Young Country Diary: What’s that piercing cry in the winter woods? | Polly

As I cycled up the narrow country lane, I stopped when I heard an almighty piercing call. I quickly spotted an extremely large bird perching among the bare branches of the tall trees that loomed above me. Luckily, I kept my eyes on the magnificent bird as it took flight, because despite the woodland winter nakedness, it was camouflaged so well in the bare branches that I wouldn’t have noticed where the shrieking was coming from.

I was amazed at how elegant it was to watch, despite its size, and I instantly recognised it as a red kite. I am fortunate to see these birds soaring over fields around here, with their acrobatic flight, graceful gliding and their enormous red wingspan, which can reach up to 195cm!

Polly’s photo of the red kites’ roost. Photograph: Family handout

On this occasion, what stopped me in my tracks was the piercing winter call in the otherwise quietness, which I think was territorial behaviour. Maybe it viewed me on my bike as a threat to its home. Red kites don’t migrate to warmer climates during the winter months. Instead they group together for warmth (and maybe company) in communal roosts in the woodland. It’s amazing to think they were nearly extinct 50 years ago but, thanks to an extremely successful conservation project, they’re now thriving and hopefully here to stay.
Polly, nine

Read today’s other YCD piece, by Tilly, 12: ‘Outnumbered by hundreds of swooping starlings’

Young Country Diary is published every fourth Saturday of the month. If you’d like to submit a winter piece, the submission form is open until Monday 6 January

Polly’s drawing of a red kite. Photograph: Family handout