![]() ![]() We believe persecution is the main limiting factor in north Scotland, and we are carrying out a persecution study, using radiotelemetry to identify persecution hot spots. Here we will be moving a small number of birds over the next five years to a new area to the north-east to hasten recovery of red kites in that area. The population produces lots of young, but fewer survive and so the population has stopped growing. The same number of red kites were released in the Chilterns as in North Scotland between 19, but while the Chilterns population has grown to more than 200 pairs, the north Scottish population has remained at only 35 pairs. Numerous incidents of illegal poisoning appear to be preventing the population from increasing. In the UK, only in northern Scotland do we have serious concerns about the future. This is particularly welcome as the European red kite population has declined dramatically and is now listed as globally-threatened by the IUCN/BirdLife International. The population in Wales has increased to more than 400 pairs and populations in most of the release areas in Scotland and England are already self-sustaining. The prospects for red kites in the UK are extremely good, with increasing numbers at most of the release locations. Touring red kite trails have been set up, and enterprising farmers have set up kite-feeding stations which draw high numbers of visitors. Local economies have benefited from ‘kite country’ green tourism initiatives. The children find out that kites are exciting and spectacular birds and share their enthusiasm with family and friends. Support from local residents has been important too and we have often started by visiting schools, inviting children to see kites being released and helping them with associated project work. Most have seen this for themselves, and are now proud to have kites nesting on their land, protecting them and monitoring their success.Ĭhristopher Ussher, resident agent at the Harewood Estate, was quoted in Shooting Times and Country Magazine as saying: ‘Initially we received comments from neighbours about how the birds would affect the estate, but there is no conflict at all.’ It has been important to reassure landowners and gamekeepers that red kites pose no risk to game shooting interests or livestock. Most Kites, swoop down at very high speed and snatch the food, the Kites will also been seen eating their food 'on the wing' while still flying.The RSPB, together with its partners, has worked hard to ensure local support for the red kite reintroduction projects. It is unusual to see a Red Kite sat on the ground feeding. As mentioned above, only very small mammals need to be protected from aerial attack. It should be noted that most family pets are not at risk from the Red Kites circling over their properties. However, many youngsters will also see the Red Kites clearing up the discarded snacks and trash in a school playground, after the children have returned to class. ![]() The other favourite foods include carrion, mice, voles, shrews, small birds and small reptiles. Earth worms are the favourite food source of the Red Kites, which can often be seen following many a Farmer’s tractor around the British countryside. For a large raptor it has small, weak talons and cannot attack larger mammals that a Common Buzzard might prefer. The Red Kite is a scavenger and will eat almost anything. Some of the images above show the wonderful chest and neck feathers and of course that distinctive tail, unique to the Kite family and so powerful in the aerial acrobatics that can be seen in the skies above. The beautiful plumage of the Red Kite has to be seen to be appreciated. The latest estimate is that England has more than 2000 pairs of Red Kites.Ī medium-large bird of prey, the Red Kite has a wing span of up to 180cm and with its long-forked tail can measure up to 70cm in length. The Red Kite is a magnificent raptor that has made an amazing come-back since it nearly became extinct through human predation and the extensive use of dangerous agricultural pesticides.Ī reintroduction program in England and Scotland in the late 1990s and again in 2004, saw over 200 pairs produce eggs with almost 300 successful juveniles taking flight. ![]()
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