Guildhall – Tyne Kittiwakes
Kittiwakes nested peacefully on the sides of the Guildhall down on Newcastle Quayside from 2007-2017. Whilst they nested freely on the Guildhall, they could be easily observed by pedestrians and motorists. It was a free opportunity to experience a colony of sea gulls up close. Many a young Tyne Kittiwake started their lives on this historic building.
“For many locals and visitors this potentially could
have been the first time they had ever see a Kittiwake in their WHOLE lives”.
Kittiwakes nesting on the Guildhall during the 2015 breeding season by Hels Wilson.
“Meet Kitty, the
anti-bird net inspector”
As the 2018 cycle dawned and the Kittiwakes started their journey back to the UK from their long winter out at sea in the North Atlantic; new anti-bird netting and spikes were installed by Newcastle City Council to prevent the Kittiwakes nesting. The Council did this to protect what is an older building. The installation of the netting did however damage the stone work in places and is very unattractive as it hangs down the sides of the building. The Council had decided the Kittiwakes could no longer nest there.
“Many considered this to be a great shame, that the Kittiwakes
could no longer nest on what was one of their favourite buildings”.
This new anti-bird deterrent however, failed to prevent the Kittiwakes nesting in 2018, as they nested higher up amongst the netting and spikes. Sadly, some Kittiwakes were injured on the spikes or trapped in the anti-bird netting.
Photo of a trapped Kittiwake chick
on the Guildhall Summer 2018
by @Lophophanes
Two adults were fatally INJURED; whilst a young juvenile needed to be rescued after being TRAPPED behind the netting. Following a long-campaign and a public-outcry some of the anti-bird netting that had been involved in trapping birds during the 2018 breeding season was removed. This did not mean Newcastle City Council however was going to allow the Kittiwakes to continue to nest on the Guildhall. The council instead opted to install an ‘electric shock’ anti-bird deterrent early 2019.
“ It is best to leave them to nest as they are the only population to nest like this in the UK.
Getting rid off them would be a disaster! Please leave them to nest and enjoy them.” Leslie Carter
As the 2019 cycle started to take shape and Kittiwakes explored and prospected for nesting sites for another year; Kittiwakes were successfully deterred from spending time where the electric shock system had been installed. Any Kittiwakes attempting to land, quickly flew away; shaking their heads a few times.
Pair of Kittiwakes Nesting
On the Guildhall
Summer 2019 by Paul Buskin
The Kittiwakes were clearly not happy but they remained unhurt and those that went through this experience, often flew off some distance afterwards. Despite this new challenge to the Kittiwakes, some really wanted to continue to nest on one of their favourite buildings. One pair was so determined, that they found a spot, where there were no spikes, anti-bird netting or ‘Avi-shock’ and here they built their nest.
Lots of local residents, birdwatchers, and visitors very much enjoyed watching the chicks develop into the next generation of Kittiwakes.
Two Young Kittiwakes
on the Guildhall
Summer 2019 by Paul Buskin
This pair of nesting Kittiwakes remained a prominent tourist attraction for over a month and they were very popular. Kittiwakes also settled on the clock tower, where over two dozen pairs nested during the 2019 breeding season.
Determined to Nest still
A Tyne Kittiwake nesting on the Guildhall, close to the clocktower.
One more brave pair, opted to nest alongside the Avi-shock in 2019, close to the clocktower. They found a loop-hole, where this electric shock treatment didn’t reach. Is it possible to carpet the entire building with anti-bird deterrents?
Does the installation of anti-bird deterrents, simply move Kittiwakes on either to other parts of the same building, or another building entirely? Do anti-bird deterrents spoil the look of what are vintage buildings?
2020 Breeding Season
Where one pair nested during 2019 on the side of the Guildhall, three pairs nested during 2020. Kittiwakes also returned to the clocktower in good numbers.
Clock Tower – Guildhall
During the following two seasons, Kittiwakes continued to return to the Guildhall Clocktower and peacefully nested without any disturbance or signs of any anti-bird deterrents from Newcastle City Council.
Kittiwakes nesting
on to of Anti-bird spikes
on the side of the Guildhall
by Paul Buskin
Elsewhere on the Guildhall, further spikes were added by the council, where pairs had raised young chicks during the 2019 and 2020 breeding seasons. These spikes proved very sharp and troublesome for the returning Kittiwakes, with many showing signs of injury and pain. Despite this new challenge however, Kittiwakes from the Guildhall colony battled on, and up to five pairs nested in the end, with young chicks showing off their winning streak, sporting the black and white colours of Newcastle United. And… during the 2022 season, the Kittiwakes became ever more determined and braver, nesting high up on the Avi-SHOCK itself.
Kittiwakes nesting
on top of Avi-shock
on the Guildhall
during 2022 season
by Paul Buskin
CONCLUSION: Anti-bird netting, spikes and Avi-shock do not stop Kittiwakes nesting. The anti-bird spikes, were proven to be HARMFUL to the Guildhall colony of Kittiwakes during the 2021 season. The spikes do however, help keep the nest in place, so have the opposite effect of what they were intended for. The anti-bird spikes are therefore pointless!
“The anti-bird spikes on the Guildhall were dangerous and needed to be removed.
Despite this Newcastle City Council took Zero action during the 2021-2022 breeding seasons.
A Kittiwake from the Guildhall colony trapped on anti-bird spikes – Summer 2021 by Paul Buskin
Kittiwakes from the Guildhall colony amongst Anti-bird spikes – Spring 2022 by Paul Buskin
2023 Season
As the 2023 dawned, new anti-bird netting was found, which blocked off the troublesome anti-bird spikes. The Kittiwakes remained determined and a couple of pairs continued to nest as the season progressed.
Anti-bird netting overhanging anti-bird spikes
on the Guildhall on Newcastle Quayside
2024 Season
Despite the scaffolding on the Guildhall, anti-bird spikes, netting & avi shock; 1 pair nested on the side of the Guildhall during 2024. This was where there was a greater risk of a chick getting inside the netting before it fledged.
A Kittiwake nesting on the side of the Guildhall
on Newcastle Quayside
High above, on the upper reaches; a further 3 pairs nested on top of the Avi-shock. Whilst the Guildhall Clock Tower remained popular with what is in present times the bulk of the Guildhall Tyne Kittiwake colony. Fewer pairs were present on the Guildhall clock tower however during 2024.
