Birds of discerning taste

I had to laugh at this report.

Rare birds of prey have been caught stealing the underwear of skinny dippers at a popular wild swimming spot in a Highland glen.

The red kites have taken pants and socks to line their nest, including designer brands such as Armani, which have helped keep four chicks warm this summer.

Dave Clement, a gamekeeper on the Gannochy estate in the Angus glens, made the discovery after contacting the RSPB to have the kite chicks ringed and recorded.

It is the second year in a row that he has found a variety of underwear in the nest, high in a larch tree, not far from a gorge in Glen Esk where walkers often strip off to have a swim.

Mr Clement, a member of the Angus Glens Moorland Group, which promotes the benefits of grouse estates, said it appeared that the kites had become more discerning this year by choosing more expensive pants.

He added: “The licensed ringer who went up the tree to the nest said there were Armani pants and another brand as well as socks, which they must have pinched off the swimmers at the local gorge.

“It seems they will take anything to line the nest, then lay the eggs on top, and someone must have gone home minus some underwear.”

. . .

The red kite’s habit of "stealing" to make its nest is well known, and nests in England have been found to contain items including England flags, handbags, tea towels, lottery tickets and frilly knickers.

There's more at the link.

So, add that to the list of hazards encountered while skinny-dipping. Since it was in Scotland, perhaps the birds might be the answer to the traditional question about Donald's nether attire!

Peter