In 2004 the first of 94 young red kites was released in the North East in an ambitious re-introduction programme for the long-absent bird. No 1 – named Speedy – was the first to take off followed by No 2, called Scarlet. Both later moved to North Yorkshire to breed.
The 5ft wingspan birds, set free over three years in the Derwent Valley in Gateshead, have certainly made their mark. It is thought that the population of red kites in the region is around 85 individuals.
Some birds have settled in other parts of the country and five are known to have fallen victim to persecution.
The container is a very small homemade container that holds only a log book, so BYOP