Rare birds hatch success

RED kite chicks hatched in the North-east of Scotland for the first time in 150 years, it emerged yesterday.

The bird of prey was persecuted to extinction in the late 19th century sparking fears it would never return to the UK.

But now, after a successful ongoing RSPB project to reintroduce red kites, it seems likely there could soon be a huge number soaring the skies again. The three chicks are being raised by some of the first 30 birds released at an Aberdeenshire site two years ago and the public will be able to view their progress on closed circuit TV screens.

RSPB experts have released 65 birds since the project was introduced at a secret location in the area in 2007. A further 30 to 35 will be released in July.