Bwthyn Barcud Coch - Red Kite Cottage

BWTHYN BARCUD COCH - RED KITE COTTAGE

Red Kite Cottage is a recently renovated 12th Century Cistercian grange farm barn, situated at the head of the Melindwr Val- ley. Still with many of its original features, it offers a kingsize master with ensuite, two twin rooms and family shower room. A com- prehensively equipped kitchen leads off the oak beamed main lounge which provides panoramic views over your own private valley (sheep sometimes included!). Surround- ing the valley are the Cambrian Mountains, renowned for their stunning natural beauty and include Nant yr Moch Reservoir, Plynli- mon and an area rich in mining heritage.

You are of couse only a few hundred yards, as the kite flys, from the Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Red Kite Feeding Station. Slightly further afield you’ll find Devils Bridge, Ynys-las Sand Dunes & Aberystwyth.

Savour your time here photographing the Red Kites, walking the dog, hitting the Mountain Bike Trails, painting the views, or simply relaxing in comfort- able surroundings.

Your hosts, John and Barbara Clarke, are long- time supporters of the Welsh Kite Trust and have kindly offered a commission on each booking taken through Boda Wennol - please be sure to mention that you saw their advert here! Nant Yr Arian Farm, Goginan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. SY23 3AA

Tel. +44 (0) 1970 890 221 or visit www.redkitecottage.com RED KITES IN CEREDIGION AT BWLCH NANT-YR-ARIAN

The Welsh Kite Trust along with Forestry Commission Wales and RSPB Cymru are once again running the Red Kites in Ceredigion project at Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian which includes the kite feeding station.

As well as Forestry Commission Wales staff, friendly RSPB Cymru helpers will be on hand to tell you about the Red Kites and other wildlife to be found in and around the forest, every day in summer, and most weekends in winter. You can also see footage from a local Red Kite nest courtesy of us.

The visitor centre is open between 10 am and 5 pm (until dusk in winter), and food is placed on the ground at 3 pm in summer and 2 pm in winter (weather permitting). Watching the kite feeding is free! Car park charges apply.

Visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/ceredigion/index.asp or http://www.nantyrarian.com for more details. All Proceeds towards Kite Conservation & Research Yr Elw i Gyd tuag at Ymchwil a Chadwraeth y Barcud £1.00 Rhifyn 24 Gwanwyn 2010 Issue 24 Spring 2010 BODA WENNOL CYLCHLYTHYR YMDDIRIEDOLAETHBARCUDIAID CYMRU THE NEWSLETTER OF THE WELSH KITE TRUST

NO LOOKING BACK - KITE SUCCESS CONTINUES

SEFYLL ALLAN YN Y DORF - Y BARCUD DU YN YMWELD A GIGRIN YMLAEN FO’R NÔD - MAE LLWYDDIANT YR BARCUD YN PARHAU STANDING OUT IN THE CROWD - BLACK KITE VISITS GIGRIN

Front Cover Photo: © Tony Cross Rare BLACK KITE TAKES UP WINTER RESIDENCE AT GIGRIN FARM On 3rd January 2010, Welsh Kite watcher, Dee Doody, had a bit of a shock whilst browsing through some photographs he had taken earlier in the day at Gigrin Farm, Rhayader. Un- known to him he had taken photographs of Wales’ first ever winter record of a Black Kite Milvus migrans. This is highly unusual as Black Kites, which breed in continental Europe, Asia and Africa, usually migrate to more southerly latitudes in the winter. The bird, an immature, stayed around amongst the 500 -600 Red Kites also present in the very harsh conditions until early March and gave the local tourist economy a little bit of an Photo © Iain H Leach unseasonal boost.

BARCUD DU PRIN YN CYMERID EI BRESWYL GAEAFOL YN FFERM Y GIGRIN Ar y 3edd. o Ionawr, 2010 cafodd Dee Doody, un o wylywr y Barcutiaid tipyn o fraw wrth edrych trwy rhai o luniau ydoedd wedi tynnu yn Fferm Gigrin, Rhaeadr yn gynharach yn y dydd. Heb sylweddoli yr oedd wedi tynnu llun o’r Barcud Du Milvus migrans cyntaf erioed yng Nghymru yn y Gaeaf. Mae hyn yn hollol anarferol i’r Barcud Du sy’n magu ar y Cyfandir, Asia, ac Yr Affrig ac maent yn ymfudo i’r lledred deheuol yn y Gaeaf. Safodd y Barcud ifanc ymysg rhwng 500 - 600 o Farcutiaid Coch drwy gydol y tywydd garw y Gaeaf hon hyd ddechrau Mawrth. Rhoddwyd hyn hwb annisgwyl Photo © Tony Cross i economi twristiaeth yr ardal drwy gydol y Gaeaf.

2 MIXED FORTUNES FOR EUROPEAN KITES Results of two recent winter censuses Red Kite population declines in Navarra, Northern Spain Navarra is a region of around 10,000 km2 located in the northern part of Spain, along the Span- ish/French border, and to the south of the Pyrenees. The Navarran population of Red Kites was first thoroughly monitored twice in the 90’s during the 1992/93 and 1993/94 wintering seasons and then continuously counted in the 2000’s for the last 10 winters.

