Wednesday 28 September 2011

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.

Click here to see more Ks.

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love your dog comments and will use a small excerpt: "Just a dog? Just a friend, just a sunrise, just a promise" on a poster this weekend at a booksigning I am doing. With your permission I would be glad to include your full name and attribute the quote if you send me the info.

    I also loved the cat and mouse video, and you r grandson with the dalmation...ahhhh.

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  2. Hi Janice .. I love the Kerria japonica .. I love japonica too .. and isn't it wonderful that the Kites are now back and flying around again .. they're a great addition to nature - it must have been brilliant to watch them swoop down on your bird feeding table .. amazing!

    Thanks - great K's .. cheers Hilary

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  3. Wow! Great shot of that bird!

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  4. I love watching kites ! My son used to go to Cristal Palace in London and let his kite fly ! What nice memories !

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  5. well that's not either a bird OR a flower I KNOW! nice.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  6. Both beautiful things to see. I've seen a kite in Wales, and we may be seeing them here as well as they have just introduced some into the Grizedale forest area. I'm looking forward to spotting some.

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  7. Hello.
    Both bird & flower are beautiful. I love yellow.

    Nice post & great photos.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Kiss Me With Desire

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  8. I'm glad to hear that the red kite is doing well with reintroduction efforts. Lovely pictures of a magnificent bird.

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  9. What a huge bird - fascinating! Gorgeous photos. I especially love the header.

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  10. The Red Kite looks like a magnificent bird. It is good to hear it has been saved from extinction.

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  11. these are all great photos - hard to know which I like best

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  12. Would love to see that beautiful kite. The flowers are a beautiful promise of summer sunshine.

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