210 Red kite chicks fledge in Scotland in 2008. New visitor centre opens at Argaty

14/10/2008 00:16:09 Central Scotland Red kites soar
October 2008. One of the most successful and spectacular bird of prey visitor attractions in Scotland is getting even better, as Argaty Red Kites have opened their new visitor centre. Scotland's first red kite feeding station offers a great chance to get close to one of Scotland's most striking birds.

With a 5 foot wingspan and distinctive forked tails, red kites are one of the most striking birds that you can see in the UK. Argaty has welcomed over 20,000 people from all over the world to enjoy the spectacle of seeing groups of the graceful birds soaring overhead.

However, due to high demand, the facilities at Argaty were simply unable to deliver the space that was needed. The barn has now been refurbished to make a flexible exhibition space, useful as a classroom and also for other social activities. Great tea and coffee, a wood burning stove and new toilet facilities will hopefully help visitor numbers to double from the current 5000 per year.

Lynn Bowser, co-owner of Argaty farm, said: "This is something that we have needed for a long time. I'm very proud of the results - what was once a barn is now a stunning and very flexible space for all sorts of events and activities. Over the past few years there has been an explosion of interest in homegrown wildlife, and it's great to be able to offer the opportunity to people to see these amazing birds."

75 chicks fledged in 2008
Duncan Orr Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management with RSPB Scotland said: "The Central Scotland red kite population has had a very successful year in 2008, with 75 chicks fledged from 45 breeding pairs, up from 59 chicks from 34 pairs in 2007. Places like Argaty are really inspirational in giving people a chance to see some of our most spectacular wildlife up close, and it's fantastic that Argaty now has the facilities to attract even more people."

Red kite introduction
The Scottish red kite reintroduction project began in 1989, following the species' extirpation in Scotland in Victorian times. 2008 has been the best year on record for Scottish red kites since the reintroduction began - and therefore probably the highest Scottish population for two centuries.

In Central Scotland, 45 breeding pairs fledged 75 young. This is a substantial increase of 11 breeding pairs on last year's total, with particular population increases in west Perthshire.

In North Scotland there were 46 breeding pairs of red kites, which fledged 82 young. This is the first real population increase since 2001.

In Dumfries and Galloway, 30 breeding pairs fledged 53 young, and this was an increase from 21 pairs with 38 young in 2007.

In Aberdeen City, a three year reintroduction project began in 2007. Amazingly, there was a breeding attempt by a pair of red kites just outrside Aberdeen. These birds were only a year old, and red kites usually don't breed until they are 2-3 years old. Unfortunately the eggs didn't survive due to the immaturity and inexperience of the birds. However, this represents the first time red kites have bred in this area for 150 years or more. In 2008, the second year of the Aberdeen reintroduction, a further 35 birds were released.

RSPB Scotland is part of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the UK charity that speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.

We depend on the goodwill and financial support of people like you. Click here to join today for just £2.68 per month. www.rspb.org.uk/join

Regd charity England and Wales no 207076, Scotland no. SC037654