Two young kites in one of the later nests had a remarkable escape from disaster.

The tree in which their nest had been built was a most peculiar shape. The forked top of its trunk was bent over so that it was shaped rather like a roadside lamp standard, the nest being perched on the bent over section of the trunk.

The nest started off as roughly horizontal. However, incessant rain resulted in the ground where the tree stood becoming water-logged, causing it to slowly tilt over.

Several other trees were similarly affected and ended up falling to the ground.

It was very fortunate that the nest tree had the fork in its top, as this came to rest against a neighbouring tree which took its weight and held it up sufficiently for the young kites to fledge – a foot or so either way and the story would have had a very different ending!

It was equally fortunate that the tilting occurred slowly, so enabling the young birds to gradually adjust their positions to avoid being tipped out of the tree.

The nest was checked on an almost daily basis and there was relief all round once the young had fledged.