Red Kites: Colin Woolf - Wildlife Paintings

 

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Red Kites

Red Kite flying in a blue sky

Although Red Kites are now an increasingly common sight in many areas throughout England, Wales and Scotland, they were once confined to the wooded valleys of Mid-Wales, and this is where all of Britain's native Red Kites originate from. Recent re-introductions of Red Kites have taken place in locations across the UK, but it is not well known that these birds were imported from other European countries. The few original British Red Kites left in Wales were saved from extinction by a dedicated band of volunteers and now number over 1000 individuals, and they are now monitored and protected by the Welsh Kite Trust.

The introduction program was started as a safeguard, as concern over the genetic pool of the few native birds left was insufficient to sustain growth of the population. This is obviously not the case as now the population of native Red Kites has grown to well over 1000 individuals with the help of the Welsh Red Kite Trust, so now it seems that there was never any need to repopulate the population from imported kites from abroard. However, concern exists that the imported population may dilute the native Red Kites as they have a darker red colour to their plumage than the European imports - deja vue ? Ruddy Duck ?

Red Kites flying study

The Red Kite's elegant flight pattern is depicted with simple accuracy

 

I've long been an admirer of the Red Kite; they are majestic birds of prey, elegant in flight, and they possess the most beautiful russet-coloured plumage, enhanced by a greyish-white 'mane' of neck feathers and striking yellow eyes. They have a plaintive, high-pitched cry and their distinctive silhouette is characterised by their v-shaped tail, which they twist and turn as they circle above their woodland habitat.

Several years ago I was commissioned to create some paintings of Red Kites by the RSPB's 'Kite Country' Project; the resulting works now hang in Red Kite Visitor Centres throughout Mid Wales. Before I could even begin to think about painting these beautiful birds I spent many weeks in their homeland around Tregaron, Llandrindod and Rhayader - watching, sketching and developing a 'feel' for their character and the landscape in which they live.

Red Kites Watched from Above

'Watched from Above': One of my largest paintings at over 3 feet in length - which is unusual for a watercolour.
It shows two Red Kites searching for a nest site in February, with a sprinkling of snow on the hills of Cwm Ystwyth. The title actually refers to the Peregrine which is circling high overhead. The size of the painting allowed me to do full justice to the beauty of the birds and the subtle colours of the landscape. This image is available as a Greetings Card but is not available individually as a print, as it is one of a set of five Limited Edition prints released in 2005 as a Special Portfolio . . . here.

I'll be happy to send more details on request.

Some of my Red Kite images are illustrated here: for their accuracy, beauty and atmosphere I consider them to be among my best works. Apart from the pencil sketches, most are available as Limited Edition prints.

Pencil Sketch: Two Red Kites tumble recklessly as they chase each other through the air; breathtaking to watch, their acrobatics sometimes appear totally crazy!

2 Kites displaying
 

Red Kite in snow

'Red Kite in Winter': Winter is the hardest time for all birds,
and Red Kites must rely on their instincts to survive.
They are natural scavengers, and this one is eyeing some carrion
which a Raven and a Buzzard are already squabbling over.

Red Kite Country

'Red Kite Country': One of my first Red Kite paintings, this portrays a Red Kite
against the backdrop of a Mid Wales valley in autumn. It shows just how majestic Red Kites are,
with their striking white 'cape' and beautiful, russet-coloured tail.
The Limited Edition prints from this painting have now completely sold out.

 

 

 

'Winter in the Cambrian Mountains' captures the harsh beauty of Mid Wales in the grip of winter, with two Red Kites soaring over the icy landscape in search of food. The valley is the Abergwesyn Pass, close to the Irfon river in Mid Wales.

 

 

Red Kites, Winter in the Cambrian Mountains

Welcome in the Hillside red Kites


'A Welcome in the Hillside': Red Kites prefer to nest in broadleaved woodlands such as oak, and this pair has succeeded in hatching two chicks. The lovely landscape of a Mid Wales valley is spread out beneath them. Another one of my large watercolours, this one was over 4 feet in length and took a long time to complete.

This painting was auctioned by the Lord's Taverners Charity in Cardiff, raising a total of £8,000.

 

 

Peregrines attack a Red Kite

Red Kites are often mobbed by Peregrines, especially if they venture too close to a nest site; the resulting clash can be exciting to watch. This sketch captures the Red Kite's defensive posture, and the Peregrines' aggressive attacks.

 

Red Kite Country Book

click on the image for a larger preview (be sure to use your back button to return)

 

In 2005, wildlife photographer Mike Read and I released a new book, 'Red Kite Country', celebrating the wildlife and countryside of Mid Wales. Illustrated with Mike's stunning images of nature and my own paintings and sketches, it has a foreword by Welsh naturalist Iolo Williams, and a whole section devoted to Red Kites. It's available from the publishers,and more information can be found on their website www.wildguides.co.uk

It's easy to forget that Red Kites were once an extremely rare sight, even in their native valleys; just a few decades ago they were virtually extinct in Britain, their numbers restricted to just a couple of isolated pairs. Their comeback has been brought about by the tireless efforts of a small band of volunteers, and thankfully they are now on the increase. Red Kites in Wales are carefully monitored and protected by the Welsh Kite Trust, a charity with which I have a long association. To find out more, please visit their website www.welshkitetrust.org

Red Kites seem to hold a special place in most people's hearts, and they draw visitors from all over Britain to watch them soaring above the quiet, unspoilt valleys of Mid Wales. If you'd like to see them in their native habitat, why not visit one of the Feeding Stations such as Gigrin Farm near Rhayader? In the winter months upwards of 100 kites may be in the air at one time - an outstanding spectacle. www.gigrin.co.uk

 

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