There have been sightings this week of red kites over Stone, a bird of prey that’s considered extremely rare in Staffordshire.
The bird – with its reddish-brown body and distinctively forked tail – has been spotted several times according to reports on social media.
The red kite was on the edge of extinction by the end of the 18th century, with only a few breeding pairs surviving in rural mid-Wales. Reintroduction programmes mean there are now thought to be over 600 breeding pairs in Wales, and the bird has been spreading to other parts of the country. Sightings in Staffordshire, however, are rare.
A Little Bit of Stone asked over on our Facebook page if anyone had seen one – and lots of people had!
Dave Babb said: “Definitely saw one flying over Stone Business Park one morning last week on the way to work, no doubt whatsoever, the tail shape is unique among birds of prey in this country.”
Kim Hill added: “We were leaving Stone back to Stoke along the Longton Road and my mum stopped the car because she was convinced she saw two. In fact, she said they were definitely red kites. And she knows her birds!”
Mark Cocker said he saw a red kite this week, tracking the railway line over Westbridge industrial estate.
Jane Proudman said: “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a red kite as they’re doing really well. I’d be delighted if I saw one though!”
Richard Knisely-Marpole said: “It’s quite possible. There are plenty of red kites around, and they are definitely spreading.”
Have you seen a red kite over Stone? Leave a comment below if you have – and 1,000 bonus A Little Bit of Stone points to anyone who manages to capture one on film :)
12 comments
Stephen Day
2 Red Kites Spotted today (26th June) on the Hilderstone Rd road between Sandon and the B5027 at approx 13.00.
Phil
Saturday 17th June 2023 red kite spotted flying over Lightwood!!!
David John Thomas
Seen two over Sandon Hall and one on Hilderstone level in the last two weeks.
Stephen Richardson
Saw a red kite flying over my house in stretton staffordshire this evening
Frank McDonald
Heard a red kite from my garden in Upper Tean then saw one later in the day on the way to Denstone
Francis McDonald
Saw a red kite half an hour ago near Denstone and I’m pretty sure I heard their screaming call earlier in the day while I was in my garden in Upper Tean.
Chris Taylor
I saw a pair of Red Kites whilst walking along the canal near Barlaston.
mark rogers
A red kite flew over Wedgwood last night (15/06) about 5pm
Paul
Saw a red kite flying over Leasowes primary school in Stafford on 9/6/16. Seen them in Wales before but never in Stafford.
Andrew Richards
Seen 15 red kites over Upper Tean on Saturday 6/6/15 photos on my facebook page
Roger Till
Red Kite spotted over Gayton (Parkside Pools) at 10.40 am on Sunday 9th June. It was also spotted by a nesting Oystercatcher who sent it off by driving it upwards. Watched the entertainment for approx 10 minutes with two others.
KEITH PEDLEY
HI SAW ARED KITE OVES THE ROACHES 10AM 26.05.13 MOBBED BY A BUZZARD AND CROWS MADE MY DAY FIRST FOR ME IN COUNTY.