Hans red kite recovered after a close encounter with a wind turbine blade

The red kite Hans amazingly survived a nasty mishap: flying past wind turbines of a wind farm.
Released into Aspromonte National Park in August 2024, Hans had never strayed far from the release area until early May 2025 when he moved north and reached the central area of Calabria. After a stop in the Tiriolo (CZ) area, he headed toward the Adriatic coast, and on his way, he passed through one of the many wind farms in the narrowest part of the region on May 6.
GPS data, analyzed by Guido Ceccolini of the CERM Association, indicated Hans stopped under a wind turbine blade. Subsequently, the red kite resumed flight but proceeding at limited speed and making numerous stops.
The collision with the moving blade could have cost him his life but, by a truly lucky chance, Hans suffered only some damage to his plumage and the positioning of his GPS harness but managed to get away.
He then reached Catanzaro Lido; here a citizen alerted the Catanzaro Wild Animal Recovery Center of Hans' presence in a garden in the city, and thanks to this report, rescue was triggered. It took two days and several attempts to succeed in capturing him. At first, Mr. Salvatore Iozzo, Regional Manager of the Italian Agroforestry Guard, intervened, supported by the Fire Department, but Hans still managed to fly and perch on branches out of reach. On May 10, the guard was joined by ornithologist Domenico Bevacqua, who was able to capture the young red kite after attracting it with food scattered on the ground. Then, the raptor was transferred to CRAS in Catanzaro and entrusted to the care of Dr. Debora Giordano, head of the facility, and the center's operators.
Fortunately, the red kite has no injuries and is in good overall condition although it is slightly debilitated and its plumage is partly ruined.
It will be necessary for him to spend some time in the aviary to recover his strength and face the period of plumage moulting, which is now approaching. Once fully recovered Hans can be released back into the Aspromonte National Park.
The Park Authority thanks all those who worked to recover Hans and, in particular, CRAS in Catanzaro for the timely intervention and care provided to the young red kite.