Over the garden a red kite mewling like a kitten, so close I could reach out my hand and brush the polished perfect feathers.
Kite silhouette again the racing blue sky, the cat crouches low and the bird is gone, piping and laughing into the clouds.
And now another and another.
They twist around each other, wings touching the roof tops delighting in the fitful wind, hail flung after them and the sunlight chasing them.
Flame forked tails angle and the birds turn, quartering the spring sky into slabs of changing colour. Four birds over my tiny garden, calling to each other for the whole spring day.
Flirting, testing partners, laughing: dancing.
Cathy's real country garden 
Lucky you. They’re wonderful birds which we’ve started seeing here in Harrow, north-west London during the past year. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Britain is one of the best places in Europe to see them! Their reintroduction has been a real success. They are doing better in the UK than France.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We get mostly buzzards round here, but in the last couple of years the odd kite has appeared. They are oddly noisy in the sky aren’t they? Must be enjoying themselves as you describe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They can sound a lot like buzzards. They are doing really well in England, but are having a rougher time in France, due to cutting down big trees where they nest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting, ‘cos I think of France as fairly forested, especially compared to England. Is there a big land-use change happening then?
LikeLike
It is hugely varied. My area has some forests which are being really heavily logged at the moment. They dont clear fell like the UK, but they are taking out all the big trees where kites nest. The best timber all goes to China!!
LikeLike
😦
LikeLike
Amazing experience, Cathy, Good for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I took them for granted when we moved to France until I realised how unusual the population on the edge of Jura is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful sight to witness. I’ve never seen them here in North Carolina. Lucky you!
LikeLike
They are beautiful birds! I have lost your address in the upheavals, could you send it again, so I can send a post card? Many thanks!🌞🌸🌞🌸
LikeLike
Oh so delightful to see and read about the red kites, Cathy. This species has had such population troubles, it is heartwarming to hear of them in your garden; glad the reintroduction is working. We don’t get this species in the U.S., so it is lovely to see them here, thank you.
LikeLike
I love kites! I have noticed so many hovering about the past two weeks. Magnificent birds.
LikeLike
They are a real sucess story in England after almost being completely wiped out. Sometimes things do get better!
LikeLiked by 1 person