YOUR report yesterday concerning RAF Benson shooting red kites over the airbase is totally unnecessary. Firstly let me point out that these birds do not fly into the planes but the planes fly into the birds, who have more right to the airspace than man-made machines.

There is possibly a simple answer that has worked before with similar problems of birds of prey.

A giant inflatable eagle could be attached to the ground via a high visibility wire so it floats at an altitude above the local flight-paths and the presence of this would deter any hunting hovering birds of prey that can obviously see dinner on the airfield.

These dinners (probably baby rabbits) could also be eradicated or preferably moved to a safer location to stop the kites hunting initially. The bloodthirsty approach to shoot any possible safety hazard to the planes is barbaric and ill-thought-out.

ADRIAN TAYLOR
Duncan Close
Eynsham







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