Kite

Yes, that black dart beneath the clouds is the local red kite, out riding the thermals and looking for his (or her!) lunch, no doubt. The first time I ever saw this rather striking local resident, with his forked tail, sleekly curved wings and deceptive air of nonchalance, he was hovering so low over the house opposite that I could see the russety-red wing feathers - but sadly, I had no camera with me! Since then I have tried - and failed - on numerous occasions to get a decent action shot, even though my home appears to lie directly beneath his regular flight path. He (or she!) appears curiously reluctant to pause mid-flight for a portrait. One day!