After an absence of more than 200 years from Ireland, 30 red kites are released at a secret location in Wicklow.
In the first phase of the Irish red kite reintroduction project, 30 red kites are released in County Wicklow, more than 200 years after the native bird of prey became extinct in Ireland. The birds were transported as chicks from Wales.
According to project manager Damian Clarke,
Red kites are deemed the most attractive bird of prey in the world. They are a fantastic bird.
The red kite is distinctive as it is colourful and has a deeply forked tail. It is quite large with a wingspan of over 1.5 metres.
The red kites were wiped out in the eighteenth century due to human persecution and woodland clearance. They were often poisoned and persecuted but,
They are natural scavengers and no threat to livestock.
The Minister for the Environment John Gormley is enthusiastic about the red kites,
These are magnificent birds.
He feels privileged to have witnessed the birds becoming part of the Wicklow landscape.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 July 2007. The reporter is Philip Bromwell.
