Wildlife

Red Kite Winter Feeding Stations and Welfare

Supplementary feeding of red kites in winter supports population welfare but raises management questions.

Key Facts

Red kites were reintroduced to England, Scotland and Ireland from Wales in the 1990s
Winter feeding stations contributed to early population establishment and growth
Dependency on supplementary feeding raises questions about long-term population resilience
Lead poisoning from ingested shot in carcasses remains a significant welfare and mortality concern
RSPB and Red Kite Network monitor feeding station use and population health

Welfare Considerations

Winter feeding supports individual kite welfare and survival in harsh conditions but should be managed to avoid over-dependence and disease transmission at feeding sites. Lead-free ammunition campaigns directly address a major welfare and mortality risk for kites feeding on shot game carcasses.

What You Can Do

Support the RSPB's campaign for mandatory lead-free ammunition in shooting
Report red kite sightings and deaths to the Red Kite Network
If you run a feeding station, follow RSPB hygiene guidelines to prevent disease transmission
Advocate for wildlife crime prosecution when kites are illegally killed