Kittiwakes 25/02/2023

''Where the River Tyne passes the quaysides of Newcastle and Gateshead you can find
‘The Worlds Furthest Inland Breeding Colonies of Kittiwakes in the World‘.

 (Independent voice)

Within the spring and summer months two species of gulls can be witnessed, one of these being the humble Kittiwake. They are normally associated with the coast and to find them inland is very rare making the Kittiwakes at the Newcastle Upon Tyne and Gateshead very special, indeed.

The blacked legged Kittiwakes have spent their winter feeding as far away as Canada. Hundred of these gentle birds choose to nest around the River Tyne in the Spring and Summer months. With around 201 pairs at the Baltic Centre and up to 1,089 pairs around the Tyne Bridge, we decided to head down and see if we could spot the Kittiwakes for our monthly Nature Connect walk.

When we met at the Baltic for 2pm on a snowy Saturday, cormorants and other avian species, which can be regularly spotted at this abundant wildlife site, had been seen but we were yet to see the Kittiwakes. So we completed a circular walk around the Tyne taking regular stops to view the wildlife and learn about what can be seen. Once we had reached the other side of the Tyne we discussed the issues Kittiewakes can bring and their controversial existence with people either loving or despising them. This was when we were delighted to see one kittiwake flying over us!

Would also like to share some feedback from Priyanka Krishnaswamy, who was lovely enough to join us and share her experience-

''I loved the walk, your patience with a complete novice like me, the time that you took to ensure that we saw a Kittiwake and the general chat during it.''

If you would like to learn more about this species of gull and wildlife at the Tyne please look at-

https://www.tynekittiwakes.org.uk/tyne-kittiwake-colonies/