Ian Carter worked as an ornithologist for Natural England and its predecessors for over 25 years before taking early retirement. He has a long history of involvement with raptor conservation, including the reintroduction of the Red Kite. Dan Powell is an award-winning wildlife artist and naturalist, whose drawings and paintings have been published in numerous books and journals.
Description
Foreword by Mark Avery Acknowledgements Introduction The artworks January Winter food; Coping with severe weather February The first signs of spring; The pair bond and age of first breeding; Courtship behaviour and calling; Male or female? History in Britain Early history; A decline in fortunes; The road to recovery - Red Kite protection in Wales March Faithfulness to breeding sites; Nest building; Nest spacing and breeding density April Final touches to the nest; Eggs and incubation; Nest decoration; Defence of the nest The Red Kite reintroduction programme Early reintroduction attempts; Planning the restoration to England and Scotland; Collecting young and care in captivity; Release into the wild; Progress so far; Further release projects; The wider benefits of reintroduction; Bringing back the Red Kite - a project officer's perspective; The future May Care of small chicks; Studies of food in the breeding season; Foraging range and habitat use June The growing brood; Preparations for the first flight July Leaving the nest; Towards independence; Red Kite adoptions; Measuring breeding success Threats and problems Illegal persecution; Accidental poisoning; Egg collecting; Collisions and accidents; Powerlines August Fending for themselves; Plumage differences; The annual moult; A lull in activity September Wanderlust; The Red Kite as a migrant; and The use of new technology To feed or not to feed? Changes in legislation; Red Kite feeding stations; Feeding in gardens October The communal roost; Attendance patterns; The daily routine November The benefits of communal roosting; Social interactions and play at roosts December A wildlife spectacle; and The influence of weather on roosting behaviour World status Northern Europe; Northwest Europe; Central and eastern Europe; Southern Europe; The future Further reading Sources of further information Species mentioned in the text Index
Reviews
... many drawings or watercolors which embellish a very instructive reading for all those who are interested in the ecology and conservation of the Red Kite. -- Jean Marc Thiollay * Ornithos * Two fine naturalists giving a new slant on an ongoing story through very good fieldwork. A thoroughly recommended book of an outstanding natural history success story. -- Steve Rutherford * Country-side magazine (British Naturalists' Association) * While not a detailed scientific appraisal of the reintroduction of the Red Kite, this book does provide a very readable account of one of the most successful conservation projects ever attempted in the UK. It is highly recommended for all aficionados of this charismatic raptor, which is now well established in many areas of the UK and hopefully will soon become a regular sight throughout these islands. -- John Clark * British Birds * We learn in this book how the species was protected in the 15th century because of its role as a street cleaner. .... As a result of the sanitation of urban areas, the possibilities of finding food decreased and persecution increased. The downward spiral began in the 1700s. At the end of the 19th century, only a few couples remained in a remote part of Wales. The numbers reached their lowest level in the 1930s but, since the species has been protected, a (very) slow recovery has started. The reintroduction program, to which Ian Carter collaborated personally, was organized in several parts of England, in Scotland and Ireland. -- Walter Belis * Alauda * Immediately I picked up The Red Kite's Year I was smitten. Written around the yearly cycle of survival, mating and nest selection, habitat interaction, food, growth and dispersal, it also covers history, documented fieldwork and personal experiences. Ian Carter's text is wonderfully illustrated by Dan Powell, whose lively line escapes the pages and makes one want to rush to spot one of these impressive creatures. A book for the enthusiast, The Red Kite's Year is certainly recommended. -- Barry Larking * ECOS *