Once near-extinct red kite spotted soaring above Hereford

Hereford Times Camera Club member Sarah Ellis shared pictures of not only a red kite soaring through the sky, but also a buzzard.

Red kites were once almost extinct in the UK, but now, thanks to a successful conservation programme, the nation is home to around 17 per cent of the population.

The large bird is now a protected species. Following several reintroduction attempts, the number has recovered, and the stunning birds can be spotted all over the UK.

According to the RSPB, the bird of prey is “unmistakable” due to its reddish-brown body

The birds tend to weigh between 1 to 1.2 kilograms and have a wingspan of 1.8 metres.

The Wildlife Trust says the species has an average life span of four years.

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Describing the protection campaign, the RSPB says: “Red Kites are now a familiar sight, soaring high in the sky.

“They’re one of the UK’s best success stories, with the RSPB playing its part in their recovery.

“In just a few decades, they’ve gone from being on the brink of extinction to much higher numbers – there are now around 6,000 pairs of Red Kites in the UK.

“Their spectacular recovery shows that with clear and targeted action, we can help struggling species.

“However, there’s still work to be done. Despite their success, they are still victims of illegal persecution.”