Granite City Kites: The Reintroduction of the Red kite in Aberdeen City

This will reintroduction of Red Kites to a rural location within Aberdeen City over three years, releasing 30 birds/year.
Partnership between SNH, RSPB and Aberdeen Countryside. RSPB lead partner.Hoped result is the recolonisation of North East Scotland by Red Kites.
Local significance – rare annual visitor with sightings declining and unlikely to recolonise for several decades.
National significance – 2 current reintroduction programmes Central 28 pairs, and Dumfries and Galloway 16 pairs. Black Isle programme has ceased but a satellitate release started 2005 continues. New site at Aberdeen will increase opportunity for wider geographic spread which unlikely to occur without human assistance.
Act as icon for biodiversity. Will work closely with schools and local community. Public encouraged to record and report marked birds.