SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

I was driving up the A65 just past the Crematorium at Rawdon when I spotted a large bird soaring above the road, as I got nearer I noticed it had a forked tail similar to a Red Kite. Could it have been a Red Kite or perhaps another bird? It was quite large!

Very likely to be a red kite - they're getting much more common over Leeds. We live in Kirkstall, and regularly see them over our house.

Red Kites are often seen over Sheepscar, and most of North Leeds, and not that rare now.

Saw one about 3 weeks ago circling over Dewsbury Road,just south of the Junction pub at the car wash.

cnosni wrote: Saw one about 3 weeks ago circling over Dewsbury Road,just south of the Junction pub at the car wash. Didn't realise we had them up here,I saw a lot near Heathrow last year . Have they been introduced or have they spread from other areas? They are a great sight to see,wheeling and catching the updraughts !

Half a dozen were brought from wales and released on the harewood estate back in 1998. I've seen them over kirkstall abbey.

Cardiarms wrote: Half a dozen were brought from wales and released on the harewood estate back in 1998. I've seen them over kirkstall abbey. What Welshmen were released ?????

stutterdog wrote: I was driving up the A65 just past the Crematorium at Rawdon when I spotted a large bird soaring above the road, as I got nearer I noticed it had a forked tail similar to a Red Kite. Could it have been a Red Kite or perhaps another bird? It was quite large! I was up on Baildon Moor while back looking down over that and there were quite a few going up to amazing heights. Hardly ever seemed to need to beat wings, soaring on thermals instead.Can't remember what thread, might've been a W&W.

I see a couple quite often around Crossgates now.

I have personally also seen them regularly at Bramhope, Otley Rd, Coal Road, Seacroft area and also Coal Hill Lane over in Farsley too. Getting well established now and great to see.