Red Kites

The RSPB have announced that in total, at least 14 young fledged (all in Co Down) during this year’s breeding season, the highest since the reintroduction project began here in 2008. One of the highlights of the 2012 season was the discovery of a new pair near Rathfriland, the male of which is lucky to be alive. In April 2011, Blue 22 was discovered lying in a field by some local residents, apparently suffering from the effects of ingesting poison. They were able to contact RSPB staff in the area who took the bird into care and after several rehabilitation, Blue 22 was re-released into the wild. The bird raised two chicks this year.
Thanks to Stephen Maxwell for the recent picture of a Red Kite: