Hope for first red kite chicks in 200 years

THE FIRST red kite chicks to be hatched here in over 200 years will be born this week in Wicklow, it is hoped.

This follows the release of a number of red kites into the county in 2007, as part of the Red Kite project to reintroduce the birds of prey to Ireland after a two-century absence.

A male and female from the release have built a nest and the female, “Purple e”, is currently incubating a clutch of three eggs at an unidentified location.

Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, said he was delighted at the news which meant the project was now a step closer to its goal of establishing a self-sustaining kite population.

The red kite, which was once common and widespread, became extinct in the 18th century due to hunting, poisoning and woodland clearance.

Damian Clarke, manager of the Red Kite project, said the eggs had an incubation of 31 to 32 days so hatching should happen this week. “This is a huge milestone for the project and it’s significant that breeding has happened within its first two years.” It augured well for a self-sustaining red kite population in the county.

“The chicks should be in the nest for seven to eight weeks after hatching and then they’ll leave the nest but probably hang around the area until August or September when they should go out on their own.”

Asked about the poisoning of two kites – in Co Wicklow and in Co Leitrim – he said there was a tradition among farmers of laying poison for crows and foxes.

Legislation stipulated fallen stock, such as dead sheep, should not be laced with poison and yet this is still happening and access to certain poisons should be regulated, he said.

“The Irish State really is failing in regards to the protection of these birds.”

Mr Gormley said he was concerned at poisoning of birds of prey. “I am very concerned at these incidents as not only do they endanger the fulfilment of our commitment to maintain and enhance Ireland’s native wildlife but they also harm our environmental and agricultural reputation at home and abroad.”

He said he was disgusted to learn of the poisoning of two white-tailed eagles in Waterville, Co Kerry last week.

“I am currently making arrangements for new regulations which would outlaw the use of poisoned meat-based bait except in exceptional circumstances. I am anxious to have these regulations in place as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Some 56 red kites have been imported from Wales and released in Wicklow.