A  number of protected birds of prey has been pictured soaring through the skies in Hampshire this week.

Three impressive red kites have been spotted soaring through the skies of Hampshire by two Daily Echo Camera Club members - Colin Vanner and David Shapcott. 

According to the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, red kites were once considered a threat to game birds and domestic animals like cats and dogs, causing them to be hunted close to extinction in the UK. 

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Today, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects most wild birds, including birds of prey like the red kite, making it illegal to kill, injure, or take them.

Red kites Red kites (Image: David Shapcott) Rather than purely hunting for food, red kites are in fact largely scavengers, so mainly like to eat scraps and small prey like rabbits. 

The bird of prey is one of the most commonly spotted through the Hampshire area.