Rare red kites rear chicks in new area

ORGANISERS of a programme to reintroduce iconic red kites to Scotland are celebrating a new success after birds from two areas bred and established a new territory for the first time.

The female, from the Black Isle, was tracked by a satellite tag to Aberdeen where RSPB officers say it paired with a local male. The pair, named “Professor Feathers” and “Red Blaze”, have overcome the poor weather conditions to rear three chicks in a “new area” away from other established pairs.

It is thought to be the first time birds from the north and east Scotland populations have bred together.

They are now being monitored as part of the RSPB’s red kite reintroduction programme, which is one of the world’s longest-running bird protection schemes. The species declined in numbers during the 19th century.