Red Kites in the Chilterns
(Wednesday 8th October 2008)
Both Gadget and Steve Ashton had expressed an interest in going
to see (and hopefully photograph) the Red Kites of the Chiltern
re-introduction project. It being part of my old stomping ground
from a time, long ago, when I lived in Hertfordshire, Gadget
made double glazing and Ashton was a moaning little tipper
driver! Some things never change. The weather forecast was
promising, so a hastily arranged trip was planned, by way of a
change to photographing Wheatears and Whinchats along the coast.
Meeting up with Steve, at 06.00hrs, we set off from Sturry and
enjoyed a relatively easy run around the M25/M40 arriving at a
Transport Cafe in Stokenchurch, just before 09.00hrs. An
excellent breakfast set us up for the day and we headed over to
Christmas Common in fine fettle. Parking the car, it was
re-assuring to see the Police notices warning of an ongoing
operation in the area. We later saw a police van patrolling the
car park, assumedly to prevent car crime? Although the sun was
shining, Gadget complained about being cold and Ashton commented
on the lack of available Sherpa’s to carry his mountain of
camera equipment. Hey – ho! How do the peasants, in their £1
million pound hovels, make a living in such a rural backwater? A
chance to work for the “great” Steve Ashton, photographer to the
stars, would surely be a feather in the cap and he pays Ramsgate
dollars, none of that sterling rubbish!
We had a fabulous time at the site. Common Buzzards and Red
Kites put on a display that would have been unimaginable before
the re-introduction project. As Steve commented, “I don’t think
there was any time when a scan through the binoculars didn’t
reveal at least one Buzzard or Kite” We stayed for 5 hours! We
all agreed that there had been a minimum of 50+ Red Kite and 12+
Common Buzzard around the area with a Hobby, 3 Sparrowhawk and a
couple of Kestrel just for good measure. A bit of vis-mig
included the compulsory Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit plus Siskin,
Redwing and Skylark. Coal Tit called from the scattered clumps
of woodland, whilst several Jays were collecting acorns.
I am not qualified to pass judgement, as I have not been to
Gigrin Farm, but Gadget & Steve both stated that the views of
Red Kite, at Christmas Common, are just as good. I took 350
pics, so can only guess at the number that the others managed. I
got side tracked watching Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed
Gulls moving along the escarpment, well you have to remember –
Gulls rule OK!
Even with a detour to Oare Marshes KWT Res. on our homeward
journey, Gadget & I were still back in Dumpton before 18.30hrs.
You certainly couldn’t do the same at Gigrin Farm, unless you
own a helicopter? I would like to thank Gadget & Steve for their
company, it was a brilliant session, the banter and complete
disregard of “listing” requirements ensured that laughter will
remain my lasting memory of the outing. – Dylan (9th
October 2008)
If anyone would like details of how to visit Christmas Common,
please contact Planetthanet.org and I will be happy to forward
directions.
