At Last, Red Kite in Norway

I was fortunate to see my first Red Kites in Norway last Saturday (25 April), two birds close to the Swedish border in Marker, Østfold. Although still a rare species nationally, the Red Kite has established a small breeding population in Østfold in recent years.

After suffering severe declines in the 20th century due to persecution and poisoning, the species has undergone a strong recovery across much of its range. In Sweden, the species’ development has been especially striking. Once confined mainly to the southernmost regions and entirely migratory, the Red Kite has expanded northward and increased significantly in numbers. Most of the Swedish population winters in southern Sweden today.