Lunch?

This morning we worked on paintings from sketches we had completed during the last two days. Then this afternoon a couple of us went to watch Red Kites being fed and it was absolutely astonishing to see so many gathering ready for the feast. We were in bird hides and able to watch them swooping in, feet first, pick up the food and fly away. We were able to see the underside of the wings quite clearly - they have three different feather patterns, black primary wing feathers, white secondaries and russet fore wing. We loved the contrast between the pale blue head (yellow eyes)and the chestnut coloured body and broad forked tail, and adored his white furry trousers. Then to my astonishment I noticed a huge white kite and was later told that this was one of only 8 in the country. It was very difficult to get good photos as the birds were so quick, despite their five foot wing span, but I was delighted to get this one with the pied wagtail beside it to show how they compared in size. Interestingly this one came in to feed after the main group had finished so I wondered if it was slightly outcast as it was an unusual colouring.
Apparently this kite is not an albino as it has blue eyes, not pink, and is not missing ALL pigment. I don't think these kites have yet bred and are called Leucistic.