The results of the last wintering season are presented in this report. The average of the population estimate for the Navarran population for the 12 censuses is 2,265. The total count for the 2009/2010 wintering period was only 1,599 individuals which represents 33 % less than the average. It also represents a decrease of 18 % against the preceeding year and 40 % against the maximum value obtained in 2005/06.

The Navarran wintering population of Red kite is distributed among 20-21 roosting areas, each one having a variable number of roosting places.

This winter season 2 Red Kites were found dead in a wind-farm and the trees supporting two roosting places were cut down during the season, forcing the birds to move elsewhere. This population seems to be very dependent on the public dumping areas and this is the potential reason for the significant changes observed in the distribution of the kites inside the region in the last few winters where several dumping areas have been closed and dumping activities concentrated in fewer places.

Dr. Juan I. Deán SCN Gorosti SEO/BirdLife A short summary of the last census of wintering Red kites in Switzerland.

Wintering Red kites were counted in Switzerland at all known roosts in 2002/2003 and every winter since 2007. In November 2009 and January 2010 about 60 volunteers counted all Red Kites at the 37 roosts. 1,466 individuals were found on 28/29th November 2009 and 1,358 birds on 9/10th January 2010 when strong wind hampered the census. Only a few Red Kites left Switzerland after heavy snow fall. At most places, they are fed by farmers, butchers and other persons. The number of wintering Red Kites has increased steadily during the last 40 years. The next two censuses will be carried out on 27/28th November 2010 and 8/9th January 2011.

Adrian Aebischer

BRIC A BRAC BENEFITS FOR KITES AT LLYN LLECH OWAIN

Chris Taylor, a volunteer at brac stall with proceeds coming and Alan Whitakker. We would Carmarthenshire County to the Welsh Kite Trust. Chris like to offer our sincere gratitude Council’s Llyn Llech Owain organised the collection of items and thanks for all their efforts Country Park, which has recently and grew lots of plants. She was which raised £60.00 towards opened a winter Red Kite Feeding helped on the day by Anthea Trust funds. Station kindly organised a bric a 3 WHO’S WHO AT THE WELSH KITE TRUST In 1994 I was fortunate to monitor Hen Harrier in Lancashire, Chris Wells something I continued for the next five years, also monitoring back to my pre-teen years Merlin and Short eared Owl; it watching Barn Owl and Kes- was a great experience. trel (we called it “Hover Hawk”) hunting over our smallholding When I returned to the prin- in Worcestershire and talk- cipality and the newly formed ing to the local naturalist Fred Welsh Kite Trust, I was asked Fincher. to monitor nests north of Bre- con. I did not get off to a very My first view of a Red Kite will good start as I found a dead stay with me for ever, in 1974 bird under one of the nests! my wife who was expecting Poisoned. After Iolo Wil- our first child and I were holi- liams left RSPB, I was asked daying near Cwm Rheidol. to cover his patch, around When I saw this graceful bird, Carno in Powys. Every time I numbers were still very low asked Tony “Who covers this and to see such a bird was a area” His reply was always the unique experience. Even after same “You do” or “You can.” all these years the sight of my The area increased with a re- first Red Kite of the day is such sponsibility for a large area of a thrill. Powys around Llanbrynmair, In early January, I received Llanerfyl and Llanfyllin to the a telephone call from Tony I renewed my ornithological border with Clwyd and then (Cross) during which he said interests when the fledglings across to Offa’s Dyke. I have “It’s your turn now” “What do were less reliant upon me. In now relinquished Carno and you mean?” said I. “Send me spring of 1990 I was accepted Bala; they are now covered by your life story” as a volunteer for the RSPB other watchers. For my sins Red Kite protection scheme I also cover SE Radnorshire So here goes. I am an orni- based at Cwmystwyth. With plus my home county of Her- thologist, a twitcher I am not! three others I shared accom- efordshire. modation next door to a young I was born close to the Land post graduate who was the I monitored eighteen nests last Rover factory when Solihull reluctant project supervisor. year of which three failed for was in Warwickshire. My That is when I met Tony Cross. various reasons; there were parents obviously had some At night he spent hours throw- other nests that I was unable gypsy in their blood as the ing darts at a door, I think he to locate. I know there must family moved away from the probably had a dart board! be other nests as my area is midlands conurbation stopping too large to cover comprehen- at Bromsgrove and Tintern be- I shouldn’t probably say this sively. Hopefully, by the time fore settling down in 1960 on but, at first Tony wasn’t all you are reading this I will have the outskirts of Ross-on-Wye. that helpful (a bit too guarded located some of these and about other nest locations!) the females will be sitting on I was fortunate to obtain an however, despite that, he and eggs. apprenticeship at a local engi- I got on well together. The fol- neering factory; after comple- lowing year RSPB pulled the In 2004, I had the great thrill tion I changed direction work- plug on the scheme having and privilege to find Red Kite ing for thirty three years in the reached the target of one hun- breeding in Herefordshire, the emergency services. During dred breeding pairs. I contin- previous record was over one this time I moved to Hereford ued visiting Tony, bribing him hundred and twenty five years when I married my wife Gill and with copious amounts of food before. This was reported in successfully raised two chil- and drink in exchange for his Boda Wennol under the head- dren, both of whom have fled assistance and knowledge; ing “Finally it’s happened. The the nest. My daughter has re- this involved many hours of Welsh have invaded England!!” cently made us grandparents. slogging around various nest Sadly, two years later, the only sites with his much beloved resulting chick was found dead My first memories of birds go dog Tzuke.

