Kite chicks tagged for tracking

Red kites were once common all over the British Isles

Red kite chicks in the Highlands are being fitted with satellite tags for a project involving schoolchildren.

RSPB Scotland hope to attach devices to at least 15 young birds so they can be tracked via a website.

An education programme using the site will be rolled out at 10 primary schools that are "adopting" a chick.

The public will also be able view the birds at a feeding station. The species was reintroduced to the area in 1989, and reached 48 breeding pairs in 2008.

Claire Buchanan, RSPB Scotland red kite community officer, said the raptors were stunning, graceful birds with 6ft wingspans.

'Often mesmerised'

She added: They're a magnificent sight soaring in the countryside, and we're keen to let people in the Highlands see just how amazing these birds are.

"I'll be visiting local schools to tell them about the birds, and we're keen to let schools adopt birds that they can then follow online to see where they end up.

"But adults are often mesmerised by these beautiful birds too, so we hope that they'll also use the website, and visit the new feeding station we plan to have up and running later in the year, which will help draw in tourists to the area as well."

Mairi Robertson, head teacher at Grantown Primary School - which has already adopted one of the tagged kites - said it was an exciting project.

She said: "The children are getting a lot out of it, not just the chance to learn all about the amazing red kites but also an opportunity to see how technology may be employed to bring us new and revealing insights into their day-to-day lives."

Red kites were once common all over the British Isles, before widespread killings in Victorian times led to just a few pairs surviving.

The chicks can be tracked on www.eyestotheskies.org.uk