Red Kites enjoy 'Highland fling' as they soar in the sky

This stunning photograph shows two red kites enjoying a ‘Highland fling’.

Carol Bone, 65, captured the birds appearing to hold hands at the Red Kite Feeding Station near Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway.

The two red kites, which are known for their unique reddish-brown body, were among 150 others getting fed that day when Ms Bone snapped the picture last Tuesday.

The birds are normally territorial during feeding time but were happy to be in each other’s company.

Amateur snapper Ms Bone, from Clackmannan, Clackmannanshire, said it looked like the birds were enjoying a traditional Highland fling.

Red kites, which have a wingspan of around two metres, were once on the brink of extinction in Scotland due to illegal hunting.

But successful reintroduction programmes in the Black Isle, Scottish Highlands and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park have helped their numbers steadily rise.

Ms Bone said: “I think the two kites were telling everyone that Scotland is great and dancing a Highland fling to celebrate.

“I love it, sometimes you press the camera shutter and get a lucky capture.

“I guess this is one of those times. I also think they are beautiful birds.

“I’m no expert but the kite is very recognisable due to the forked tail, graceful flight, and the red colouring.

“They are birds of prey but eat mainly carrion and will follow tractors like gulls to pick up anything thrown up by chance like voles.”