Jul 24 2010 by Paul Tully, The Journal

A PAIR of red kites who became well-known to tourists and animal lovers have been found dead.

Numerous visitors travelled to the kites' nesting site near Whittonstall, Northumberland, last year, where they were clearly visible at long-range for several months.

But now their bodies have been discovered in the same vicinity of woodland at Hindley, near Stocksfield, Northumberland.

The bird carcasses have now been sent to the London Institute of Zoology for forensic analysis to determine how they died.

The find comes just a few weeks after another pair of red kites were found dead at Steel, near Hexham. It is believed they died after eating carrion illegally laced with poison.

Ken Sanderson, chairman of Friends of Red Kites, said the latest pair were discovered at different times but in the same wooded area. "The birds were wing-tagged, so we have been able to identify them," he said.

"One is Ziggy, who nested with another kite, Jammy Dodger, near the Highland Cattle Centre close to Whittonstall last year.

"The other is Ponteland Sunrise, who had nested there this year after the first kite, Jammy Dodger, left.

"At least one chick will, inevitably, also have perished. We were not sure how many chicks were in the nest but we believe one had hatched and possibly more.

"The tree-climbers have not gone up to see yet. I have asked for the forensic investigation to be fast-tracked and we are now awaiting the results."

The dead kites, among dozens of others, had been adopted and named by local schools as part of a development programme run by the Friends of Red Kites. After Ziggy and Jammy Dodger nested at Whittonstall in spring last year, numerous visitors used the vantage point provided by the Highland Cattle Centre on the opposite side of a small valley to view the isolated nest high in trees.

James Leonard, RSPB Investigations Officer, said: "It is another unfortunate and tragic incident. If anyone knows anything at all about how these birds died, please contact us.

"The kites are an essential part of the heritage of Northumberland and it is essential that we understand why they have died.

"It would be unusual for a pair of healthy birds with a newly-hatched chick to have died naturally but we will know more when we receive the results of the forensic tests."

Northumbria Police is appealing for information after rare birds were confirmed as being poisoned in West Northumberland.

In February officers were called to a report of two dead Red Kites found on farmland in the Steel area of Hexham.

PC Michael Brown, wildlife crime officer for West Northumberland, examined the birds and couldn't find any trace of gunshot injuries.

Suspecting the birds had been poisoned he contacted Natural England to carry out further tests.

Wildlife officers from Natural England collected the kite bodies and they were taken to Newcastle Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) for post mortem examination. Analysis has now confirmed the birds had been poisoned.  

PC Michael Brown said: "In the past Red Kites have been persecuted and we need to find out who, and how they have done this. Red Kites are a protected species under current legislation and anyone found guilty of killing them could face a custodial sentence or a heavy fine.

"I'd appeal for anyone who knows anything at all about these incidents to contact us. You don't have to give your name and can remain completely anonymous, the information as to how these animals were poisoned is what's key."

Regional Director for Natural England Rob Aubrook said: "Thanks to a re-introduction programme started in 1989 by Natural England and the RSPB, there are more than 700 pairs of Red Kites in England. However, these beautiful birds are still vulnerable to illegal persecution and accidental poisoning.

"Natural England works to protect wildlife from accidental poisoning by encouraging the safe use of modern rat poisons. As our recent Wildlife Crime Forum Conference also demonstrates, we will continue to work in partnership with enforcement and conservation agencies across the region to prevent further harm to the many diverse species making their homes in the North East."

James Leonard, Investigations Officer at the RSPB said: "The kites probably died after eating carrion laced with poison. This type of poisoning is both barbaric and indiscriminate; not only does it pose a risk to birds of prey, but also to other wildlife, domestic animals and users of the countryside."

Anyone with any information about the two incidents, or any animal crime in the Northumbria area, is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.