4 near Newbury, Berkshire. The pair bred successfully for the next two years before disap- Kites pearing, never knowingly to be seen again! A different pair has In slate grey towns where silent soldiers stand bred successfully since 2005 stone dead but not forgotten. at another site not a great distance away but, unfortunately Where chimney smoke and drizzle permeate the streets we have been refused access. a shadow drifts across the rooftops My great passion is field work; like the last vain hope of a poor land. more often than not this is a solitary existence be it in the glorious settings of mid Wales To these cold valleys where the fire dies (Kites and wind farms), the put out by the bitter spit of disappointment frosty banks of the middle Wye in mid winter (cormorant or the last kites drifted west: winter swans) or the swelter- Headhunted fugitives. ing climes of northern Israel (it is always a pleasure working in Two youngKite by Red name Kites, and recently kite by nature. summer plumage, monitoring recoveredCanvas dead and in Co.stick Wicklow, raptors and soaring birds dur- have tested positive for poison ing migration. This is where in the easily State broken. Lab in Celbridge, I gained my first involvement Co. Kildare.A treasure Both birdsunearthed were col in -a mossy wood. with gathering data relative lected Something in Wales by a membersneighbour of threw away to wind farms). There are not the Welshcareless Kite Trust of its as worth. part of an many resident birders in Israel ongoing project with the Golden but, those with whom I have Eagle TrustNurtured to restore by men this with mag hands- like knotted oak had the pleasure of working nificentwho species knew to the Co. value Wicklow. of a whispered song are extremely knowledgeable. The birds were only released last It is strange viewing a common older than history. July and news of their poisoning British bird only to find it is a is deeply troubling. national rarity there! So slow was your redemption-resurrection: Paid for in long cold vigils, cruel deceits. The challenge of identifying Although all the young kites are fit- sub species of birds is some- ted withSlowly radio transmitters the embers so glow they and re-ignite. thing I really enjoy, be it cor- may beThe tracked, old grey both chapel,these birds morant, raptors, gulls or wad- were recovered by concerned memberswhich, of the thinking public. One it was was mistaken in its faith, ers, however, I have to admit I had begun to crawl back into the slate, struggle when it comes to the recovered on a road near Augh- LBJ’s (little brown jobbies). rim and first it was fills originally with light, thought it may havethen murmuredbeen struck prayer,by a ve- Time consuming and physi- hicle. Thethen secondsong. bird was re- cally arduous it may be but, I covered in more unusual circum- have been privileged to get to stances floating in the sea half a know some very special peo- mile offGreen Wicklow now Head. the summer The bird wood, ple through working with kites; was recoveredpierced byby the sunlight, crew of the I have made some enduring Wicklow darting RNLI lifeboatwith flycatchers. while they friendships with farmers, land- were on operation off the coast of owners and fellow watchers Wicklow.Above Both birdsthe trees were come submit kites- in numbers: throughout my kite area. At ted for Heads post-mortem grey with and wisdom, toxicol- the end of the day for me there ogy analysis.backs warm This subsequentlyas bracken, is no greater excitement than revealedsinging that in an both old casessong newly the remembered finding a nest in a new area, cause of death had been inges- following the brood through tion of Alphachloralose.and with a subtle twist of tail to fledging and later checking rewriting their name over the land their progress at the feeding Alphachloralose, which may be stations. purchased over the counter in © Barry Gray many pharmacies and agricul-

