If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see a red kite soaring high in the sky, you’ll know how magnificent and awe-inspiring these birds of prey are.
Red kites were persecuted to extinction here more than 200 years ago but in 2008 we partnered with the Welsh Kite Trust and the Golden Eagle Trust to reintroduce the species to Northern Ireland.
There are currently around 14 breeding pairs in NI but it’s estimated the population will only reach a sustainable level once around 50 pairs are established.
So you can imagine the heartbreak we felt when it was recently confirmed that a red kite found dead near Katesbridge, County Down in May had been shot.
The female bird was part of the final release phase of the project and was also ‘adopted’ by Ballyclare High School and given the name Fawkes.
The bird was found near a nest site usually occupied by a male and female known as Black K and Black M. Worryingly, they have not been seen in recent months.
To lose any of our small red kite population is a real setback but to find out that someone deliberately killed this beautiful bird of prey is beyond belief.
Like all wild birds, red kites are protected by the law and it is an offence to injure or kill one.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to report it to the police on 101.
We would also encourage the public to keep an eye out for Black K and Black M. Look for the tags on the underside of the wing and report any sightings to redkiteni@rspb.org.uk
Photo credit: Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)