A bird once teetering on the edge of extinction has been sighted soaring above Somerset, signalling the continued success of one of Britain’s most celebrated conservation stories. The Red Kite, recognised for its striking forked tail and graceful flight, was photographed in the skies above Maunsel Lock along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, near the village of North Newton. The image was captured by local photographer Les Pickersgrill, who remarked that sightings of the bird of prey in Somerset are becoming increasingly common.
++ Elderly Brit, 83, dies after lick from granddaughter’s dog
Once a familiar presence across Britain, the Red Kite saw a dramatic decline by the early 20th century, with breeding pairs reduced to a handful in South Wales. The species’ history in the UK has been mixed—protected in some regions for its role in clearing carrion from streets, yet persecuted in others. In Scotland, for instance, the bird was once seen as a threat and targeted for elimination.
Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, including reintroduction programmes using birds from outside the region, the Red Kite has made a remarkable recovery. Today, it is frequently observed across much of the UK, a far cry from its previous near-absence.
++ Nature’s survivors: animals that withstand blistering heat
While Wales still boasts some of the best-known sites for viewing Red Kites—such as Gigrin Farm and the feeding station at Llanddeusant—their growing presence in counties like Somerset reflects a broader national resurgence. The recent sighting in Somerset serves as a testament to the enduring impact of conservation work and the resilience of British wildlife when given the chance to thrive.sal