5 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND REINTRODUCTION UPDATE By Damian Clarke Well what a year so far! The of the post-mortem on the fourth they were. To see a kite nest in a weather in January was cer- bird are not in yet. This year has hedgerow tree on a sheep farm tainly the biggest test the Irish been the worst year to date for in Ireland is just amazing. We kites have yet had to face and poisoning it appears. knew it would happen but to see I’m delighted to say they did so it and for it to appear a normal with flying colours. Despite the Thankfully news of these poi- everyday part of the landscape extreme cold and snow lying on sonings makes for headlines is fantastic. The landowners that the ground for weeks it doesn’t and there was much media cov- have been lucky enough to get appear that the weather caused erage of the incidents, which their very own kite nest are as any casualties. Thankfully a few helps us in our efforts to combat delighted as ourselves. Current- local landowners took things into this illegal use of poisons. Both ly we have located eight active their own hands and did a bit of the main Irish farming organisa- nests and I know a ninth nest on the spot kite feeding and the tions condemned the poisoning has failed, the female in ques- few rabbits I placed out presum- of these birds and a representa- tion laid an egg before properly ably helped the birds out. Due tive appeared on the news urg- building her nest and I found the to the conditions I was unable to ing farmers to be careful in their smashed egg on the ground be- fully monitor the birds at this time efforts to control crows and fox- low her rather scrappy nest. but I believe they moved a short es that they don’t unintention- distance toward the coast where ally poison kites or other birds I am delighted to say we have there was a little bit less snow. of prey. It is my firm belief that formed our very own kite However they got by we were these kite deaths have been the watchers group to assist in the delighted they did and hoped we result of the misuse of poisons kite monitoring. I already feel would have an event free run up in controlling crows and not any swamped with just nine or ten to the breeding season, unfortu- intentional persecution of the kite pairs, I don’t know how the nately that wasn’t to be. kites. This is of little comfort but I Welsh Kite Trust manages it! It’s would be doing the farmers and a rather small group at the mo- On the 22nd February I re- landowners of Wicklow an injus- ment and they’re all camera shy ceived a call from a member tice if I portrayed them as being so I don’t have any photograph- of the Wicklow lifeboat crew, antagonistic towards the kites. ic evidence but they do exist. while operating off Wicklow In general the feelings towards So far we have had two days Head the crew had pulled a the kites are very positive but a organised looking for breeding dead Red Kite from the water! few rogue farmers or gamekeep- kites and on our second out- Later that week a second bird ers are continuing to tarnish the ing one of the watchers, Neil was recovered dead, this time good name of their colleagues. O’Reilly, found his first kite nest, it was found freshly dead on a so well done Neil! Thanks to all road and I assumed it had been Finally April arrived with some the others too for their efforts struck by a car. While it was as- good weather and things be- in monitoring Wicklow’s kites, I sumed both birds had died due gan to look up. After a few dif- promise to mention them all by to “natural” causes, to be sure, ficult weeks it was a real boost name once they find a nest or at both birds were sent for post to see kites displaying over the least agree to a group photo. It’s mortem and we were dismayed landscape of Co. Wicklow. For now early May and if Tony Cross to discover the birds had actu- a short while I was beginning wasn’t twisting my arm for an ally died as a result of poisoning to think I’d find nothing as none update I’d be nervously watch- by alphachloralose. A third and of the pairs seemed to be nest ing kite nests, as I’m sure hatch- fourth bird were later discovered building but one week it all came ing is imminent. We got this far dead - one in a neighbouring together and in the space of a last year but I’m sure with eight county. This bird which was re- day or two I had found four nests. nests we’ll get a few young off leased in Northern Ireland was I will confess that most of this this year. The weather has been also recently confirmed as hav- was due to good luck and long fairly kind for the nesting kites ing been poisoned, the results days, but what amazing days so far and I’m hoping it stays

6 that way for the next few weeks second last year of collection. landowners that have helped when I’m sure the first Red Kite I know news of the poisonings and allowed us to take these chicks will be hatching, a scene is very disappointing for all in- birds to Ireland will continue to that has not played out in Ireland volved with kites in Wales, we in support us in our efforts. The for over two hundred years. the Golden Eagle Trust feel the results of everyone’s efforts so same. I can assure you all that far have been amazing, you just There are a few very exciting we are doing our utmost to tackle need to come to Wicklow and months ahead, not only have we this problem. I know, despite the see for yourself. our own kites to monitor but we’ll problems, that we will succeed soon be heading for Wales once in re-establishing Red Kites as Thanks, again to collect more chicks for a breeding species in Ireland. I release in Ireland. This is the hope all the Kite Watchers and Damian. STOP PRESS***STOP PRESS***STOP PRESS*** STOP PRESS***STOP PRESS

Since Damian wrote this article the historic first known hatching of Red Kite Chicks in the Re- public of Irelands for over 200 years has happened and the two little fellas on the right right are the record breakers themselves! IRISH KITE RETURNS FOR TOUR OF WALES

The photograph below, taken be one member of a pair show- was photographed on Bardsey by Nigel Dalby, is of a tagged ing interest in breeding last year Island by the warden, Steve Red Kite which was present so it is a major surprise that she Stansfield, right at the other end on Lundy Island in the Bristol has turned up back on this side of Wales. of the Irish Sea. Amazingly on Channel from Mid March for at Can’t wait to find out where she least a week and a half. The 18th April 2010 the same bird tags clearly show that the bird is one of those sent to Co. Wick- low in 2007 as part of our ongoing re-introduction project with the Golden Eagle Trust. This bird, a femaled, was thought to

7 NORTHERN IRELAND REINTRODUCTION UPDATE By Robert Straughan

Since the last update we’ve had be simply sitting tight in dense were unaffected by the unknown a very mixed bag with a lot of cover, probably conserving en- factor that caused the four less highs and lows. The discov- ergy. Initially, it was thought that experienced birds to die. Inten- ery of brown/black ‘#’ in Coun- the dead birds may have suf- sive monitoring of all the kites re- ty Wicklow by Damian Clarke fered from a combination of cold leased continues and the remain- was welcome news. This fe- and low food abundance but the der are faring extremely well. male, released in 2008, hadn’t weights of each bird suggest- been seen since May 2009 so ed they were healthy and post Initial signs suggest that 2010 to hear she was alive and well mortem analysis confirmed the could give us Northern Ireland’s was fantastic. This is the third presence of fat reserves which first breeding Red Kites for over NI kite to be recorded in County ruled out starvation. Post mor- 200 years. All three pairs which Wicklow, I have asked Damian tem examination also found had been observed in spring to send some of the Wicklow the birds had not been shot. 2009 have reoccupied their ter- kites up here as replacements Toxicology testing dismissed ritories and nests have been but, so far, he hasn’t obliged! poisoning by five groups of built. An additional three pairs poisons which are most fre- from the 2008 cohort have also 2010 began terribly for Northern quently used including the com- formed throughout the course of Ireland’s Red Kites. At the end monly abused alphachloralose. the winter. All had been identi- of a three-week long period of fied by February 2010 and all unusually low temperatures, four All four kites that died were birds making definite breeding at- dead Red Kites were recovered. which had been released in 2009 tempts, with nest building and Supplementary food was made so this was their first winter. mating observed. So it’s watch available to the kites during this Since this sad event, the majori- this space now and keep those period, however radio tracking ty of kites released in 2008 have fingers very tightly crossed! showed many of the kites to been observed suggesting they

