Having identified a window between the heavy showers and windy conditions we arranged to meet PS to take a run out to the Chilterns to monitor Red Kite nests. Accompanied by RD we made our way to the agreed rendez vous and continued together to the first nest. This tree wasn't climbed as there was an adult still on the nest, as happened with the second.
Red Kite nest
The next nest had white wash around the base of the tree, a sign that there are chicks.
Drops of white wash below the nest
PS climbed each tree with the aid of a harness, ropes, strops and climbing spurs. Not a job for the faint hearted. A true measure of the dedication to monitor the Red Kites breeding efforts.
PS goes up while the ringing team wait below.
Just one of the many adult birds seen on the day.
Chicks are lowered to the ground.
Red Kites take a G ring.
Then wings are measured and primary feather emergence assessed and recorded.
Chicks are then weighed before being returned to the nest. There were a range of sizes and chicks from two nests were smaller than siblings and were too small to take a ring yet. These chicks were measured and returned. They may be remeasured and ringed on a later visit if time allows.
Chick weights ranged between 340g and 880g
One of a pair
Chicks being hoisted up ready for return to the nest
Red Kites are doing so well now that ringing efforts are being concentrated on the core area. Wing tagging has now been stopped. The good news is that 2014 seems to be a much better year than last year. Many thanks to our host for inviting up to help for a second time.
Nest one - adult sitting (not climbed)
Nest two - adult sitting (not climbed)
Nest three - two chicks ringed
Nest four - two chicks ringed with third too small
Nest five - two chicks ringed and one unhatched egg
Nest six - two chicks ringed
Nest seven - two chicks ringed with third too small
Totals
Red Kite - 10 pulli