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My pigeon shooting was interrupted by a red kite!

Birds of prey are generally opportunists, and will not miss the chance of an easy meal.

By Peter Theobald

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

Last Saturday I shot a pigeon that started walking away from the decoy pattern when, from nowhere; a red kite swooped down, grabbed the pigeon and flew off with it. I thought kites only took carrion? Can you shed some light on this incident?

Pigeon shooting expert
PETER THEOBALD
No matter what the RSPB would have us believe, all birds of prey are opportunists, and whilst Red Kites may predominantly only eat carrion, there is no doubt they will not pass up the chance to take vulnerable live prey, as evidenced recently when a photographer caught a buzzard taking a rare Grey Phalarope.

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Comments

Ryan Lightley

Mon, 6th Jul 2009 15:34:49

excellent reply, i believe the RSPB are responsible for alot of misconceptions regarding raptors,having worked as a keeper since i left school 5 years ago, nothing a bird of prey does would suprise me anymore, ive seen it all, from buzzards hunting pheasant poults to red kites taking fully grown grey partridge, as Peter said in his reply ALL raptors are oppertunists and they wont turn thier noses up at anything.

mr j d nellis

Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:05:12

i had an incident at work 6yr ago which has resulted in me having sleep problems my local firearms dept have been kept informed (and been brilliant i might add).it has been suggested i see a psychologist to help with my sleep problems,could you please tell me if this would cause problems with my shotgun license renewal.iam a safe and responsible person wether shooting or not

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