Investigation into killing of kite released last month

GARDAÍ in Wicklow are investigating the shooting dead of a red kite — one of just 30 in the country who were released last month as part of a reintroduction programme of the species.

The killing has been described as an “early setback” and a “major disappointment” for the project to re-establish a breeding population of the bird, which is a native of Ireland but was driven to extinction here 200 years ago.

There are just a couple of hundred red kites in the world. The bird is given the highest level of protection under EU and Irish law, and to shoot it, by mistake or intentionally, is illegal.

The red kite’s remains were located by radio tracking on Tuesday, in a field north of Arklow. An X-ray found it had five to six shotgun pellets alongside the main entry wound in its chest. It was shot sometime between Sunday evening and Tuesday lunchtime, and it is not yet known if the shooting was an accident or deliberate.

Damian Clarke, of the Golden Eagle Trust, which runs the project, said: “It’s hard to believe someone could have accidently shot a kite. They are a very difficult bird to confuse with anything that you can legally shoot.”

He said it was particularly strange, given the levels of support the project has received from local farmers and gun clubs.

“It’s very worrying to recover a shot kite so soon after they have been released. But I must stress that the level of support from all the local farmers, landowners and local gun clubs and shooting syndicates has been excellent.

“Red kites were driven to extinction in Ireland, previously due to shooting, trapping and poisoning and the Wicklow project’s success will ultimately depend on the continuing support and goodwill of the local community.”

Des Crofton, manager of the National Association of Regional Game Councils, said “the full forces of the authorities should be used” to bring those responsible to justice.

The remaining 29 birds appear to have adapted well to their environment, feeding on silage fields and harvested fields, foraging for worms and insects.

Mr Clarke said: “Despite this early setback, we are still confident that we can re-establish a viable breeding population in Wicklow and that in time, through our ongoing awareness campaign, that the red kite will become a cherished part of Wicklow’s beautiful landscape.

“It is very unfortunate that we should recover a shot kite during National Heritage week. It once again highlights the importance that everyone needs to play a role in protecting Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Native birds became extinct

THE red kite was once a common bird throughout Ireland and Britain. But shooting and habitat loss led to extinction almost 200 years ago, in all areas except the remote uplands of Wales.

At one point, there were just two known breeding pairs. This prompted a breeding programme and there are presently about 600 breeding pairs in Britain.

On July 19, 30 young birds were introduced to Wicklow.

It is expected that they will start breeding in 2010.

Prior to laying their eggs, red kites decorate their nests with scraps of cloth and paper.

Their habit of stealing clothes is the origin of their Irish name An Préachan Ceirteach, meaning “cloth kite”.

The bird has a reddish brown body and forked tail, with a wingspan of up to 1.8m.

Due to their small feet, they are not particularly powerful predators, but can take small mammals, crows, insects and worms.