Release of kites breeds optimism

Richard Collins says so far only two of 53 red kite chicks have perished in wild.

FIFTY-THREE red kite chicks were brought to Ireland from Wales this summer. Half were sent to a secret location in Co Wicklow; the others went to Co Down. Thirty kites were released in Co Wicklow last year. Project leader, Damian Clarke, couldn’t keep track of every bird, but he thinks survival is high. Only two deaths are known; a bird was shot and another hit by a train.

Being struck by vehicles is a hazard for kites; they feed on road-and-rail kills. This year’s arrivals spent the summer in pens, where they were fed on dead rabbits and crows, food items they must find for themselves after release. Visiting the pens this month was magical; the lively young kites are magnificent. Last Monday, with their wing tags and little, fitted radio transmitters, the youngsters were let loose. The northern birds are also on the wing. Young kites are fed by their parents after they leave the nest, so food will be provided for the youngsters over the next few weeks.