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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership

@tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social
83 followers 68 following 38 posts

Formed in 2012 to support the kittiwake population along the River Tyne. The partnership works to improve understanding of the birds and their conservation needs, offering advice and support locally: www.tynekittiwakepartnership.com

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Reposted by Tyne Kittiwake Partnership
Daniel M Turner @dant-ne.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Our River Tyne kittiwakes (NE England) feature well in both 'Wild Pavements' (Amanda Tuke, 2026) and 'Birdland' (Jon Gower, 2025) - nice combination. Mark Cocker wrote kindly about them also, in his book with Richard Mabey 'Birds Britannica (2005). A nicely appreciated colony of gulls.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Meeting (8.9.26): Tyne Br., Major Mtce Works. From L: Alastair (Principal Engineer), Rachel (Ecologist), Heather (Structures Engineer), Jamie (WSP, Proj Mgr), Sam (Esh), Prof Helen (TKP Chair) and Dan (TKP). Online: Peter (Ecologist). We discussed kittiwakes, issues and coming plans. Next: Jan 2027.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Photo (by @dant-ne.bsky.social 11.8.26) shows 1 of 2 pristine juv kittiwakes entangled in netting on the same property at Newcastle Quayside. Seen ca. 10:50 a.m. and reported. Fire rescue service and Blyth Wildlife Rescue arrived to release for care. Both soon died. This is not the end of the story!
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Mthly meet (11.8.26): Tyne Br. Major Mtce Works & Kittis. Photo, from L: Gareth (Esh), Jamie (WSP), Alastair (Princ. Eng.), Rachel (Ecol), Helen (TKP Chair), Heather (Struct. Eng.) and Dan (TKP, ornith.) who reptd on 2026 breed productivity. Also attending: Dave (WSP, ornith.). Discussed Works, etc.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026 (Entry 2) Entangled adult in netting on Apart-Hotel at Newcastle Quayside (photo). A fire service rescue followed. Wing feathers badly damaged and bird stressed. Cared for by Blyth Wildlife Rescue but died quite soon. A young nestling also died in net on neighbouring property.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026 Recorded one fledged juvenile kittiwake on Monday (20 July) - resting on the Tyne at Newcastle. Noted two fledged juveniles today at Newcastle-Gateshead. Photo: Fledged juvenile kittiwake, Baltic Art Centre, 23 July 2026.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Tue, 21 July 2026 During observations at more than 1,300 River Tyne nests in past few days, Dan has seen more than 600 live chicks. With more nests to check in the next few days he expects another hundred or more nestlings from this year’s breeding season here. (Photo: 17 July 2026, adult in flight)
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Great that the River Tyne Kittiwakes feature in this lovely book.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Friday, 17 July 2026 Chick surveys are underway. Early indications are several 100s of live chicks. However breeding productivity (chicks per nest) is showing low, so we are also missing many chicks compared to other years. The surveys will progress over coming days. Photo: Baltic Art Centre, today.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Mthly meet (14 July 2026): Tyne Br, Major Mtce Works and Kitts. Photo, from L: Heather (Structures Engineer), Alastair (Principal Engineer), Prof Helen Wilson (TKP Chair) and Gareth (Esh, Snr Proj Mgr). Also attending was Rachel (Ecologist) and Dan (TKP, ornithologist) who reported on kittiwakes.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Survey this p.m. (6 June 2026) showed 171 apparently occupied nests on @balticgateshead.bsky.social i.e. 8% up on this time last year. No chicks yet seen. Spoke to group of three from Nottingham also to five going into town centre. Showed them kittiwakes through the telescope – they were impressed.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Mthly meet (11 June 2026): Tyne Br, Major Mtce. Works and Kitts. Photo, from L: Rachel Flannery (Ecologist), Heather Wales (Structures Engineer), Alastair Swan (Principal Engineer) and Gareth Dawson (Esh, Snr Proj Mgr). Also attending was Dan Turner (TKP, ornithologist) reporting on nesting figures.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Tue, 16 June 2026, No 2 With the R. Tyne apparently occupied nest (AON) surveys complete for 2026 initial results are available. Following number crunching we see more than 1,700 AON along the Tyne and an increase by 4.8% compared to this time in 2025. Figures indicate strong kittiwake population.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Tuesday, 16 June 2026 Mid-morning TKP meeting between Dr Helen Wilson (TKP Chair; see photo) and Dan Turner. We discussed some of the recent River Tyne results from Dan’s surveys, signposting to the public for any kittiwake issues at the Tyne Bridge, kittiwake encouragement at home and abroad, etc.
