Dave Gale captured images of the majestic bird and shared them on the Hereford Times Camera Club on Monday.
Historically, red kites were nearly wiped out in the UK as they were wrongly perceived as threats to game birds and domestic animals.
However, due to legal protection and reintroduction efforts, their numbers have significantly increased.
Unlike most birds of prey, red kites primarily scavenge rather than hunt, feeding on scraps and small prey, such as rabbits. (Image: Dave Gale)
Unlike most birds of prey, red kites primarily scavenge rather than hunt, feeding on scraps and small prey, such as rabbits.
Identified by their angled red wings, the birds also have distinctive white patches underneath, as well as a long, forked tail.
Originally, red kites were restricted to Wales due to persecution, but reintroduction efforts have seen them spread across the country.
They are now found from the southeast of England to the Highlands of Scotland.
Historically, the birds were a common sight in Shakespearean London, scavenging for street scraps and using rags for their nests.
Shakespeare even referenced this in The Winter’s Tale.
The red kite’s nest is notably untidy, often built on old crow’s nests and decorated with a mix of materials, including paper, plastic, and cloth.