Kit and Kate Kite

Kit Kite circled over us yesterday morning

We are honoured (and a tad unnerved) to having been selected as a suitable breeding spot at Wattlebury by a pair of Red Kites. Kit Kite was a lone figure from early spring - but as he didn't leave the area, we guessed he probably had a mate close-by. Honey (the littlest hound) first alerted us to Kit as he circled over her, showing more than a little interest in her small proportions. Mr Buzz had similarly done this some years ago. Was she a weasel? Was she a long rabbit? They were both very curious. For poor Honey it was attention that she would rather not have invited!

And was soon joined by Kate Kite

Likewise, as Kit circles over the yard studying us intently, some of us freeze, some of us make a strangulated choking noise and some of us (me) bolt into the nearest open doorway. Not that I am a wimp - but from the look of those talons and beak - I am certainly not hanging around to count the feathers! Pauly Turkey, although one of our largest and plumpest, is very frightened and dives into cover as fast as her inadequate body-to-leg-ratio pins will carry her. The only person who isn't fazed by Kit is Harry the Peacock who bravely flies to the top of the stables and stays guard.
Yesterday however, Kit was joined by Kate and the two of them circled over us. Their babies should have fledged by now, but will still be relying on their parents for a steady supply of food. Suddenly out of nowhere Mr Buzz skimmed overhead followed by a mob of jackdaws and crows. Kit and Kate simply rose gracefully to a higher level and left them far below. It takes Mr Buzz a few more circles to rise that high! And the Mob lose interest at that height. Mr Buzz is a bit put out as he now has to compete for the carrion and worms and small creatures on his patch!
Gordon xxx

Mr Buzz (centre stage) tried to shoo the Kites off his patch and then the Jackdaws and Crows mobbed poor Mr Buzz!