The next day we were told it was well enough to be released and so we returned to the spot where Kate found it. It was very reluctant to take off so I helped by launching it but each time, after five or six wing beats it fell to earth. Back at the vet's we agreed that it would benefit from another nights rest and that we would seek specialist advice. Of course, we phoned Tony Cross of the Welsh Kite Trust. Tony met us the next day at Nant yr Arian and examined the bird very thoroughly. His expert knowledge immediately identified the problem as being many missing wing feathers, obviously ripped out by the car strike. This meant that air was passing through the gaps in her wings and she could not achieve any lift. Tony has arranged for the bird to be cared for at Gigrin Farm, Rayader (red kite feeding station - very well worth a visit) and she will stay there untill new feathers regrow following her moult.