Birds of prey - north east?

[wez130]

Ok, now i've finally got my 100-400, i fancy a spot of birding, so does anyone know of anywhere in the North east where they hang out? Or any other interesting breeds if not BoP?

[admirable]

North East where?

[Yv]

Well you could get some practice in at a falconry centre like this one, before 'going solo' in the wild.

http://www.falconrycentre.co.uk/

[Wile E. coyote]

Red kites hang around Gibside (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-gibside/) which is near the Metro Centre, dont know if its too far though Wez. Went there last year, poor weather but saw 4 of them circling around. Only had my sigma 70-300 so the shots were disappointing but I'm planning to go back again. It costs to get in but there a few of other good shots to be taken or the kites hang around in other woods outside the grounds.

[wez130]

yeah, i've just been reading about red kites around Gateshead, i may pay a visit there at some point.

[dseered]

Well done on the lens Wez - tbh just have a drive into the countryside and keep your eyes open, Buzzards are common round here and are easily distinguished circling above, you do get to know where they hang out but they are ****ers when the see a camera ;)