‘Red Kite over Rathdrum’ (Co. Wicklow.)

'Red Kite over Rathdrum' Co. Wicklow

This is a Red Kite. A bird of prey that was re-introduced into Co. Wicklow in the summer of 2007 thanks to the: ‘Red Kite Project’ and the: ‘Irish Eagle Trust’. If you ever get a chance to visit any part of South Wicklow, or surrounding Counties, and throw your head back, observe above, and if you happen to be lucky and see a hovering large bird souring freely in the open countryside - it’s probably a Red Kite! These stunning raptures are breeding successfully now in Co. Wicklow and other Leinster counties: Co. Kilkenny, Co Carlow, and Co. Kildare and probably more scattered now to the West and North of the country. I can’t be sure of the No’s of pairs there are, but something like eighty pairs!! The original Kites were kindly donated to us from the ‘Welsh Red Kite Trust’. About 14 birds were given to us from the kind hearted Welsh folk. It’s truly a re markable story of how after 100 years without these glorious bird of prey what can be achieved.

I painted the Red Kite as best as i could. I’m NOT an Ornithologist  artist. So, the Kite proportions and ‘markings’ may not be a true representation of this raptor, but I’m happy overall, especially my first attempt. The landscape makes all the difference too. The Red Kite is at ‘home’ over this territory; seeking carrion, fox and lambs! I wanted to observe this in watercolour as best as i could. I’m relatively happy with the finish. I didn’t show the birds ‘number tags’ on it’s wings which i wanted.