If you spend any time on the road in Co Wicklow, you are likely to see a red kite or two above, gliding gracefully with angled, black-tipped, white-marked wings and forked tail. The body, inner wings and tail are fox toned, making this large raptor easily identifiable. It often circles slowly over roadways, watching for small prey and roadkill. Carrion is an important component in its diet, more so in winter than in other seasons. All Ireland’s red kites are birds that have been introduced from Wales, or their offspring.

Source: The Times December 12, 2018 00:00 UTC