Red Kites

Venue: Gigrin Farm Wales

Dates: Wed 28 Mar 2012

Overspill Day Thu 29 Mar. September Dates TBA

Assemble at Gigrin Farm at 11.30

Places 6 maximum

Cost £125.00

 

These beautiful birds were once a common sight scavenging in towns and cities across Britain. Then, in the 16th Century, a Government Act declared that the red kite was to be classified as vermin in the UK, and as such should be killed on sight by whatever means possible.  This persecution continued and, by the end of the 18th Century, increasing numbers of gamekeepers were employed on country estates and this led to even more birds being slaughtered. By the end of the century red kites had bred for the last time in both England and Scotland. Only in rural Mid Wales, specifically the Tywi and Cothi valleys, did the kites hang on, their numbers now reduced to less than ten breeding pairs.

Red Kite over Gigrin Farm

Then came a change of attitudes and over a period of around 100 years, efforts to protect and maintain this fragile breeding population were made by dedicated individuals, committed landowners and farmers, rural communities,  and organisations, specifically the Welsh Kite Trust and the RSPB.  Thanks to the efforts of all these people, and despite some personal threats early on, red kite numbers are now increasing every year.

Mid Wales has the greatest density and diversity of birds of prey in southern Britain including the red kite which is our target species on this workshop.  Under normal circumstances just finding a red kite would be difficult task let alone photographing one!   But we have help in the form of Chris & Lena Powell who run a 200 acre sheep farm in the village of Rhayader in Powys.  The name of their home is Gigrin Farm, a name that has become internationally famous for feeding wild red kites which they do every day of the year.

Feeding takes place at 3 pm in the summer months and 2pm during the winter.  As soon as the meat has been put out various members of the crow family descend from the surrounding trees and begin feeding.  As the first crows land amongst the meat the kites that have been quietly circling round now go on the offensive. Kites watch and wait for their chance to furl their wings and dive in, skimming the ground to snatch a scrap before rising quickly to escape the beaks of the angry crows.

Red Kite carrying food

kites appear to miss their target by a wide margin but are actually intent on flushing the meat laden crows into the air from where they can be mugged by the very best in the business!  With the meat clutched in its talons the kite will make for clear airspace where it can feel secure enough to feed. With its 1.8 metre wings spread out for stability the head turns down to meet with its forward lifted legs. Now the kite can feed, but must still keep an eye out for other marauding kites.

A Rare Leucistic Red Kite in 2011

The number of kites using the feeding station can vary anything from a several dozen to 400 or more depending on weather and time of year. With the onset of winter and cold weather, numbers can increase dramatically. On blue sky days in spring they are more relaxed and they appear more relaxed when in coming for their lunch!
While seeing large numbers of kites is an amazing sight some of the better photographic opportunities present themselves in spring as they are far more leisurely in their approach to feeding and frequently will float around the area in front of the hides for some time before taking their morsel of choice.  Could we ask for more?

There are now several large hides for the viewing of the kite feeding spectacle.  They all face east and, being just metres from where the kites sweep down, give excellent opportunities for photography.  On this workshop we shall have our own exclusive tower hide (or hides) that will be perfect for taking some amazing flight shots of various birds including the red kites, buzzards and ravens.

 

  

  

 

  

  

   

Red Kite & Leucistic Kite Roosting	Kite on the offensive	Buzzard in Flight over Gigrin Farm

The cost of this workshop includes the hire of our own exclusive tower hide/s.  As this is a workshop very likely to be oversubscribed I am offering a second overspill day that will only become available once the first day has been sold out.
                                                       

Why not take my "Raptor Break" and save £25.

We start with the Birds of Prey workshop on Tuesday 27th, then a short drive to a nearby hotel that evening. This tends to be a great relaxed evening spent with like minded fellow photographers. The following morning, a relaxed breakfast and then on to Gigrin farm and shoot the Red Kites. Participants booking this break will be given priority booking on both dates and receive a £25 discount bringing the joint cost down to £260.

This means that you now split the long journey by booking on both workshops but you need to make your booking sooner rather than later. You will need plenty of card space on both of these these workshops – that’s for sure!

One to One Workshops

If you would prefer to have a 1-1 workshop on the red kites the cost is £350 per day.  This includes all my expenses plus the  exclusive use of a tower hide.