Smaller numbers than some of my recent trips with 33 Red Kite seen.
Weather conditions varied between heavy rain showers and bright sunshine
Shannon Llewellyn said
Thu Jul 5 10:14 AM, 2018
20+ red kite seen from coach taking me down to London on Friday 29/06; Oxon and Bucks. Also a pair of buzzard, for a bit of variety.
dave broome said
Sat Jun 23 5:07 PM, 2018
62 Red Kite today en route to London, which included 7 just on to the M25 between the M40 and M4. Others almost all in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, other than 3 in Warwickshire several miles N of Warwick, further north than Ive seen them previously
dave broome said
Sun Apr 1 9:09 PM, 2018
51 Red Kite today, almost all in Buckinghamshire
dave broome said
Sat Mar 31 1:11 PM, 2018
With spells of heavy rain this morning, just 18 Red Kite along the Oxfordshire-Bucks M40, also 2 more on the M25 and 1 on the M4 near Brentford
Karen Foulkes said
Wed Mar 14 9:46 PM, 2018
At least 50 Red Kites seen along the motorway this afternoon. S couple of small groups up to six in number.
Scott robinson said
Mon Feb 26 8:56 AM, 2018
30+ yesterday on the coach down to Wembley, some flying Low over the motorway absolutely amazing sight! Sorry don't really travel on that stretch so can't give exact locations , but most were seen around the Chiltern Hills.
dave broome said
Sat Dec 16 5:50 PM, 2017
24 on the southward journey through Oxon-Bucks this morning
simon ghilks said
Mon Nov 13 12:43 PM, 2017
Sightings from 10/11/17
54 counted from the comfort of the passenger seat as we headed north late morning. First ones noted from the A40 just inside the M25, last ones just south of Banbury, this is the furthest north I have seen them along the M40.
dave broome said
Sun Oct 8 8:42 PM, 2017
20 Red Kite along the M40 through Oxon-Bucks this morning, with a further 2 at the M25/M4 junction
David Morris said
Sat May 6 8:43 AM, 2017
9 Red Kites spotted on the M40 yesterday, most were around Oxford Services or south of that. Also saw my first Swift of the year on the same motorway.
dave broome said
Fri Apr 14 5:15 PM, 2017
31 Red Kite seen along the M40 today, including 1 in Warwickshire, the first time I've seen one in that part of the motorway
Chris Harper said
Sat Jan 7 9:01 PM, 2017
25 Red Kite from about junction 7 down to 4 today. Increasing towards junction 4. At least 6 around the Wycombe wanderers stadium for the match. Very distracting.
dave broome said
Sun Dec 11 10:56 AM, 2016
With persistent rain and fog in parts, only 7 Red Kite seen from the M40 yesterday, the final one just 1 mile outside the M25, then a further 2 along the M25 itself just south of the M40
-- Edited by dave broome on Sunday 11th of December 2016 10:56:59 AM
dave broome said
Sun Oct 9 1:59 PM, 2016
52 Red Kite along the Oxon-Bucks M40 this morning
dave broome said
Sun May 1 5:08 PM, 2016
53 Red Kite today through Oxon-Bucks, including quite a few on a short detour from the M40 through Wycombe
paul shaw said
Tue Mar 15 7:49 AM, 2016
Yesterday while working in Marlow i observed 19 Red Kites over the town center all in the air together at one time, I also saw at least 20 travelling from Marlow to the m40 and then 43 along the m40 as far as just past Bicester. I couldn't stop looking up while in Marlow but the locals don't seem to notice them, amazing to see.
dave broome said
Sat Dec 19 9:19 PM, 2015
34 Red Kite seen along the Oxon-Bucks M40 this morning
dave broome said
Sat Jul 4 10:33 PM, 2015
29 Red Kite this morning along the Oxon-Bucks M40
Phil Hampson said
Fri Aug 22 7:35 AM, 2014
Many thanks for this info, will bear it in mind next time travelling that way.
Phil
dave broome said
Sun Apr 13 10:13 PM, 2014
34 Red Kite seen on 12th April through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Just one less than the journey on the same weekend last year.
