The Red Kites Year

by Ian Carter, Dan Powell (Illustrator)

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) – one of our most elegant and impressive birds of prey – has a varied and dramatic history in Britain. Having been driven perilously close to extinction, it has now made a welcome comeback, in part through one of the most successful reintroduction projects ever undertaken. This beautifully illustrated book follows the birds through the ups and downs of the year, from the rigours of raising young during the warm summer months to the struggle for survival in the depths of winter.

Interspersed with the monthly accounts, are chapters on the history of the Red Kite in Britain, the reintroduction programme, the threats it still faces, and its status elsewhere in Europe. Red Kite biology is explored from nest construction, egg laying and nest defence, through to juveniles leaving the nest and learning to live independently. The book concludes with an overview of Red Kite status throughout their range.

With a foreword by Mark Avery.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2019

Reviews

[Inga Freiberga · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books I bought couple of years ago, but didn't find time to read. It turned out to be a nice evening read of couple of pages from time to time. It is easy to follow the red kite through the year and the story of their reintroduction, protection and recovery. It has a lot of illustrations/sketches and diary like texts from the times when the sketches have been done out in the wild. Although overall positive, author stays realistic about the threats red kite is facing in England and elsewere. I find it important that there is balance between bird ecology, excitement about succesful reintroduction program and awareness of threats still out there.