A KETTLE OF KITES
Exploring the Dumfries & Galloway Red Kite Trail
Gill Sherry
As residents of Ayrshire, we’re lucky to share our county with an abundance of wildlife. Sightings of brown hares, grey seals, and red deer are not uncommon. Otters and kingfishers may be slightly more elusive but can still be seen playing or hunting along our rivers. The tell-tale fins of dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks have been known to delight those lucky enough to spot them in our waters, and let’s not forget those adorable puffins that roost and breed on Ailsa Craig.
Sometimes, though, it’s worth travelling a little further away.
Just over an hour from Ayr, in our neighbouring county of Dumfries and Galloway is Bellymack Hill Farm. What’s so special about a farm, you may ask? Well, since 2003, Bellymack Hill Farm has invited visitors to enjoy the spectacular sight of hundreds of red kites circling and swooping at close range.
The birds of prey were reintroduced to Dumfries and Galloway in 2001. The farm and its surrounding countryside provide the perfect natural environment for the birds thanks to the prevailing south-westerly winds, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the landscape.
Aware of the attraction of these graceful birds, and keen to see them thrive, Anne Johnstone, the owner of the farm, opened an all-weather visitor centre and began feeding the red kites on a daily basis. The fully accessible centre is open year-round from 1pm until 4pm (closed Mondays) with feeding taking place at 2pm. There is a small fee of £7.50 for over 16s and basic refreshments are available from the on-site café. There is also a small gift shop. The star attraction, however, is undoubtedly the red kites.
Even before feeding begins, dozens of kites can be seen waiting in nearby trees or flying impatiently above the farm and its outbuildings, their russet bellies, white under-wings and forked tails flashing overhead.
Despite Bellymack being dog friendly, I keep an eye on my wee dog as I make myself comfortable on the viewing platform alongside my fellow bird watchers. I wouldn’t want him to deter the birds from approaching, but neither would I want them thinking he’d make a tasty lunch. I needn’t have worried, though, as the birds pay no heed to the farm’s resident Jack Russells as they run free across the fields. Clearly, the birds are waiting for a tastier treat.
The collective term for a group of red kites is a kettle but this simple word doesn’t do justice to the number of birds on display. It really is a sight to behold. With a wingspan of up to 195cm (that’s over six feet!) the aerial display is an absolute treat for lovers of nature and wildlife, and perfect for photographers.
As 2pm approaches, the noise increases. Not only do the birds appear to become more impatient, their high-pitched whistles sounding almost human, but the clicking of camera shutters intensifies. I try to take a few photographs of my own, but the birds are so fast!
When feeding time finally arrives, the sky becomes alive with hungry kites. Some fly in from as far as 20 miles and no sooner has the food left the feeder’s hand, they swoop down, talons outstretched, grab the flesh, and take off again in an instant. The sound of beating wings adds to the cacophony.
It’s interesting to note that they don’t actually land but steal the food away to eat mid-air, or back in the safety of the trees.
Having scattered a trail of roadkill and offal across the field, John, a volunteer at the centre, then arranges what can only be described as a feasting board. Raw meat covers an outdoor tabletop, inviting the kites to help themselves to a lavishly laid-out lunch. For some reason, though, on this particular day, the birds seem hesitant to approach, preferring instead to bide their time and keep a watchful eye from the trees.
I keep my camera pointed at the table but eventually admit defeat. No doubt Sod’s law will see them swoop down in their dozens as soon as my back is turned!
I learn afterwards that the birds rely on wind currents to keep them aloft when retrieving food, and these currents must be flowing in the right direction. Another of the volunteers, Helen, tells me that despite their huge wingspan, their body weight is not sufficient to lift food without wind assistance. She refers to them as scavengers, or ‘cleaner-uppers’ that will devour the afterbirth from ewes, but offer no danger to the lambs themselves. Hence why Anne is happy to encourage them to her working farm.
Another reason for them being late to the table is muck-spreading. When this is taking place nearby, the kites will favour the worms, insects and small mammals disturbed by this farming process, over the ready-made roadkill buffet.
The beauty of this particular area, is that you don’t need to visit the farm to appreciate the majesty of the red kites (although, why wouldn’t you?). The journey home takes me part of the way through the official Red Kite Trail, a 24-mile circular road trip which promises sightings of the kites all year round. There are various viewing points along the trail, plus opportunities to appreciate the area by foot. Information boards and viewing hides are provided.
There is also a hide at Bellymack Farm, allowing a better view of the birds as they gather in the trees. A 20-minute walking circuit from the farm offers views from a different perspective, plus the opportunity to see a variety of other birds and wildlife.
Back at the farm, the feeding station produces an awesome spectacle that you simply won’t see anywhere else. As much as I would like to have captured that impressive ‘money shot’, it was a pleasure to put my camera away and be able to watch the scene unfold firsthand. Photographs are great, but nothing compares to the feeling of being at one with nature and watching these magnificent birds perform their daily dance.
It’s the sheer number of birds which makes this viewing opportunity such a memorable experience. Spotting a single red kite is treat enough, but bearing witness to such a large number of these magnificent birds is a privilege indeed.
Bellymack Hill Farm
Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PJ
Facebook: Red Kite Centre – Laurieston
