An Independent Voice
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- Celebrating the unique status of the Tyne Kittiwakes;
‘The Furthest Inland Colony of Kittiwakes in the World’ - Supporting efforts to help safeguard the breeding population of Tyne Kittiwakes and their environment.
- Helping to support educational projects that feature
wildlife and their habitats. - Showcasing wildlife along the River Tyne.
- Celebrating the unique status of the Tyne Kittiwakes;
The City of Newcastle upon Tyne and the adjacent town of Gateshead boasts a rich wildlife haven along the river tyne. This is popular with birds all year round. Watch out for Cormorants swimming in the river or enjoying some shore leave on the rocks nearby drying out their wings. Look for waders such as Redshanks and Curlews feeding on the tidal mud banks. Accept the challenge of identifying which species of Gulls are present and try not to miss the migrant birds that have travelled from far away countries to share the bounties of the big river.
Kittiwakes nesting
on the
Kittiwake Tower
in Gateshead
by Andrew Rickeard
Kittiwakes
The cast of Gulls includes; Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Herring Gulls and the largest of all often some Great Black-backed Gulls. In the spring/summer months two more species can be seen daily. These are the Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Kittiwake. Kittiwakes are very much coastal Gulls, and to find one inland, is very rare. They spend their lives out at sea. Pairs regularly breed along our coast in areas such as at Marsden Rock in South Tyneside; or at the Farne Islands or Coquet Island in Northumberland.
Kittiwakes from Coquet Island in Northumberland by Hannah Young
Where the River Tyne passes the quaysides between Newcastle and Gateshead you can find ‘The Worlds Furthest Inland Breeding Colony of Kittiwakes in the World‘. They are a soft gentle Gull with friendly personalities and they wear the black and white colours of the local Geordie football team Newcastle United
Why they chose this urban location no body knows, but they have fallen in love with a big city and they enjoy amazing panoramic views.
The Kittiwakes return every spring/summer
The ‘Tyne Kittiwakes’ return every year to build their nests at sites they have specially chosen themselves. They raise new chicks for the next generation of Kittiwakes. Lots of residents and visitors love to hear their “kittee-wa-aaake, kittee-wa-aaake” calls. Help us celebrate this amazing ‘annual event’ ; a valuable opportunity to watch this coastal Gull up close.
Tyne Kittiwakes from South Shields by Stuart Thompson
It is a privilege that we all need to make the most of. So come share our good fortune and help welcome the legendary ‘Tyne Kittiwakes’ when they return again. Please visit our Raising Awareness page to read about Initiatives to help support the River Tyne breeding population of Kittiwakes. These include walks and talks by Wild Intrigue and a new documentary; ‘Seabirds in the City’.
“The Furthest Inland Breeding
Colony of Kittiwakes in the World”
“Something intensely moving today about the first few Kittiwakes grabbing nest sites under the Tyne Bridge and the hopefulness of those cries on a crisp cold day.”
Julie Saunders
- Young chicks have cracked open their eggs and are joining us for the very first time. During the summer months, there are always lots of happy families on display for ALL to see.
Kittiwakes on the Baltic
by Ashley Bayston © 2022
Guildhall
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- “Four pairs have nested on the side of the Guildhall, on TOP of the anti-bird spikes during Twenty-22. Whilst more pairs have built their nests high above on TOP of the avi-SHOCK. On the clock tower, over two-dozen pairs are raising young Kittiwakes for a fourth year”. Paul Buskin
Ferry Mews in North Shields
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- “Despite the introduction of new anti-bird netting, which now covers the area where the colony have nested in previous years; Kittiwakes are successfully nesting and raising young chicks for a second year”.
Angie Jenkison
- “Despite the introduction of new anti-bird netting, which now covers the area where the colony have nested in previous years; Kittiwakes are successfully nesting and raising young chicks for a second year”.
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- “Kittiwakes nested on a disused window ledge at the back of River Garden View during 2021; the building opposite Ferry Mews in North Shields. This was easily visible to commuters using the local ferry service”.
Andew Clayton
- “Kittiwakes nested on a disused window ledge at the back of River Garden View during 2021; the building opposite Ferry Mews in North Shields. This was easily visible to commuters using the local ferry service”.
A young chick waiting with mum
for dad to come back with food
by Andrew Clayton
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- “The anti-bird netting on the Ferry Mews Building in North Shields may have NOT STOPPED the Kittiwakes from nesting; however it has encouraged the colony to spread out along the roof of the building. Pairs are also nesting along the guttering over the past two seasons. So this new anti-bird netting is wasteful and whilst it remains, it continues to be a potential hazzard to the local wildlife”. Kittiwakes upon the Tyne
A young chick with mum by Andrew Clayton
Ferry Mews in North Shields,
The Guardian – North Shields Colony
Published – February 2021
- An article was published in the Guardian regarding the installation of new anti-bird netting on the Ferry Mews building.
Which was the best
Kittiwake nest?
