May, 2024

In 2014, we went to the Chilterns, on a Watlington Hill, with the goal of photographing red kites. This year, a decade later—it's difficult to believe how quickly time has passed—we returned to the same location to observe these majestic birds with their striking plumage and unmistakable forked tails.

Red kite feeding in flight against colourful backgroundClose-up of a red kite feeding in flight against colourful background

Even before reaching the hill's summit, the sky was alive with movement. Red kites circled gracefully above, their silhouettes contrasting against the sky, especially around a nearby farm.

Portrait of a red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky Red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky Portrait of a red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky As we approached the familiar rise of Watlington Hill, memories of the past mingled with the excitement of the present. We were glad to see that the red kite population remains robust, a testament to successful conservation efforts.

Portrait of a red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky Portrait of a red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky Portrait of a red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky

Red kite in flight against blue skyClose-up of a Red kite in flight against blue sky Red kite perched in a tree against blue skyClose-up of a red kite perched in a tree against blue sky Close-up of a two red kites perched in a treeClose-up of a two red kites perched in a tree Close-up of a two red kites perched in a treeClose-up of a two red kites perched in a tree Close-up of a two red kites perched in a treeClose-up of a two red kites perched in a tree Silhouette of a red kite in flight at sunsetSilhouette of a red kite in flight at sunset, UK. The Chilterns had once again proven to be a sanctuary for these incredible birds, reaffirming its status as an ideal place for birdwatchers and photographers alike.