SIR - I was pleased to read Mr Shackleford's letter regarding the sightings of red kite near Elworthy Cross (Your Letters, June 25).

Having almost ended up in the hedge in my eagerness to gawp at a red kite as it flew over the edge of Crowcombe some three weeks ago, I'm glad I'm not the only one in awe of these magnificent birds!

I know they have a toe-hold on the Quantocks and can be seen around Clatworthy Reservoir and other places in the Brendon Hills.

Many years ago when I lived in Taunton I was amazed to see a red kite flying over the town - I had the sighting confirmed by the Somerset Ornithological Society (just to make sure I wasn't cracking up).

They are certainly staging a tentative and welcome comeback and not just on the Quantocks and Exmoor, as my husband spotted one on the edge of the Blackdown Hills near Buckland St Mary a month or so ago.

A Cowie,

Long Street,

Williton.