Red kites return to London skies

The red kite has a wing span of up to two metres

A rare bird of prey has been spotted in a garden in east London.

Experts hope the sighting of a red kite in Hackney is proof the species is making a comeback to an area it thrived in during medieval times.

Living on discarded food red kites were considered pests and almost hunted to extinction in 1880.

The species was reintroduced to the Chilterns in the mid-20th Century - experts think this bird was a juvenile from a successful breeding pair.

An RSPB spokesman said: "We always hoped the Chiltern birds would spread and there is now strong evidence that they are venturing into London."

Juveniles wander miles

There are other successful breeding programmes in Scotland, Wales and the North East.

Once fledged, juveniles wander miles from their nest and join other young kites at large communal roosts.

When they are ready to settle down and start their own family, at about two years, the juveniles travel back to near where they were hatched.

Red kites are one of the largest birds of prey in the UK with a wingspan of up to two metres.