Broedende Rode Wouwen Milvus milvus in Nederland in 2020

In 2020, 22 breeding pairs of Red Kites were located in The Netherlands, all of with nests. Nine out of 22 pairs were successful; 4 pairs did not commence egg-laying and 9 pairs failed. Half of the pairs built new nests, the rest used old nests of Carrion Crows or Buzzards. The number of chicks per pair was: 9x 0, 1x 1, 3x 2 and 5x 3, i.e. 1.0 fledglings per pair and 2.4 fledglings per successful pair. Start of laying ranged from 25 March through 25 April, and averaged 9 April. Breeding success was low in the regions of Overijssel and Limburg, i.e. the provinces with most recent and new settlements and failed breeding attempts (first-time breeders?)