Kittiwakes on the Baltic
by Ashley Bayston © 2022
- In 2021
- Surging Tyne kittiwakes buck the
national trend
The Journal
– 1st January 2022
- Surging Tyne kittiwakes buck the
- In 2019
- The weird and wonderful places Tyneside’s Kittiwakes have set up home
The Journal & Evening Chronicle
– 5th January 2020
Kittiwakes nesting on Street Lighting
by North East Wildlife - The weird and wonderful places Tyneside’s Kittiwakes have set up home
Spring/Summer 2022
Latest News
- At this time the Tyne Kittiwake colonies have remained healthy with a few suffering from heat exhaustion, due to rising temperatures.
For updates please visit our Twitter Page
Avian Influenza
- Coastal colonies of seabirds are suffering from a wave of Avian Influenza. This is a MAJOR concern at this time. Seabird populations have already been declining rapidly in recent years due to overfishing and climate change.
Tyne Bridge Restoration
- The restoration of the Tyne Bridge will potentially be the largest hurdle the Tyne Kittiwakes have faced in a generation.
Ferry Mews – North Shields
- Sadly a Kittiwake was trapped on the Ferry’s Mews building in North Shields on Saturday 2nd July. It was rescued by the Fire Service and cared for by Blyth Wildlife Rescue, but passed away during the night. A petition which calls for the removal of this anti-bird netting which has been proven to be dangerous to birds, has been re-opened.
Have you SIGNED yet?
Beesie Surtees Building
- An Adult Kittiwake became trapped on the Bessie Surtees Building on Newcastle Quayside during Easter Sunday. The bird encountered some new anti-bird spikes and become trapped between 2 roof tiles trying to escape.
- “Absolutely heartbreaking. Nature is no longer something to be lived with but controlled, destroyed or eliminated for our ‘convenience’. The kittiwakes have used these sites for generations now, symptomatic of our selfish attitude and intolerance as a species”. Lee Rankin
Saltmeadows Kittiwake Tower
in Gateshead
- “I love the sound of a Kittiwake colony. There are plenty of returning birds at the Gateshead tower today, including ‘ACV’ ringed at the tower as an adult in 2006 so likely 19 years+ in age”.
Andrew Rickeard.
Country Life Magazine
July 2022
- Kittiwakes might be declining across the world, but these little white gulls with ink-black tips are thriving on a bridge over the River Tyne finds
Vicky Liddell.
Wye Eye Wheel Approved
- “Will this new development disturb the pairs nesting opposite on the Kittiwake Tower in Gateshead?”
Can you help us keep an EYE OUT for
the Tyne Kittiwakes?
The Kittiwake Tower
in Gateshead
by Ashley Bayston © 2021
Tyne Kittiwakes
in spring return to shore and breed
the urge so strong to find a mate
to build a nest and procreate
so when they feel the annual pull
we’re visited by this pretty Gull.
black edged grey wings another clue
a yellow bill and legs of black
nests on cliffs or coastal stack
except a colony we all know
that lives with the quayside far below
upon the bridge their homes they make
the world-famous River Tyne Kittiwake.
by Billy B
Can we help the Tyne Kittiwakes?
Could we build artificial cliffs for the Tyne Kittiwakes
to nest on?
- At this time of climate change, this important
red listed species, needs our help. For decades the Tyne Kittiwakes have been moved on and the Newcastle Quayside is becoming fortified against birds with more and more SPIKES, anti-bird NETTING and electric SHOCK systems.
Can we create a habitat for
the Tyne Kittiwakes to nest?
Brand NEW Facebook
PAGE and GROUP
Launched early January 2021
Anti-bird deterrents
- Some buildings along Newcastle Quayside have spikes, netting and avi-shock installed. These are deterrents to prevent Kittiwakes landing and nesting on buildings and structures.
“Have you found an injured or trapped Kittiwake along the Tyne?”
Guidance on Anti-bird Deterrents
- The safe and informed use of deterrents to prevent Kittiwakes landing and nesting on buildings and structures in Newcastle City.
Photo Galleries
“Showcasing a variety of locations, where the Tyne Kittiwakes have CHOSEN
themselves to build their nests, to help bring life to the next generation”.
The Kittiwake Galleries are currently being edited. Lots more photos will be added from the 2021 breeding season in December. The YouTube/Vimeo channels will also be featured more and enchanced. Please help us to raise awareness by sharing your own media content with us.
Tyne Kittiwake Photo Galleries
How you can help?
“Help us to raise awareness and protect the Tyne Kittiwakes”
Kittiwakes on the Tyne Bridge by Mark Leitch
Kittiwakes upon the Tyne was set up back in 2018, following the events that year where over two dozen Kittiwakes became TRAPPED or were INJURED as a result of anti-bird deterrents on Newcastle Quayside. We remain an independent VOICE and we continue to help raise awareness and support ongoing monitoring every year.
Find our how you can
help support us for FREE
“Kittee-wa-aaake, kittee-wa-aaake“
