Red Kites in Dumfries and Galloway

Red Kites were valued scavengers in the Middle Ages and helped keep streets clean and were protected by a royal decree.  However by the 16th Century they were heavily persecuted as “vermin” and became extinct in Scotland in 1879. 

Between 2001-2005 104 red kite were released into Galloway.  These birds are now well established.

A Red Kite is similar size to a Buzzard but have longer wings , are reddish-brown and have a distinctive forked tail. 

They can be seen anywhere around the Galloway Kite Trail and Loch Ken, and are particularly well viewed from the Feeding Station at Bellymack Hill Farm near Laurieston, where they are fed daily at 2pm. (small admission fee applies)