Coming in to land

We went to Dingwall to buy some oil for the chainsaw and then onto the Deli in Strathpeffer to buy some rolls for lunch, We went up to Loch Kinellan to eat them. It was raining so we stayed in the car.
Next we drove to Tollie Red Kite Centre where we had a blipmeet with Limoniad and her husband. We had a great time catching up and waiting for the birds to arrive. The RSPB officer was very helpful and friendly answering all our questions. The first to arrive were the gulls which is a good sign apparently as this shows the Red Kites that the meat is easy to get. Kites are not strong enough to kill or open up a carcass so rely on other birds to do it for them. We spotted a male sparrowhawk in one of the trees at the back, he flew closer and perched on a post but to far away for a photo. Next came a Buzzard, landing in a tree and then bravely coming down to the table where the raw meat, donated by a local butcher,had been placed.Then came the Red Kites . Three coming down briefly to the table and grabbing some meat in their talons. It started raining again and it seems they are nt too happy flying in the rain and stayed in a tree just to the left of the viewing room. I took a photo and on a closer look could see a crow, buzzard, Two red Kites and a woodpecker :) 
I did nt manage to get any decent photos. The best was this Buzzard landing and a cheerful chaffinch in one of the bushes.
We said our goodbyes and Limoniad and Mr L were on their way to continue their trip on the NC500 :)