Aren't birds brilliant > Sites > Northern Ireland red kites

This season's highlights

As the first, ever, reintroduction of a bird species in Northern Ireland, the arrival of the red kites in County Down generated a flurry of excitement and anticipation.

Against the spectacular setting of the Dromara Hills, and with the backdrop of the beautiful Castlewellan Forest Park, we set up our viewpoint where our superb team of volunteers battled with the elements to show visitors these amazing birds in the wild.

We were pleased that the released red kites dispersed readily into the surrounding area. However, this did make sightings of them sporadic on some days. But visitors to our viewpoint were not disappointed as there was plenty of other wildlife on show.

Those visitors keen to catch their first glimpse of a red kite were directed by staff to areas where they would be almost guaranteed a sighting. A big thanks to everyone who took the time to get back to us and pass on their sightings so that others could enjoy the sight of a red kite flying overhead.

Some of the other wildife we were treated to included: buzzards, kestrels, ravens, sparrowhawks, a peregrine, hooded crows, goldcrests, and long-tailed tits. Seven mistle thrushes were also spotted gathered on a rowan tree, and a wheatear was spied resting on a willow tree one sunny morning.

Red kite perching in tree, facing left

Northern Ireland red kites

22 August to 31 October

Binoculars or telescopes available for useRSPB staff on hand to help

Join us in the spectacular setting of South County Down to view Northern Ireland's recently released red kites.

Red kites have not been seen in the skies of Northern Ireland for 200 years, but thanks to RSPB Northern Ireland's first ever species reintroduction, they have now been brought back home.

Our friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist, inform and show you these beautiful, spectacular and majestic birds of prey in the wild.

Opening times

Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand over the August Bank Holiday (22-25 August), and thereafter Thursday to Sunday, 11 am–4 pm.

Facilities

There are a small number of telescopes and binoculars available for you to use.

How to get there

Viewing will be from the Play Rock/Clarkhill Valley Viewpoint on the edge of Castlewellan Forest Park. To get there, turn off the A25 in Castlewellan on to the Drumbuck Road, following the signs for Mount Pleasant Trekking Centre and RSPB red kite signs. Follow the road until the next left turn on to Bannanstown Road, continue along past the Trekking centre and carry on up to the top of the hill. The viewpoint is on the left.

What should I bring?

Please bring binoculars if you have them.

Enquiries

Telephone: Shelagh Henry 07595 092283
E-mail: redkiteni@rspb.org.uk

Why not make a day of it?

Castlewellan Forest Park is great for walks such as around the National Arboretum, and includes a camping/caravan park.

This is a partnership project with Golden Eagle Trust and Welsh Kite trust.