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Reposted by Tyne Kittiwake Partnership
Durham Wildlife Trust @durhamwildlife.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
A crowded ledge of kittiwakes. 🐦 📹 Watch live online: durhamwt.com/kittiwake-cam
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Sat, 23 May 2026 Today’s survey at Newcastle-Gateshead quaysides included a little over one thousand kittiwakes on Tyne Bridge i.e. 19% less, compared to 22 May 2025. The difference likely due to ongoing Major Maintenance Works (4-yr programme). One broken egg noted. Too early for first hatchlings.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Monday, 18 May 2026 While walking Tynemouth Longsands two small groups of adult kittiwakes flew southwards, low above the sea. They may have been returning to the Tyne after a feeding foray northwards. The photo (15 May 2026) was taken at Newcastle of a bird seeking floating matter on the river.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Friday, 15 May 2026 Nest building well underway. Photo: nest material collection today. Early birds - incubating eggs now. Strong kittiwake numbers recorded during today’s survey at Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides. Interested people, including a radiographer and a lecturer, asked about the gulls.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Tues, 12 May 2026 Working with Newcastle City Council, Esh Civils and ecologists to ensure best kittiwake outcome during Tyne Bridge Major Maintenance Works 2024-2028. Today’s meeting included Alastair Swan and Heather Wales (engineers from NCC; left) with Helen Wilson (right) & Dan Turner from TKP.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Wed, 22 April 2026 A busy day checking River Tyne kittiwakes with > 1,500 at Newcastle-Gateshead quays. Some rested quietly, others called together or collected nesting material. Recorded 790 on Tyne Bridge, 248 at @balticgateshead.bsky.social (photo: today). Enjoyed tea & scone at the Glasshouse.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Tue, 7 April 2026 Survey produced almost 1,000 kittiwakes at Newcastle-Gateshead quaysides. Today’s photo shows those at small group of St Mary’s Church. Quays were busy with walkers, runners, cyclists, tourists and all. Temperature rose nicely. Enjoyed refreshments and rest breaks at the quaysides.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Photo (3 Apr 2026) shows temporary mitigation ledges for the kittiwakes at Tyne Bridge. In 2025 these 6 ledges attracted 11 good nests with 4 chicks raised. Perhaps in 2026 more will nest there. These ledges are placed (Esh Construction) during the bridge works to help birds displaced by scaffolding
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Fri, 3 April 2026 Another Newcastle-Gateshead survey today over 3 hours showed approx. 625 of our gulls present, including 337 on the Tyne Bridge and 65 at Baltic Art Centre. So good to hear their calls and see them quietly resting in sheltered corners. Survey and photo (taken today) by Dan Turner.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Thurs, 2 Apr 2026, entry 2 At today’s TKP sub meeting Dan brought copy of Heather Devey’s (Wild Intrigue CIC) book to sign. Great book! Features Tyne Kittiwakes in Northern England section. ‘Where to watch Wildlife in Britain by Low-Carbon Transport’ (Bloomsbury Publishing). Don’t forget your copy!
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Thursday, 2 April 2026 TKP sub meeting in Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle. Photo shows Heather Devey (Wild Intrigue CIC, left) and TKP Chair Prof Helen Wilson (right) hard at work as we discussed social media and other matters. Much was resolved. We can recommend the cheese scones. (photo by D Turner).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Friday, 27 March 2026 TKP meeting at Newcastle Quayside to iron out a few matters. We discussed netting, Tyne Bridge, TKP roles, Queen Street, management plan, etc. (Photo by Dan Turner: @balticgateshead.bsky.social, 14 March 2026, 24 kittiwakes present). Meeting chaired by Prof. Helen Wilson.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Sunday, 22 March 2026. Newcastle-Gateshead quayside held 600+ Kittiwakes. Many rested at ledges, singly and in pairs with others river bathing. Great to see and hear so many back safely after wintering away. Photo today at @balticgateshead.bsky.social. (Survey and photo by @dant-ne.bsky.social).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Thurs, 5 Feb 2026 Attended meeting with Tyne Bridge engineers. Some scaffolding is coming down, more is going up. In 2026 the works will displace 36% of the bridge kittiwakes. In mitigation for the displacements, more than 300 metres of temporary nesting ledges are being installed. (Photo: today).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Tyne’s kittiwakes weather another tough year www.culturednortheast.co.uk/p/tynes-kitt...