Simon Gough said
Thu Feb 20 11:14 PM, 2014
Travelled down through Oxon and Berkshire to Newbury on Sunday, by train as normal. 9 Red Kites at various places that I remembered to note down. A new one for me was from the platform at Didcot, one bird probably only 50 yards away, had something in its claws, and it was eating from its claws on the wing. Seemed remarkable to me, I assumed they ate from a perch. Later, in a taxi to my hotel, went past 3 birds all on the ground in a field, 2 picking at some carrion and a third skulking in the background. Reminiscent of vultures! They are so common around that area, easily the most common bird of prey, I see more Red Kites than Buzzards every time. You have to imagine that as their population grows and with them being tolerant of people and confident in urban areas that they will spread around the UK again.
john brookes said
Tue Oct 8 1:51 AM, 2013
Only eight recorded on Sunday but took the camera this time and Oxford Services gave great views of two separate birds gliding round at about 30 ft.
Simon Gough said
Fri Oct 4 4:09 AM, 2013
I travel to Newbury a lot for work, and the stretch between Didcot and Reading is the place I always see at least a couple of kites from the train. I think this is towards the south of their stronghold. Stayed in a fairly out of town hotel recently, so I got up at 6 and went for a walk; saw one perched for the first time. Stunning thing to look at. Didn't seem to bother the partridges that were fussing around at the time though...
One of my colleagues has had them in his garden. Can you imagine?
john brookes said
Mon Aug 19 3:23 AM, 2013
A trip down on Saturday saw a count of 30 between J8 and J2 with at least a dozen circling over Lane End which may suggest someone feeding there. Count could have been higher if the daughter put her phone down! Oxford services saw a bird patrolling the car park no more than 10 yards away, superb lazy flight, pity I did not take my camera, make that stupid, as I've often seen them here. Return journey saw a detour because of an accident, off at J6 then up to Chinnor, Thame and back on at 8A. Eighteen counted on this short stretch, nearly all at tree top level and four following a tractor ploughing a field.
Mike Chorley said
Tue Aug 13 3:55 AM, 2013
Friday's trip down to London produced a rather low minimum total of 16 birds, but it was interesting that the majority of the birds were in Bucks rather than Oxfordshire, with the largest group over High Wycombe and a bird only 400 metres or so from the M25 the nearest I've seen to London. Similar, but smaller effect on the M1 on my return on Sunday
Joe Wynn said
Thu Jul 18 2:29 AM, 2013
Spent some time down in Oxford city centre two weeks ago, great to see that there were 3 Kites actually hanging about in the city itself.
dave broome said
Sun May 12 6:44 PM, 2013
31 Red Kite yesterday through Oxon-Bucks. Compared to just 2 Kestrel between Wigan and London, how things have changed, Kestrel used to be a common site along motorways.
Ian Coote said
Thu Apr 25 2:16 AM, 2013
Red Kites are often seen in gardens in the area. People put chicken and other meat out for the birds.
Jon Bowen said
Tue Apr 23 11:05 PM, 2013
32 Red Kites seen around J6-J5 this afternoon including 2 stacks of 5 birds enjoying the thermals, 2 birds that looked like they came out of someone's garden a birds, birds getting mobbed by buzzards and drifting at head height along the motorway. Great views of a bird I remember watching when I'll lived in the Brecon Beacons. Glad I wasn't driving today !!
dave broome said
Sat Apr 13 10:15 PM, 2013
35 Red Kite today along the Oxon-Bucks M40
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Apr 8 2:27 AM, 2013
Originally posted by Paul Richardson today:
Sunny morning yesterday driving up from London - 25 Red Kites in total between High Wycombe and the first few miles of lowland beyond the Chilterns escarpment. Amazing to see them, some swooping quite low over the motorway and distinctly disturbing my concentration!
Steven Nelson said
Fri Apr 6 4:32 PM, 2012
Whilst travelling down the M40 on Mon 3rd April I counted easily over 30 Red Kites including 3 or 4 pairs doing a twisting/tumbling flight and chasing each other round in tight circles (displaying?)
