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Red kites are back!Last modified: 14 August 2008
Red kite fever recently gripped Northern Ireland as the re-introduction of these beautiful birds of prey became a reality for the RSPB. The red kites took to the skies over the majestic Mournes, after an absence from Northern Ireland of almost 200 years, and the RSPB is now inviting people to come along to witness the birds at special public viewing events. The kites are not the only new faces around, however. Local girl Shelagh Henry has recently been recruited to the Red Kite Team to show these beautiful birds to local people as part of the Aren’t Birds Brilliant! Project. Shelagh will be setting up her field scopes and binoculars in and around the Castlewellan area of County Down and organising regular events to give the public a closer look at the red kites. Viewings of these amazing birds of prey, in a spectacular setting, will take place this coming Bank Holiday Weekend at the 'Play Rock' viewpoint overlooking Clarkhill Valley on Bannanstown Road, Castlewellan, Co-Down from Friday 22 August to Monday 25 August, between 11 am and 4 pm each day and thereafter every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the same location. Shelagh will be looking for warm, friendly people to help her as volunteers. So, if you have any spare time and love wildlife and people, join the Red Kite Team by phoning either Shelagh or Cara at RSPB NI 028 90491547. What can I do?Join over 9,000 RSPB people and volunteer for the RSPB. Whatever your background we probably have an opportunity for you - even if you do not know much about birds. |
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Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)