The birds were collected in several batches in June and were released in the last days of July. Three release sites were used in 2002 (only one site was used in 2001 due to the Foot and Mouth crisis) with eight birds released at each. Nineteen were present into October, four birds having left the area and one being killed on power lines.
Meanwhile the birds released last year were doing very well. Two pairs formed and both were seen carrying sticks and attempting copulation. One of these pairs also built a nest in a larch but did not lay any eggs. However, it was an encouraging sign for their second year, when kites normally begin to breed. At least ten 2001 birds were recorded throughout the summer and there are almost certainly more of these around. On the down side, three birds were recovered dead in April. Two died of natural/unknown causes whilst the third was hit by a car and was put down, having sustained a broken back.
Two birds from the North Scotland population were identified with the Galloway birds. 'Blue/Blue K' was identified on Christmas day, feeding on goose scraps, which I had put out in a field near my house! This bird had been a star of the CCTV project at Inverness where it was one of the nestlings filmed in 2001. This bird was present until at least 13th March. It was then identified back on Black Isle nine days later! Another 2001 Black Isle bird was identified in June.
So far, 57 birds have been released in Galloway. The project, a partnership between RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest Enterprise and the local Raptor Study Group, aims to release 90 birds over three years. There are now between 30 and 40 individuals in the area.
