Persecuted almost to extinction, the Red Kite is making a come back in the UK, with feeding stations and breeding sites helping to boost their numbers. Kites were often assumed to have taken young livestock, however these birds are naturally scavengers, taking only carrion. It is a real pleasure to see so many of them in one place, with their 7 foot + wing spans. This Kite was photographed at Muddy Boots Cafe , near Harewood House , Leeds.
Once hunted to the point where the only place you would see them was the remote areas of Scotland or the Deer Parks of rich country Estates. The Red Deer is the largest of our native mammals with no natural predictors. This, combined with strict hunting legislation, is the reason Red Deer are becoming more prevalent in the wild. During October and early November the male Deer compete for the attentions of and the right to breed with the females. These dramatic, fierce battles, called the Rut, often result in injury and sometimes even death of the animals. The sounds of crashing antlers and the bellow of the stags is incredible. Please watch these fights from afar, as the situation is dangerous, and the stags are especially aggressive. You can find more information on the Red Deer here
