Print page
Lamb is not on the menu
Last modified: 08 February 2012
With the lambing season in full swing, the RSPB is reassuring farmers that red kites do not pose any threat to lambs. These spectacular birds are once again making themselves at home in Northern Ireland after an absence of 200 years.
Red kites are chiefly scavengers says Adam McClure, RSPB Red Kite Officer. “Kites do not hunt mobile prey, but prefer to feed on meat scraps, earthworms, carcasses, frogs and the occasional mouse or rat. These birds of prey lack the power, strength and speed to take anything larger than a young rabbit, never mind a lamb.”
Feeders not hunters
Since the start of the reintroduction programme in 2008, when red kites were released near Castlewellan, the RSPB has been working closely with Co. Down farmers. As a result, local people are confident that red kites do not threaten livestock. The birds are now a source of pride.
As red kites expand their territory and begin to range far and wide, the RSPB is spreading this message further afield too. “If red kites are new in an area, local farmers may not be used to seeing this large russet bird in their skies, but they need to know there is no need to worry during lambing season,” says Adam McClure.
“Appearances may be deceiving, but the red kite is actually a bit of a wimp. These birds may look amazing wheeling high above, but they do not have the size, power or the agility to take prey on the move. Kites can be lazy too, if they can get a meal without killing, so much the better.”
The birds may be interested in the afterbirth, docked testicles and tails left in the field, but are in no way a danger to the lambs themselves, or indeed anything larger than a young rabbit. Young songbirds are also safe because their nests are enclosed, and often in dense bushes or thickets but crows’ nests, open and perched in the treetops, make young crows easy pickings.
Free red kite guide now available
More details about identifying red kites, their territory and feeding habits can be found in a new comprehensive 8-page guide. Northern Ireland Red Kites is available now, free from the RSPB. To get a copy, and if you have any questions, please contact 02890 491547 or email redkiteni@rspb.org.uk.
Red kites were reintroduced to Northern Ireland over a three year period between 2008-10, in a project run by RSPB NI in partnership with the Welsh Kite Trust and the Golden Eagle Trust in the Republic of Ireland.
The first ever species reintroduction in NI, the project has gained great support from the local community – including a special ‘adopt a kite’ scheme which has been taken up by schools and interested individuals from across Northern Ireland.
The birds have now begun to breed successfully and there are currently thought to be 70-80 red kites in Northern Ireland.