16/04/13…..Chilly kites mate late

THE unseasonably cold weather in March may have delayed the blooming of spring flowers, but it also seems to have put a chill on the passion of the Chilterns red kites.

The popular birds are normally sitting on eggs by early April, but so far, it appears that on average, they have started laying their eggs around 10 days later than normal, with some still yet to lay. Last year was a poor breeding year for the birds, so experts are hoping this delayed start won?t adversely affect this year?s productivity.

Red kites tend to use the same nests year after year, but will sometimes move to a new site if a nest has been unsuccessful, so many of the birds whose nests failed in last year?s wet weather may have changed location this year. Also, as the population is still increasing, new pairs will establish breeding territories each year.

With so much potential for new nests, it?s likely that there could be one near you. If you?ve seen a nest but aren?t sure if it belongs to a pair of red kites, a new page on the Chilterns Conservation Board?s website www.chilternsaonb.org/reporting-red-kite-nests-and-sightings.html could help you with useful information on how to recognise a red kite nest and spot the breeding behaviour of the birds.

Confirmed reports of red kite nests can then be made via a link to the Southern England Kite Group?s website www.sekg.org.uk or by calling Pete Stevens on 07761 205 833. They are also interested in hearing about any birds seen with coloured plastic wing tags (especially if the colours and numbers on the tags can be read as this confirms the identity of individual birds) or any red kites found dead.

PHOTO: By Gerry Whitlow – Copulating kites