 Head count: Red kite numbers are growing naturally in rural areas |
Wales has up to 400 breeding pairs of the rare red kite, according to a survey by a charity dedicated to preserving the native British bird of prey. The population has increased ten-fold since 30 pairs were recorded just 20 years ago.
And a further 100 pairs of the elusive scavenger, which has a distinctive forked tail, might have been missed in the latest nest count.
Bird numbers have increased naturally and the creature's range now also includes Pembrokeshire, which has recorded its first successful breeding pair.
Tony Cross, consultant ornithologist, for Welsh Kite Trust, based at Llandrindod Wells, is to deliver the results of the organisation's 2003 survey to a birdwatchers' conference in Pembrokeshire at the end of November.
He said it showed the Welsh population - red kites were hunted to extinction in England and Scotland - is strengthening its hold on mid and west Wales.
"There were two nests in Pembrokeshire this year, one fledged two chicks. New counties are always a bit of milestone.
"One chick was found dead shortly afterwards and the other nest failed to produce eggs, but as far as the parents in the first nest are concerned, they got two chicks out.
"It shows that the red kite is continuing to expand its range in Wales naturally.
 The location of red kite nests are kept secret |
"A lot of emphasis has been put on the reintroductions that have taken place elsewhere, but the native Welsh population is rising as result of conservation efforts.
"However, at less than one chick per pair per year, it obviously will take a while for them to recoup their numbers."
The trust keeps secret the location of the nests if finds, although the landowner is informed as part of the work to ensure birds are not accidentally scared off or their habitat harmed.
Red kites are now considered relatively common in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Breconshire and Radnorshire but Mr Cross said they were "thin on the ground" in Denbighshire and Flintshire and they do not nest on Anglesey.
In medieval times, they were the commonest bird of prey in Britain and were renowned for scrounging for scraps in the streets of London when food was scarce.
The 20th Pembrokeshire Birdwatchers' Conference is held at the Texaco Oil Refinery at Rhoscrowther, near Pembroke, on 29 November from 10am.
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It shows that the red kite is continuing to expand its range in Wales naturally 
