Growing up in the 1970s, I never thought I’d see a red kite, so vanishingly rare were they. They seemed as remote to me, living in rural Oxfordshire, as the golden eagles of the highlands. Thrilling birds, and I’m delighted that the reintroduction was such a success.
Grackles are one of the first returning migratory birds and, as you say, very smart looking. Unfortunately, they travel in gangs, shout a lot and are generally thuggish. I like them for all that.
Growing up in the 1970s, I never thought I’d see a red kite, so vanishingly rare were they. They seemed as remote to me, living in rural Oxfordshire, as the golden eagles of the highlands. Thrilling birds, and I’m delighted that the reintroduction was such a success.
Love these type of conservation success stories! Thank you for sharing :)
Where we are in SW Scotland, kites are as common a sight as blackbirds or pigeons, mainly through the efforts of these folks:-
https://www.gallowaykitetrail.com/folder-15-trail-history/
Btw that common grackle looks anything but common in appearance, having a quite resplendent blue over black. Very smart looking, indeed.
Grackles are one of the first returning migratory birds and, as you say, very smart looking. Unfortunately, they travel in gangs, shout a lot and are generally thuggish. I like them for all that.