Also had kites over Slough and Windsor
Adam Jones said
Fri Feb 24 6:11 PM, 2012
On my way down the M40 today I took a cheeky detour off at Junction 5 to Stokenchurch. Had some great views of around 15 Red Kites. Awesome looking birds and a real pleasure to see them soaring above at just tens of feet above. When I rejoined the motorway there were around 40 kites circling together. Great sight.
-- Edited by Adam Jones on Saturday 25th of February 2012 03:48:16 AM
Mike Chorley said
Wed Dec 7 9:42 PM, 2011
Mark Rigby wrote:
Mike Chorley wrote:
as in ...of the day
That would be 2300-0000hrs
No, if we're being literal that would be the last
Mark Rigby said
Tue Dec 6 10:27 PM, 2011
Mike Chorley wrote:
as in ...of the day
That would be 2300-0000hrs
Mike Chorley said
Mon Dec 5 11:00 PM, 2011
as in ...of the day
Mark Rigby said
Mon Dec 5 10:46 PM, 2011
Mike Chorley wrote:
Friday 2nd December.
Despite the overcast and the comparatively late hour (16.00 - 16.10)
1600-1610, late 10 minutes?
Mike Chorley said
Mon Dec 5 10:37 PM, 2011
Friday 2nd December.
Despite the overcast and the comparatively late hour (16.00 - 16.10), managed 15 birds along the west side of the M40 - a line of 7 just north of the Chilterns, a group of 7 near Penley Wood and 1 heading west from the Park Lane area.
Mike Chorley said
Mon Oct 3 10:31 PM, 2011
Friday 29th Sept.
12 noon coach to London. delayed half an hour so the driver detored down the M40 instead of the M1
Minimum of29 Red Kites, starting with two quatering the verges several miles north of the A34 and finishing with a single flying across the motorway at High Wycombe. Also 6 Buzzards, possible Hobby, 3 helicopters, 2 gliders and several light aircraft to draw the eye off target!
Mike Chorley said
Mon Sep 5 9:17 PM, 2011
Saturday 3rd Sept. Northbound coach from London.
Total of 33 birds, the majority between Beaconsfield services and the B4009, with 9 birds together in one of the Chiltern valleys the largest group. There were probably more, but the views to the south were rather limited.
Dean Macdonald said
Sat Jul 2 10:31 PM, 2011
at least 8 Red Kites at the Oxford services, junction 8a on the M40 at 10.30 this morning. Some food had been placed on a grass embankment. This brought the birds in really close.
Phil Owen said
Sun Mar 13 10:51 PM, 2011
stuartherring wrote:
went to twickenham to watch the rugby today and saw at least 15 red kites on the way downoh and england won as well
Will have to check the Red Kites out again on the way down to Wembley with City next month after today's win then!!
Glad you enjoyed the Rugby!!!
stuartherring said
Sun Mar 13 10:34 PM, 2011
went to twickenham to watch the rugby today and saw at least 15 red kites on the way downoh and england won as well
Henry Cook said
Thu Feb 24 8:39 PM, 2011
24/02/2011 - It took me and Sid quite a long time to find any Red Kites today but once beyond junction 7 of the M40 we spotted at least 15 upto the following junction (6). Fab views as several cruised low over the motorway directly overhead.
Phil Owen said
Mon Feb 21 10:12 PM, 2011
10 Red Kites seen by myself and Jason Atkinson from the Van in the rain from Junction 6 to High Wycombe area, en route to Rainham Marshes.
Unfortunately Jason mentioned as well that he saw a dead Red Kite lying in one of the motorway lanes whilst driving.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Monday 21st of February 2011 10:12:44 PM
sid ashton said
Thu Sep 23 8:50 PM, 2010
Just had a couple of work days in the Oxford area - not much time for birding but did see a number of Red Kites on the journeys down and up with one over the M40 between J13 and Warwick services - they come ever closer from the south.
brandon mulhern said
Wed Jul 14 10:14 PM, 2010
just drove back from legoland with the kids. One single red kite within the legoland site was an excellent spot for us until we hit the motorway, from about the moment we hit the M40 until just after j6 we counted in excess of 30 red kites out and about the sides of the carriageway, we saw 4 that were only 20 to 25 feet up watching the sides of the motorway all in all they are great to watch even at speed on a motorway.
