Member Article

First Red Kites in region for 200 years

For the first time in nearly 200 years, red kites have once again bred in the North East. Red Kites are a medium-large bird of prey in the same family as eagles, and are rare in England. Two of the red kites released as part of the Northern Kites project in 2004 have successfully bred and are on a nest near the Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead. The kites have been named ‘Flag’ and ‘Red Philip’ by their adopting schools. Concern was raised in May as egg incubation was at risk from inexperience (the kites are only two years old and kites usually breed when they are three or four), possible persecution and the cold, wet and windy weather that Gateshead experienced. Luckily, chicks have been spotted in the nest and the proud parents have now begun the two month process of providing the young with food. Although the nest is not visible, good views will be seen of the parents bringing food to the young from the nine arches viaduct in the Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead. A public event will run from Friday 2nd June until 30th July to allow visitors to watch the parents bring food to the nest. See www.northernkites.org.uk/events.htm for more information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .