RED KITES at GIGRIN FARM

Red Kites (Milvus milvus) at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader, Powis, Wales.

On January 16th, 2012 we visited the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader in Powis, Wales.   More information about Gigrin can be found here.   When we were there about 200 Red Kites came for food; up to 600 have been recorded!   We paid extra for use of one of the specialist photographic hides - money well spent.   All shots were taken with a Canon EOS 7D and a 500mm IS USM lens, mounted on a Gitzo GT3541LS tripod, fitted with a Wimberley gimbal head.

Occasionally birds will settle briefly, but mostly the opportunities are for flight shots.   The shot above is of a young bird, as indicated by the paler breast plumage and the iris of the eye coloured yellowish-cream; adult birds have a bright yellow iris.

Ooops! Nearly dropped it!

Whilst visiting Gigrin Farm we stayed at an excellent B & B, Guidfa House, which we recommend wholeheartedly.