The Red Kite or Barcud in Wales was very abundant in Towns in Britain during the 15th Century, acting as a scavenger just as the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) does in many parts of the world today. In Great Britain, the Red Kite was persecuted almost to extinction leaving a small relic population in the mountains of Central Wales. In the first decade of the twentieth century the known population was around 5 pairs and in that period only 20 young were fledged of which 4 were shot.

In the ensuing years up to 1960 there was a slight increase up to 12 known pairs with 74 young fledged, however there were at least 13 nest robberies. Over the next 20 years the population increased to around 43 pairs with 27 young fledged in 1980. The increase had come about by increased security at the nest to prevent robbery and more enlightened farm management, which brought about a population of 69 breeding pairs in 1989.

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Red Kites at The Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill, Hants

The possibility of re-introducing Red Kites into England and Scotland has been discussed since the 1920s but it was not until 1988 it was decided to go ahead and some young Swedish birds were introduced to 2 sites, one in England and one in Scotland in 1989, both of which appear to have had some degree of success. Further information can be obtained via my links below.

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Red Kite over Tregaron Bog October 1998

My own personal observations of Red Kite began in May 1986 when, on a journey to Aberaeron, I decided to travel from Llandovery via Rhandirmwyn, Llyn Brianne and the old Drovers Road to Tregaron. On this route about 1 mile south of Llyn Brianne Dam lies the R.S.P.B. reserve at Dinas. This is an excellent site where I have seen Red Kite on nearly every visit. Dinas is also a good site for other Welsh specialities. I have only been there a handful of times and only for an hour or so in May and have seen Goosander, Dipper, Red Kite, Buzzard, Peregrine, Tree Pipit, Cuckoo, Redstart, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher. I visit Central Wales most years for a long weekend and fail to see Red Kite without searching too hard.

In January 1993 I visited Cors Caron and was greeted by the sight of 12 Red Kite and 13 Buzzard in the air at once. which , to me, living in Southern England was an amazing sight. However this was eclipsed in November 1997 I witnessed 40 Kite in the air together over a farm in the Aeron Valley after they had been fed. I also saw 25 together over Cors Caron in October 1998 of which the above picture is a frame from a video I took.

The Welsh Kite Trust.

Watching Red Kites.