The tree climbers of the LIFE EUROKITE team carefully removed the juvenile birds from the nests and gently lowered them to the forest floor in a rope-secured cloth bag. On the ground, other team members were waiting to collect all necessary monitoring data: weight, wing and tail length were measured, and a feather was taken for genetic analysis. In addition, the birds were ringed, examined, and fitted with GPS transmitters.

The transmitter is attached like a small backpack, first slipped over the head and then secured along the back under the wings. For juveniles, it is especially important to attach the Teflon straps loosely so as not to restrict growth. The correct dimensions are based on many years of experience.

A fascinating protective mechanism of red kites is revealed in stressful situations: they enter a state of immobility called akinesis. In this state, they play dead, sometimes stick out their tongue, and may even emit an unpleasant odor to deter predators. This behavior greatly facilitates the scientists’ work, the birds do not need to be anesthetized or restrained, which significantly reduces stress.

Unlike the still flightless juveniles, adult red kites must be captured using an eagle decoy and a net. During tagging, they usually remain relatively calm but are always held securely by the feet. Tagging takes place directly at the nest, often deep within the forest, where the birds would be at risk of injury if they attempted to escape. After fitting the transmitters, the birds are released in more open areas.

For adult birds, the same measurements are taken as for juveniles: weight, wing, and tail length. In addition, their sex can be determined: females show a bare patch on the lower belly, called the brood patch, which develops because they lose feathers there to better warm their eggs through direct body contact. The birds are also ringed, examined, and fitted with GPS transmitters.

The goal of tagging is to better understand, monitor, and track the causes of mortality in red kites.

Many birds of prey fall victim to illegal poisoning. Such offenses must be consistently investigated and punished in the future. Take a stand against illegal poisoning and for the protection of Europe’s wildlife. Sign the petition and help raise awareness for the conservation of the red kite:
https://chng.it/zCZhxGhQSy