ABC Wednesday K is for Kerria and Kite

Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’

Kerria japonica is also known as Jew’s mantle but is usually simply called Kerria. It is a deciduous spring-flowering shrub whose cheerful bright yellow double flowers brighten dull days and shady spots.  It often has a second lesser flowering in late August/early September. It is easily propagated by cuttings in summer.

In the last year we have been delighted to see Red Kites (Milvus milvus) flying high over our house. 

It is even more delightful when they skim the tree tops and on at least one occasion one has taken food from the bird table – quite a feat in our tree and shrub-thick garden for a bird with a 5’ wingspan.

The Red Kite was saved from extinction in UK by one of the world’s longest running protection programmes. At one time the only place to see them was in Wales but reintroduction to other areas means that many more people are experiencing the pleasure of seeing these magnificent birds soaring in slow circles looking for food. The forked tail acts as a rudder and is flicked to change direction. They are often to be seen at refuse or landfill sites where food is plentiful. They feed on carrion, worms and small mammals.

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