You may have seen this news story already but it's here if not. A new council initiative in Newcastle is hinting that the kittiwake colony on the Tyne bridge could be moved on.
Here at the RSPB, we are not happy about this idea as we think that the only inland Kittiwake colony is a unique and special feature of Newcastle and Gateshead. We feel that they need all the help that they can get after many kittiwake colonies have struggled in recent years whilst the colony in Newcastle has increased.
We'll be watching these developments very closely and fighting the corner of the kittiwakes on this one. They will be returning from the ocean soon to start their breeding season. Lets hope there are plenty of sandeels for them this year and they have a productive season.
Your comments on this would be most welcome.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Hi Ian
I have not heard about this news until you placed the article on here
The big question is why do the birds have to be moved in the first place - is it the noise, the poo that is generated - the look of the nests on the foundations what...? visitors do not like.....!!!
Kittiwakes are struggling as a species, and not as common as many seabirds. They need all the help they can to survive now.
The Tyne bridge must be Kittiwake heaven as it has the right area for them to nest as they do already on cliff edges. The design of the bridge is the Councils downfall in the first place.
It is a subject that is rated to 2 types of people birding people and others. Do the 'fat cats' in the local council understand Kittiwakes plight at the moment.
Anyway let this thread begin and peoples views come to light here.
Maybe a petition is the order of the day here?
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thanks for your comments blackbird.
From the article linked in the above post the council spokesperson states that the mess and smell is not compatible with the aspiration to create an outstanding urban waterfront.
We think that for the short time that the kittiwakes are on the nests and the localised nature of the problems with mess we should be able to live alongside this unique colony of threatened seabirds. Would you agree with this?
It was mentioned in the article that the kittiwakes are an attraction to the area and were highlighted in the Nature of Britain series presented by Alan Titchmarsh. The unusual choice of nesting site is unique to the area, this fact should be celebrated, they usually choose natural cliffs away from man such as at Bempton cliffs. Next time you are in the area during the spring or summer take a look at them, they are smart birds indeed!
The story is also covered here.
Thankyou, Ian
I wonder how this whole issue is going to be perceived by people on the whole now and in the future in the area. I would love to have Kittiwakes close to where I stayed. I am glad to hear that there are a few 'bodies' that have stepped in along with the RSPB to protect the birds.
I agree that the Kittiwakes should be seen as an important landmark to the area as they have been on a nature programme to show that. Maybe more marketing of the subject of the birds plight, and telling people how unique they are to the area is a way to win people over so that the birds are not seen as a hiderance or otherwise. and are they are good for tourism to their area
Perhaps a News/TV interview with a celebrity like Chris Packham or Kate Humble at the helm may change peoples views, and put the world of Kittiwakes as a rarity to rights. When Springwatch comes onto TV an article about the mentioned birds would help support the case.
Just a lot of press release, and people who are known to the media need to step in so that people listen to what is being said.
It will be interesting to hear the outcome, and I will keep my ear to the ground here
Last time I ever saw a Kittiwake was on the East Coast of Scotland - St Abbs Head - years ago....so it is about time I saw one again
Ian H said: Thanks for your comments blackbird. From the article linked in the above post the council spokesperson states that the mess and smell is not compatible with the aspiration to create an outstanding urban waterfront. We think that for the short time that the kittiwakes are on the nests and the localised nature of the problems with mess we should be able to live alongside this unique colony of threatened seabirds. Would you agree with this? It was mentioned in the article that the kittiwakes are an attraction to the area and were highlighted in the Nature of Britain series presented by Alan Titchmarsh. The unusual choice of nesting site is unique to the area, this fact should be celebrated, they usually choose natural cliffs away from man such as at Bempton cliffs. Next time you are in the area during the spring or summer take a look at them, they are smart birds indeed! The story is also covered here.
I agree with the RSPB on this.
The kittiwakes are now a well known attraction on the Tyne Bridge and the Guildhall, surely the tourism that they bring to the area could pay for a clean up operation after they leave their nesting area?
It's not as if they are there all year round, and nesting all over the place.
They should be looked upon as an asset not a nuisance to be got rid of.
I would be happy to sign a petition to keep them. :-)
Best wishes Chris
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A crass proposal by a public body that has clearly forgotten its Section 40 statutory duty to have regard to the purpose of conserving bidiversity while carrying out its functions.
JBNTS
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Caught this on our local news it seems that the Kittiwakes do not fit into the image the council would like to promote for Tyneside,have they been down the Big Market on a Sat.night?
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Hi all sorry for opening an old thread but there is a group on Facebook here about this cause, and if you are on Facebook, thought you would care to take a look:
www.facebook.com/.../195434647147621
Coal
Birding , Birding, Birding !
Thanks for bringing this up again. I think the Newcastle authorities are missing a trick (as well as large chunks of grey matter) What a marketing hook!! They should be inviting the RSPB to start a "Date with Nature" site close to the bridge and packing in those tourists. Imagine a city able to use a Kittiwake as a logo?
Bet the businesses, especially the cafes, around the bottom of the bridge would love it!
Protect the Kittiwakes and win dozens of brownie points! Get the youth section at "Live Theatre" just round the corner, to take up the cause in the form of a play.
Come on RSPB - get talking to them. Pregrines in town centres have been a success. Why not Kittiwakes?
Jenni
God gave us two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!
Jenni - the RSPB have been doing Date With Nature type things at the Kittiwake colony at Newcastle for many years! Obviously the council are wanting a desolate, sterile city devoid of wildlife!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Ah! Thanks for letting me know Kat! It's quite a long time since I was in Newcastle and down on the Quayside. Must get there again next year!!! If there are no Kittiwakes perhaps I can hold my own protest demo! The last (and first!!!) time I carried a placard we saved my daughter's local swimming pool from closure so I have an appetite for more!!! D'you know, it's true you get less inhibited as you get older! :-))