Photo © Mike Hayward

8 IRISH POISONINGS CONTINUE TO THREATEN RE-INTRODUCTION PROJECT Two young Red Kites, recently the UK is facilitated by the ease using meat baits. The Red Kites recovered dead in Co. Wicklow, of sourcing the poison from Ire- have fit really well into the local have tested positive for poison land. Its continued wide scale area and it would be terrible to in the State Lab in Celbridge, use in Ireland not only threatens see anything threaten their sur- Co. Kildare. Both birds were col- these reintroduced species but vival here.” lected in Wales by members of must also be doing untold dam- the Welsh Kite Trust as part of an age to other native species that James Hill, Chairman Wicklow ongoing project with the Golden simply goes unreported. IFA, said “I regret the poisoning Eagle Trust to restore this mag- of the young Red Kites, which nificent species to Co. Wicklow. To-date eleven of the birds of would otherwise mature into ma- The birds were only released prey that are being reintroduced jestic birds, a number of which I last July and news of their poi- have fallen victim to the illegal have the pleasure of observing soning is deeply troubling. use of poisons. So far four dif- in their natural environment in ferent poisons have been identi- the course of my farming activi- Although all the young kites are fied in the killing of these birds, ties.” fitted with radio transmitters so Alphachloralose, Nitroxinol, Car- they may be tracked, both these bofuran and Paraquat. Only one Damian Clarke from the Golden birds were recovered by con- of these chemicals, Alphachlo- Eagle Trust said “It is very disap- cerned members of the public. ralose, is actually produced as a pointing and worrying that these One was recovered on a road substance intended for the con- birds were poisoned, especially near Aughrim and it was origi- trol of vertebrate species. Illegal as this poisoning occurred in nally thought it may have been poisoning incidents have been the core of the Red Kite range struck by a vehicle. The sec- confirmed in all four Provinces, in Wicklow. The frustrating part ond bird was recovered in more clearly this issue is a national is that on the ground in this area unusual circumstances floating issue. The Golden Eagle Trust I have had nothing but support in the sea half a mile off Wick- has lodged a formal complaint and good will from the locals, low Head. The bird was recov- with the EU Commission over farmers and shooting interests. ered by the crew of the Wicklow the Irish State’s failure to protect Clearly however there are a RNLI lifeboat while they were on these birds, which are afforded number of people involved in operation off the coast of Wick- the highest legal protection pos- farming or game rearing that are low. Both birds were submitted sible. continuing to use poisons in a for post-mortem and toxicology reckless and illegal fashion. This analysis. This subsequently re- We know the Department of Ag- is completely unacceptable and vealed that in both cases the riculture and National IFA (Irish I would ask that all decent,law- cause of death had been inges- Farmers’ Association) do not abiding members of these sec- tion of Alphachloralose. condone such actions but they tors, would help us in our efforts do have an onus to publicly con- to stamp out these illegal activi- Alphachloralose, which may be demn and tackle this type of ties. I hope that our efforts in this purchased over the counter in illegal poisoning and criminal- area will receive the full support many pharmacies and agricul- ity as it continues to tarnish the of the farming and hunting or- tural co-ops, has now been im- good name of the vast majority ganisations.” plicated in the poisoning of nine of farmers. The Irish Cattle and of the reintroduced birds, cov- Sheep Association (ICSA) have “At this time of year my job ering all three species, Golden already publicly condemned ille- should be looking for potential Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and gal poisoning. breeding pairs, we hope to have Red Kite. In the UK the use of our first Irish Red Kite chicks this substance is strictly regu- Mervyn Sunderland of the Wick- fledge this year. Instead I find lated because of its negative ef- low ICSA said “Farmers should myself collecting poisoned kite fect on wildlife. In fact it is a well be aware of the potential danger corpses, a depressing repeat of held belief that the continued il- of killing Red Kites when using this time last year”. legal use of Alphachloralose in poisons and should refrain from

9 New Welsh Kite Trust Blog launched http://welshkitetrust.blogspot.com Photo © Tony Cross A new blog has been launched to keep nest-watchers, land-owners, ‘Friends of the Welsh Kite’ and anyone else interested in kites informed of recent events and goings on in the world of Welsh Red Kites and the Welsh Kite Trust.

Only WKT nest-watchers and others directly associated with the Trust will be able to post to the blog, and these can be “mod- erated” if necessary, but anyone who registers will be able to post comments.

We hope you enjoy this new service and look forward to reading your comments.