stuartherring said
Wed Apr 14 6:29 PM, 2010
while driving up the m40 this morning saw 7 red kites over motorway very low at times giving excellent views just wish we had them in oldham beautiful birds also 5 ring neck parakeets in catford area of london
jason fisher said
Thu Apr 8 10:42 PM, 2010
untill a few years ago i lived in didcot had red kite on my garden list.
anyway to the point of the post, last year on 27th june we drove back from london and having lived in the area i decided to to get my current other half to play the count the kite game as we came back.
came up the m40 turned off for lunch by the thames at wallingford, accompanied by kites eyeing our food. then over to whitehorse hill at uffiington via didcot and wantage, then back up the back roads through banbury.
the total kite count for the day was 51 with 8 over the cooling towers of didcot powerstation. we even had one fly below us while we were stood by the eye of the white horse, which was the first one i'd seen over there.
Smaller numbers than some of my recent trips with 33 Red Kite seen.
Weather conditions varied between heavy rain showers and bright sunshine
54 counted from the comfort of the passenger seat as we headed north late morning.
First ones noted from the A40 just inside the M25, last ones just south of Banbury, this is the furthest north I have seen them along the M40.
20 Red Kite along the M40 through Oxon-Bucks this morning, with a further 2 at the M25/M4 junction
31 Red Kite seen along the M40 today, including 1 in Warwickshire, the first time I've seen one in that part of the motorway
25 Red Kite from about junction 7 down to 4 today. Increasing towards junction 4. At least 6 around the Wycombe wanderers stadium for the match. Very distracting.
With persistent rain and fog in parts, only 7 Red Kite seen from the M40 yesterday, the final one just 1 mile outside the M25, then a further 2 along the M25 itself just south of the M40
-- Edited by dave broome on Sunday 11th of December 2016 10:56:59 AM
52 Red Kite along the Oxon-Bucks M40 this morning
53 Red Kite today through Oxon-Bucks, including quite a few on a short detour from the M40 through Wycombe
34 Red Kite seen along the Oxon-Bucks M40 this morning
Phil
One of my colleagues has had them in his garden. Can you imagine?
Sunny morning yesterday driving up from London - 25 Red Kites in total between High Wycombe and the first few miles of lowland beyond the Chilterns escarpment. Amazing to see them, some swooping quite low over the motorway and distinctly disturbing my concentration!
Also had kites over Slough and Windsor
-- Edited by Adam Jones on Saturday 25th of February 2012 03:48:16 AM
No, if we're being literal
That would be 2300-0000hrs
1600-1610, late 10 minutes?
Despite the overcast and the comparatively late hour (16.00 - 16.10
12 noon coach to London. delayed half an hour so the driver detored down the M40 instead of the M1
Minimum of29 Red Kites, starting with two quatering the verges several miles north of the A34 and finishing with a single flying across the motorway at High Wycombe.
Also 6 Buzzards, possible Hobby, 3 helicopters, 2 gliders and several light aircraft to draw the eye off target!
Total of 33 birds, the majority between Beaconsfield services and the B4009, with 9 birds together in one of the Chiltern valleys the largest group. There were probably more, but the views to the south were rather limited.
at least 8 Red Kites at the Oxford services, junction 8a on the M40 at 10.30 this morning.
Some food had been placed on a grass embankment. This brought the birds in really close.
Will have to check the Red Kites out again on the way down to Wembley with City next month after today's win then!!
Glad you enjoyed the Rugby!!!
Unfortunately Jason mentioned as well that he saw a dead Red Kite lying in one of the motorway lanes whilst driving.
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Monday 21st of February 2011 10:12:44 PM
anyway to the point of the post, last year on 27th june we drove back from london and having lived in the area i decided to to get my current other half to play the count the kite game as we came back.
came up the m40 turned off for lunch by the thames at wallingford, accompanied by kites eyeing our food. then over to whitehorse hill at uffiington via didcot and wantage, then back up the back roads through banbury.
the total kite count for the day was 51 with 8 over the cooling towers of didcot powerstation. we even had one fly below us while we were stood by the eye of the white horse, which was the first one i'd seen over there.