But conservation officials are urging people to sign a petition to continue to protect the birds of prey after countryside poisoning of birds.

Between 1999 and 2003, 69 birds were introduced to the region thanks to a partnership between the Harewood Estate, RSPB, Natural England and Yorkshire Water.

Now in its 10th year, there are more than 50 breeding pairs in Yorkshire – but, warns Tim Melling, RSPB's senior conservation officer, the birds are still at risk.

In the past few years, several of Yorkshire's red kites have died through illegal poisoning and shooting.

"This beautiful bird is still vulnerable as it continues to be illegally persecuted, as well as being susceptible to accidental poisoning," said Mr Melling.

One of seven UK reintroduction programmes, the Yorkshire Kites Project has played a vital role in returning the species from the brink of extinction.

But while the project has been successful in the UK, poisoning has led to huge declines in the European red kite populations.

Numbers of breeding pairs have dropped 40 per cent in Spain and 30 per cent in France and Germany.

"A decade on from the beginning of the Yorkshire Kites project, it is wonderful to see red kites thriving two centuries after they were made extinct in the region," said Mr Melling.

But he warned against complacency, saying that like their European counterparts, red kites were still at risk in the county.

"I would urge anyone who has been moved by these magnificent creatures to sign the RSPB's Bird of Prey Campaign pledge, which calls for an end to illegal persecution and the continued protection of our birds of prey."