Red hawk launched overhead

Red hawks were once at risk of extinction, but now they are once again growing up in rural England.

Red kite birds often test their hunting skills with fake fights in the air.

Those vivid images of them in the sky of Brynnamman region in Carmarthenshire, Wales have entered the lens of photographer Gareth Scanlon.

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Red kite birds often test their hunting skills with fake fights in the air.

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According to Gareth: "A red hawk will throw forward with its claws and the others will react by hitting its back, pushing the claws to the other side."

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By doing so, their combat skills are enhanced.

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This bird was once considered a pest in the UK.

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In the 18th century, they were almost wiped out over the entire territory of England and Scotland.

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To date, there are about 600 red hawk couples living in Wales as descendants of the last pair of birds.

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Red hawk is now very popular in this area.

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A scene of red hawks flying on the opponent's face in the fake battle.

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Red hawks were also brought to England from Germany, France and Spain. Their number has increased to 700 pairs in the UK and 130 pairs in Scotland.

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Those who are lucky to witness them fly will see their extraordinary agility in the air.

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They constantly fluttered for hours, seldom smashing their wings but only twisting their tails to change direction.

Update 15 December 2018