KIM, THE NORTH WALES FEMALE HONEY BUZZARD, UNDERTAKES HER 4th SATELLITE-TRACKED MIGRATION TO OR FROM AFRICA

Honey Buzzards were first proved to breed in Wales in 1992. These birds feed on bee and wasp larvae whilst in Wales, but migrate to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter.

However, apart from one ringed bird from Wales shot and reported from Ghana, there is little information about their wintering range. To investigate this, two Honey Buzzards (one adult male and one adult female), caught at different nests, were fitted with satellite tracking devices in 2008. The aim of this was to find out more about their wintering areas, migration routes and movements when they re- turn to breed (one nest is near a wind farm). The male, Mel, disappeared shortly after commencing his spring 2009 migration. The female, Kim, has been tracked on two autumn and one spring migration and is currently migrating back to Wales after spending the winter in Ivory Coast.

This project is being carried out and funded by Ecology Matters Ltd as part of wider studies into Honey Buzzards and windfarms, and is part funded by Nuon Ltd. Details of the project, and up- dates on the birds, can be found at : www.ecologymatters.co.uk/honey_buzzard.shtml 10 Photo © Tony Cross 11 BARN OWLS BOOMING iN CEREDIGION! Tony Cross

In the course of my annual kite for Barn Owls there were many people have also erected a few monitoring in mid-Wales and more derelict houses and barns in the same area particularly in the weeks following the mad around. As property prices have Red Liford and David Williams). June “tagging” period I have gone through the roof (along Tregaron Bog and the surround- managed to find time to record with myself on at least one oc- ing area have been targetted and monitor a fair number of cassion!) so many of those that in particular, as the bog offers Barn Owl nests. Many of these didn’t fall down completely were ideal foraging habitat for hunt- pairs nest on the same farms that sold and renovated. With some ing owls. There are at least 12 we visit for the kites and it is very assistance from the Countryside pairs of Barn Owls known to be clear that the farmers hold them Council for Wales I have, on a nesting on or around the Nature in the same high regard and are fairly small scale, been erect- Reserve. I have also been tar- general very proud and pleased ing nest-boxes at suitable sites getting those sites that through to have them around. In the mid around Ceredigion and else- delapidation or renovation have 80’s when I first started looking where for over 20 years (other become no-longer suitable. 12 ern England and explains why second broods are rare here. I have however ringed young Barn Owls, from true second broods, that were still in the nest in November on two occassions and more frequently from late first broods in September and October.

Some Ceredigion nests are at al- titudes as high as 1500ft, higher than many authorities would say were suitable for Barn Owls.

The Welsh Kite Trust would now welcome information on additional nesting sites for Barn Owls anywhere in Wales or the Welsh borders and would be Photo © Tony Cross keen to ring birds at any sites where owners were willing for A well positioned tree box can Ringwood bypass in Hampshire this to happen. We are going maintain the presence of breed- over 200 kms south. Several to try to get more of our watching owls at these sites. others have been recovered ers actively involved in monitor- in Pembrokeshire, Shropshire ing a whole range of other rap- Between 1998 and 2009 209 and Herefordshire. As with kites tors and owls so that we can nesting attempts have been however, most are recovered increase our understanding of monitored, 162 were in buildings within 20 kms of where they their requirements in Wales and and 47 in trees. All the tree nests were ringed. keep an eye on their population were in nest-boxes as were 120 levels. The Barn Owl population of those nests in buildings. Not The mean ringed brood size appears to be holding up well too much should be read into at 156 nests within buildings in Ceredigion although it will these figures as there has been was 2.87 whereas the mean be very interesting to see how no real attempt to locate nests at 46 tree sites was 2.63. Little many succumbed during the outside of boxes but it is known should be made of these figures worst winter in 30 years. that Barn Owls in the west and at present as most attempts in the uplands are more reliant were in purpose-built boxes. I on man-made or rock-face sites think there is a suggestion that as there tend to be fewer very nests in man-made sites may large and hollow trees around. be slightly more successful in Other than these, one pair of the wetter west than those in Barn Owls was found nesting none-box nests. Only 14 (9.6%) in a traditional chough nest-site of the building sites and 3 of the on a sea-cliff and another pair tree sites (6.5%) were known to nested on the ground in an old have failed but as nests weren’t mine adit. checked until they should have contained large young then In the same period I have ringed earlier failures may have been some 566 Barn Owls with British missed. Trust for Ornithology leg rings in order to monitor survival rates In Ceredigion most Barn Owls and dispersal of young birds. lay during April or May and have One bird ringed before 1998 in young in the nest in June and Devil’s Bridge ws recovered on July. This is later than in south- Photo © Tony Cross 13 centre in 2006. She was apparently The corpse was not received and infertile and had some permanent the cause of death is unknown. Recent ringing feather loss in one wing. She was recoveries of recovered dead from the road on GC11806 (Black/Pink 71) - Ringed 10th October 2009 by a passing as a single chick in a nest near Welsh kites ambulance crew and handed in to Painscastle, Radnorshire on 24th the RSPB volunteers at Nant-yr- – Ringed June 2009. It was found long dead AJ60287 (Black/Pink a) Arian. as a single chick in a nest near by a local farmer near Talybont, Llanidloes, Powys on 8th June AJ55778 (Black/Purple 64) – Aberystwyth on 10th May 2010, just 2009. It was found dead on the Ringed as the elder chick in a brood a few hundred yards from a wind- side of the road near Bishop’s of two in a nest near Crymych in turbine. The body was collected but Castle, Shropshire on 14th January Pembrokeshire on 26th June 2007. was so far decomposed that it was 2010. It was found dead, hanging in a impossible to say how the bird had AJ59881 (Black/Purple V) Ringed tree, with blood down its side (it died. Both its wings were unbroken on 12th June 2007 at a nest near was presumed shot) near Crymych and its head was still attached! Llanbrynmair. It was the elder of on 22nd April 2010. X-rays and a two chicks, although the younger good veterinary examination failed one was collected for Ireland. It was to find any evidence of shot in the found freshly dead in Llanbrynmair bird or broken bones and so it is on 8th October 2009. The cause of being submitted for toxicology tests death was not determined. to see if the bleeding was due to rodenticide poisoing. This bird had GN54052 (Black/White“big been observed paired and nest Originally marked as the spot”) building at this site earlier in the eldest (and female) chick in a brood year. of two in a nest near Nant-yr- Arian on 20th June 2002. She had GF89717 (Lime Darvic AY) - been recorded frequently at the Ringed as a single chick in a nest feeding station there since and was near Bwlch-Llan on 7th June 1997. the breeding female at one of the nest sites with a remote camera It ws reported long dead in a wood obtaining pictures for the visitor near Llangeitho on 27th April 2010.

