
red kite red kite
red kite
red kite red kite
red kite
red kite
red kite red kite


red kites feeding (Llandeusant, Wales)

red kites feeding




This red kite feeding centre opened in 2002. It is more informal and less commercial than Gigrin Farm (see below) and there is no need to book in advance but it offers sheltered viewing stations to view the many birds that arrive. Spectators can get very close to the birds and there are excellent opportunities for photographers.

For more information go to http://www.redkiteswales.co.uk/



red kites feeding
Some kites sit in the trees and await the food delivery.
red kite
It's a photographer's dream but it's also a bit overwhelming.
The approach that seems to work best is to select a single kite from the many in view and follow it through the camera lens until it makes a good picture. A fast shutter speed is needed.
red kites feeding
Birds soon swoop in looking for chunks of food.
red kites feeding
red kites feeding
There is sometimes a mad scramble to get at some choice bits.
red kites feeding
The lucky ones just fly off with the food to eat somewhere else.


red kites feeding (Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Wales)

red kites feeding




Gigrin Farm near Rhayader, Powys became a red kite feeding centre in 1993 following a request from the RSPB. It includes a rehabilitation centre for injured kites and is also a working sheep farm.

The kites are wild and find food elsewhere during the day. Kites are scavengers and will feed on road-kill and dead animals. They will also eat small mammals, worms, insects etc. At Gigrin they are fed on beef. About a quarter of a ton is offered each week but the amount varies according to the time of year and the number of kites visiting.

There are several hides including specialist photographic hides. The kites come within easy viewing range. The trails, picnic site, shop and parking facilities make this a wonderful experience for visitors.

For more information go to http://www.gigrin.co.uk/



red kites feeding
The food is brought to the field on a tractor and its presence attracts attention.
red kites feeding
Very soon hundreds of kites arrive on the scene: a blizzard of birds.
Not surprisingly, other species are attracted to the food. Buzzards, crows and ravens are regularly seen.
red kites feeding
The food is shovelled into several different areas of the feeding field and the kites swoop in to take it ...
red kites feeding red kites feeding