I’m no wildlife photographer, and I certainly don’t have the type of lenses one would need for such a pursuit. Fortunately, the resident wildlife at Markshall Estate offers up the occasional opportunity, even for those of us known as landscape photographers. This magnificent red kite (Milvus milvus) is one such fortuity.

With a wingspan of around 175cm (over five feet), it is an impressive sight as it tours the treetops. It was the shadow on the ground that I first noticed, followed by its mew-like call, as if it were trying to get my attention.

After a few minutes I remembered that I had a camera in my hand. It was around twenty minutes - and a stiff neck - later, that I managed to capture this image. Watch the birdie!

A red kite touring the treetops

(This image, along with a few others, is available as a greetings card at Markshall Estate)