May, 2010:

We sometimes see Black Kites now soaring in the sky above the quinta. Apparently they winter in Africa and are only seen in the UK when they are passing through.  They summer here though, lucky us as they are majestic!

Black Kites will take small live prey as well as fish, household refuse and carrion.  They can be distinguished from the Red Kite by their slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally darker plumage.  The Black Kite nests in forest trees, often close to other kites.

Black Kite above the River Mondego (thanks Tom Warlow for taking this photo when he visited)

We can walk through the village to the other side of Povoa de Midoes to get to the River Mondego (takes about 20 minutes).  There we can see where the birds are nesting and Matt braved a swim last week (it’s still a bit chilly!)

Matt down at the River Mondego prior to his swim

View of the River Mondego from the village (thanks to Tom Warlow again)