Sunday, 7 January 2024
Red Kites
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About Me
- Mike Attwood
- Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.
An outstanding gallery of pictures, Mike, of a bird that has made a remarkable - and very welcome recovery - in Britain. It took a long time for the public to have an enlightened attitude and we must hope that it will continue thus. Now, if we could only convince gamekeepers to cease their persecution of Hen Harriers and other birds of prey. All the best - David
ReplyDeleteHello David, I supported the red kite for many years, I got to love them and would you believe I have some now living in Sussex. I have photographed them flying over my house many times. I think they must feel safe here.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you took care of the kites, great action photos, I really like them.
Greetings Frank
Hello Frank, I loved doing my bit in Wales, I now have a few living outside my village. I still have contact with them.
DeleteMike.
What wonderful memories of the Red Kites for you to cherish Mike. Your photos are beautiful! Best wishes - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteThankyou Richard, The red kite is something special to me. It was part of my life for many years.
DeleteMike.
Hello Mike :=)
ReplyDeleteI always thought Red Kites were raptors, that shows you how much I still have to learn about them. They are magnificent birds and you share a fantastic series of photos of them. I'm glad that from time to time you still see them.
All the best
Take care
Sonjia.
Hi Sonjia, They eat meat but do not kill. They clear up the remains of others. they keep the countryside clean. A kite is an intelligent bird and can become quite sociable if treated well. I have heard of them visiting gardens where people feed them. I picked one up that was saturated from heavy rain and put him in a shed with lots of straw. When it had dried out and was set to be released it didn't want to go.
DeleteGood morning Mike, I appreciated your visit this morning, so I came over to see if you had posted more photos of kites. I enjoyed reading your comment here, imagine that, the kite didn't want to go! You have so many interesting stories to tell, with a lifetime dedicated to wildlife. Thank you for this heart warming story.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day
Take care
Sonjia.
Thankyou Sonjia, it is my pleasure. Red kites are extremely clever birds and learn quickly ways to improve their well-being. I had one that often flew over my garden in Sussex. I realised after a while the bird had recognised me because I had fed it in the fields.
DeleteCracking photos Mike, one of my favourite birds. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMine too, Marc. I still have a couple living near me in Sussex.
DeleteMike.
Good morning Mike, Wonderful photos of a beautiful bird. One of my favourites. Great to have these archives to dig into and to remember...
ReplyDeleteHugs Lasse
Hello Lasse, the red kite has been top of my list for more than 30yrs. My stock of photo's runs into thousands. I have had the pleasure of caring for sick and injured birds that after a time become friends.
DeleteMike.