Red Kite Trip by Tom Byars 15/02/09

When I started birdwatching in my teens during the early seventies, Red Kites were regarded by my peers as an almost mythical creature. Confined to remote hill country in central Wales, only 20 pairs bred back then and its future looked really grim – especially when you consider the Welsh population in the seventies genetically originated from just one female. To save the species from extinction, the RSPB came up with a cunning plan – to reintroduce the Red Kite back to Britain with birds brought over from Europe and released at various sites throughout the country. The Braes of Doune near Stirling is one such release site and the Argaty Red Kite feeding station at Lerrocks Farm is one of the best places to see this beautiful bird of prey.

Around twelve members turned out at Doune ponds in the morning to investigate the local nature reserve before the 2.00pm feeding time at Argaty. The ponds were all frozen, and apart from a hungry looking flock of Mallards there was very little to see (apart from the lichens!!) Some of our intrepid members went up an adjacent hill to see if any Red Kites were hanging around. Five Ravens flew over, followed by a couple of Buzzards and then we heard the raucous screech of some hidden Jays. In the distance, a bird of prey was spotted floating motionless above some moorland and through the binoculars, the distinct profile of a Red Kite was revealed. This bird was later spotted through a telescope mantling prey in a dead tree. Walking back to the cars for lunch, we had a brief glimpse of a flighty Treecreeper in the Birchwoods and some Lesser Redpoll.

After having a quick look around the visitor centre we headed off to the viewing hide early (guaranteed a seat). Already we could see Red Kites appearing from all points of the compass and with eager anticipation we stepped into the hide. Our expert guide explained a brief natural history on the Red Kite and the successful reintroduction into the surrounding countryside. Productivity is good and around 30-40 birds come to the feeding station on a regular basis. Our guide then mounted a quad bike and became “meals on wheels” as he scattered pieces of choice cut venison around the hide. The local Carrion Crows and Magpies had a field day and they were first in to take advantage of some easy pickings. Our guide told us we had good weather conditions – not for the photographers mind as it was rather grey but just perfect for Kites due to the cold breeze. Mind you we were lucky, our guide told us that yesterdays weather was so foggy the crowd in the hide could hear the Kites but couldn’t see them!!. After an hour, the first Kite swooped in to grab a piece of meat from one side of the hide, causing the crowd from the other side to rush over and look out. Just as they were peering out seeing nothing, a lone observer who stayed put shouted out “quick, there over here as well” Looking out, I counted 12 Red Kites holding station above us and someone remarked it was a pity the roof lacked windows!! How true, because when we left the hide to head back, there were 24 Kites overhead and much, much closer. As we walked back to the carpark, a feeding frenzy ensued and the entire flock put on a marvellous aerobatic display as they dived and swooped in perfect sequence. Against the dark green of the conifer plantation, the plumage colouration really stood out. Bright rusty red forked tail, bright flashes of white on dark chestnut brown wings, gleaming white head and russet backs – some photographers started to rush back but it was all over in a matter of seconds. Everyone in the carpark had a smile on their faces though. A fitting end to the day.

Bird species list

Mallard
Red Kite
Common Buzzard
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Fieldfare
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Raven
Starling
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Siskin
Lesser Redpoll
Reed Bunting