Seven kites have passed through the rehabilitation aviaries since 1st November 2009. Four have been released, two are still undergoing rehabilitation and the other is unfit for release. Details of each of these birds are given below. 1. Untagged juvenile - Found grounded and emaciated in Bedlinog, South Wales sometime in autumn 2009. It was treated by a local falconer. Unfortunately it has permanent joint stiffening in one wing and will probably never be able to fly properly again. 2. Black/Orange 46 - Ringed as the younger chick in a brood of two near Tregaron on 23rd June 2005. Bred locally in 2008 and 2009. It was found grounded by a farmer on 27th November 2009 at Swyddffynnon and taken to Paul Culyer, the CCW warden of Tregaron Bog, who allerted us. After treatment it was released back at Tregaron on 10th March 2010. 3. Black/Blue a – Ringed as the younger chick in a brood of two in a nest near Devil’s Bridge on 21st June 2000. Found in a collapsed state by local farmer Morgan Evans in Devil’s Bridge on 28th December 2010. There was no sign of injury and the bird recovered quickly. It was released back where it was found on 19th January 2010. 4. Black/Blue b - Unringed when found wet and bedraggled near Dolybont in mid January 2009. There appeared to be nothing physically wrong with it but it was kept in for a short period until a spell of cold weather had passed. It was released near Aberystwyth on 19th January 2010. 5. Black/Black H8 - Ringed as a single chick in a nest near Ystrad Meurig on 30th June 2008. Found grounded near Tregaron on 11th March 2010 and handed to Paul Culyer, CCW. It was very emaciated and didn’t appear to be a good prospect for recovery. It was taken to Ystwyth Vets to be tube fed re-hydration fluid and to have an injection of antibiotics and steroids. It was then taken to Megan Morris Jones at Cuan House Animal Rescue, in Much Wenlock where it made a remarkable recovery. She was released back at Tregaron on 7th April and flew off strongly. 6. Untagged adult - Found grounded on the side of the road in the Rheidol Valley near the Rheidol Power Station on 1st May 2010 . It was emaciated and had an injury to its right wing. Further inspection revealed that it did not have full use of its legs and so the wing injury could have been secondary to having been hit by a car. It is currently still in the rehabilitation aviary but appears to be improving. 7 Black/Pink 77 - Ringed as a single chick in a nest near Llangwyryfon on 26th June 2009. Handed in to Ystwyth Vets on 5th May 2010 having been found grounded in Llangwyryfon. It was emaciated and had been attacked by crows. It is currently still in care but improving.