culturednortheast.co.uk
Tyne’s kittiwakes weather another tough year
Ups and downs of the Tyne’s kittiwake colony. Tony Henderson reports on the latest figures
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Fri, 19 Sept 2025 We had a Partnership meeting at Newcastle Quayside. Business included TKP roles, Tyne Bridge Major Maintenance Works, an update on the 2025 Tyne nesting season, Saltmeadows Kit Tower and maintenance of deterrents. Gulls now at sea for winter season. (Photo: 16.7.2025, D M Turner).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Thur, 11 Sept 2025 Chair and Secretary from TKP met engineers from Newcastle City Council and Esh Construction. They discussed planned placement of scaffolding and temp. nesting ledges on Tyne Bridge for 2026 nesting season in mitigation for those pairs to be displaced in that year. (photo: 5.9.25)
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Friday, 29 August 2025 The river and Tyne quayside properties & structures between Newcastle and Gateshead (e.g. Tyne Bridge, photo) were checked for kittiwakes as their nesting season concludes. There were 6-7 juvenile kittiwakes and one adult remaining. Almost quiet.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Tue, 5 Aug 2025 Meeting between Tyne Bridge engineers and various ecologists & academics - @dant-ne.bsky.social presented his latest monthly report on bridge and its kittiwakes. Breeding season still underway and several 100's of nestlings are in process of fledging from our special Tyneside bridge.
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Daniel M Turner @dant-ne.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 Great to be out on the wild Northumberland coast! My photograph (taken today) shows two successful kittiwake nests, side-by-side, each with two nicely developing nestlings. It is always very special to observe and record our wonderful seabirds.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 Surveys at Akzo Nobel, R Tyne. Good results with breeding productivity of 0.97 chicks per Apparently Occupied Nest compared to 1.00 in 2024. Nice indicator for 2025 season. Surveys continue over coming days. (Photo: Akzo, 9 June 2025) Note, photo and surveys by @dant-ne.bsky.social
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Jonny Darling @jonnydarling.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Good to see Durham Geography's Helen F Wilson on urban kittiwakes and coexistence in today's Guardian! @geogdurham.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
The seagulls have landed: why gulls are encroaching on Britain’s towns
Avian invaders have coastal communities in Britain and beyond in a flap – but people are learning how to live with them
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Reposted by Tyne Kittiwake Partnership
Durham Wildlife Trust @durhamwildlife.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
We spy chicks! 🐣👀 🎥 Watch kittiwake cam live online 👉 durhamwt.com/kittiwake-cam
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Thurs, 12 June 2025. While checking subset of >300 Tyne Kittiwake nests, one was noted with small nestling. It has again been a privilege to assess full Tyne Kittiwake population to see how it is progressing. Looking forward to further observations well into July. (Photo: Guildhall, 18 May 2025).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
While checking part of the Tyne Bridge yesterday (10 June) I recorded another 5 small nestlings – one in each of 5 nests. Lovely to see! It was a busy session. Also spoke with a gentleman from Australia who was keen on birds; and a group of 3 local men. I showed them Kittiwakes through telescope.
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Temporary mitigation ledges have been placed by the Tyne Bridge engineers due to the scaffolding at Newcastle side of bridge and under road deck this year. Displaced kittiwakes have shown an interest and some nest-building there is underway. (Photo: some of the 2025 mitigation ledges, 22 May 2025).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
On Thursday, 22 May 2025, … 2,222 kittiwakes were recorded in the close proximity of Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides. Of these gulls, 257 were noted at the @balticgateshead.bsky.social. (Photograph: Kittiwake at nest, Baltic Art Centre, 24 May 2025 by D M Turner).
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Saturday, 7 June 2025. There was distinct improvement in numbers of kittiwake Apparently Occupied Nests in past 2 weeks at @balticgateshead.bsky.social on the River Tyne. Today saw the first 2 small live chicks here. So lovely to see! In different nests and being fed by parent birds. @kittiwakegirl
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Durham Wildlife Trust @durhamwildlife.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
🐦🎥 Catch up with our favourite urban birds by tuning into Kittiwake Cam from the comfort of your sofa. Nesting on the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside, these charismatic gulls are the furthest inland colony of kittiwakes in the world. 👉 www.durhamwt.com/kittiwake-cam
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Tyne Kittiwake Partnership @tkp-kittiwake.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Welcome to all our followers - new and old! We are the Tyne Kittiwake Partnership. Follow us for the latest news on the colony incl. the Tyne Bridge restoration works.
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