14 are indebted to Forest Enterprise, Welsh THE WELSH KITE TRUST Water and all the other landowners who Unless otherwise credited, all WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE allowed us access for the purpose of articles in this newsletter are FOLLOWING FOR THEIR monitoring or filming breeding kites. written by Tony Cross. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF Er nad yw yn bosibl, am resymau Os na ddywedir yn wahanol, £50.00 OR MORE IN THE cyfrinacheddol, i enwi’r cyfan, yr ydym yn mae pob erthygl yn y PERIOD 1st NOVEMBER 2009 ddyledus i Antur Coedwigaeth, Dwr Cymru cylchlythyr hwn wedi’i TO 31st APRIL 2010 a’r holl dirfeddianwyr eraill a ganiataodd ysgrifennu gan Tony Cross. fynediad er mwyn i ni fonitro neu ffilmio DYMUNA YMDDIRIEDOLAETH barcudiaid yn bridio. BARCUDIAID C YMRU Views expressed in this DDIOLCH I’R CANLYNOL AM As usual we would also like to thank the Powell family at Gigrin Farm (Rhayader), magazine are not necessarily EU CYMORTH ARIANNOL O Mary Lewis and the volunteers at Tregaron those of The Welsh Kite £50 NEU FWY YN Y CYFNOD 1 Kite Centre, Ceredig and Janet Morgan Trust. TACHWEDD 2009 - 31 EBRILL (Nant-yr-Arian Kite Centre), Susanna and Nid yw’r safbwyntiau a fynegir 2010 Michael Binsted (Talsarn), Peter Faulkener yn y cylchgrawn hwn o and Ceri Davies (Llanddeusant) Judith L. E. & K. Banks Weatherburn and the Staff and Rangers reidrwydd yn gytun a safbwynt Mr. P. & Mrs. J. Beasley at Llyn Llech Owain Country Park and Ymddiriedolaeth Barcudiaid Susanna Binsted, Penlan House anyone else who provided us with free Cymru Mr. A. Bowers advertising opportunities or dispensed Dr. D. T. & Mrs. J. Davies leaflets. We would also like to thank all the Articles on any issue relating Mr. J. Deans volunteers and staff at the Nant-yr-Arian to kites (or advertisements) are Mrs. D. Wakeford & Mr. M. Doolan “A Date with Nature - Kites in Ceredigion” welcomed for possible inclusion Donations collected in memory of project, in particular Joe Hawthorn, for in the next issue of Boda Wennol. Jean Edwards, Wrexham making it such a successful venture. We are particularly keen to Mr. A. D. & Mrs. E. M. Fox Finally we would like to thank Chris Powell receive pen and ink sketches Dr. A. R. & Mrs. C. Jones for his constant, free, maintenance of our or photographs of kites for use John Lyden, Co. Cork website. in our newsletters and other Mrs. E. M. Graham publicity material. The deadline Mr. L. W. & Mrs. E. M. Harding Yn ol ein harfer hoffem ddatgan ein diolch Llyn Llech Owain Country Park Volunteers i deulu Powell, Fferm Grigin, Rhayader, for inclusion in the next issue is Mrs. M. C. Makepeace Mary Lewis a’r gwirfoddolwyr yng 31st October 2010. Dr. W. J. Marshall nghanolfan Barcudiaid Tregaron, Ceredig Mrs. R. J. Messer a Janet Morgan (Canolfan Barcudiaid Nant yr Arian), Susanna a Michael Binstead I. M. McCulloch & Mrs. H. McCulloch Croesewir unrhyw fater (neu (Talsarn), Peter Faulkener a Ceri Davies R. J. Miller hysbysebion) yn ymwneud‚ â (Llanddeusant), Judith Weatherburn L. A. Norfolk & M. F. Print barcudiaid ar gyfer eu cynnwys, ac i staff a wardeiniaid Parc Gwledig o bosib, yn y rhifyn nesaf o Boda Gwyn Roberts Llyn Llech Owain ac unrhywun arall a Mr. N. & Mrs. S. Tubbs roddodd gyfle i ni hysbysebu am ddim, Wennol. Yr ydym yn awyddus Mr. J. T. & Mrs. N. Walford (Carms) neu a arddangosodd ein taflenni. Hoffem iawn i dderbyn lluniau pin ac inc ddiolch hefyd i holl wirfoddolwyr a staff y neu ffotograffau o farcudiaid i’w And anyone else I may have fenter ‘Amser i fyd nature - Barcudiaid yng cynnwys yn ein cylchlythyrau accidentally omitted Ngheredigion’ yn Nant yr Arian - ac yn a defnydd hysbysebu eraill. Y arbennig i Joe Hawthorn am wneud hon dyddiad olaf i’w derbyn am y yn fenter mor llwyddiannus. We would also like to welcome rhifyn nesaf yw 31 Hydref 2010. the following new Friends of Yn olaf, diolchwn i Chris Powell am ofalu the Welsh Kite’ and thank am y wefan, a hynny yn ddi dal. Please note that the address them for their support. Our sincere thanks to Bryan for all correspondence is: Hoffwn ddiolch hefyd i Jones for his Welsh translation of aelodau newydd `Cyfeillion our title article. The Welsh Kite Trust Barcudiaid Cymru’ am eu “Samaria” cymorth. Hoffem ddiolch i Bryan Jones am y cyfieithiad. Nantmel Ms. C. M. Barrow (Caerphilly), Mr. S. & Mrs. Llandrindod Wells K. A. Connolly (Ches.), Mr. K. L. Dickson Powys (Herf.), Mr. J. Emery (Bristol), Mr. R. H. & Mrs. T. A. Evans (Ches.), Mr. N. H. Fisher LD1 6EN (Shrops.), G. Heath (Kent), Mr. A. J. Hooper Telephone 01597 825981 (Glos.), Mr. A. Hooper & Ms. J. Eckley (Glos.), Mr. M. Hughes (Conwy), Mr. C. email: [email protected] Jones (Worcs.), Mr. P. Newman (Ches.), Mr. B. McKeever (Cardiff), Sara Rawlins & John Rowsell (Carms.), Mrs. P. Solanot www.welshkitetrust.org (Cardiff), Mr. & Mrs. P. Snowden, Mr. C. & Mrs. M. Straughan (N’land), Mr. R. H. & Mrs. C. A. Upton (Mid Glam.), Mr. J. Waters (Soms.). Although it is not possible, for confidentiality reasons, to name all those concerned, we