Kittiwakes.org invites the Kittiwalkers

Rissa Citizen Science and the Kittiwalkers have been invited to join Kittiwakes.org, a platform dedicated to sharing knowledge and experiences about urban-nesting kittiwakes across Europe. Meet Paul Buskin, the driving force behind the initiative, who has spent decades championing coexistence with kittiwakes in the UK.

Kittiwakery and kittiwake dummy in Gateshead, UK.

Kittiwakery in Gateshead, UK.

Hi Paul, can you introduce yourself?

As an urban birdwatcher since the 1980s, I have always had a passion for the outdoors, which I’ve continued to share with my photography. Most of my engagement with nature involves the wildlife corridors alongside the River Tyne in England.

The website Kittiwakes.org was launched recently. Can you tell us what it is?

Kittiwakes.org shares information regarding a selection of breeding colonies of kittiwakes in Europe. There is a focus on such colonies where pairs have moved away from building their nests amongst traditional coastal sites and have instead opted to move into our towns and cities.

Kittiwake on the River Tyne (photo Ian Cook)

Kittiwakes have been nesting on human-made structures along the river Tyne for decades. What solutions have proved effective to coexist with them?

The best results come from long-term partnerships with organisations, building owners and a local council that is proactive in supporting our wildlife which is in crisis.

The Baltic Gallery for Contemporary Art hosts a colony of up to 201 pairs of Kittiwake. There is a Kittiwake cam (https://www.durhamwt.com/kittiwake-cam) where anyone can watch live coverage from the comfort of their own home from the Durham Wildlife Trust Website. There is also a viewing platform for the public within the gallery.

Kittiwakes at the Baltic Center for Contemprorary Art, Newcastle (photo https://baltic.art/)

In Felling, there is one of the oldest Kittiwake colonies. Up to 262 pairs peacefully return every year, thanks to the goodwill of the owners of a local paint factory and guidance from Gateshead Council. This colony is away from other businesses and residential properties.

A new artificial nesting structure called the "Kittiwakery" was constructed in early 2023 adjacent to the existing Saltmeadows Tower. The nesting structure is managed by local consultancy Shoney Wind Ltd. (https://www.shoneywind.com/)

The Gateshead kittiwakery, managed by local consultancy Shoney Wind Ltd.

Gateshead council have provided the Saltmeadows Tower, which hosts a colony of up to 132 pairs. Birds are ringed, providing valuable data for research.

The Saltmeadows Tower, by the River Tyne.

What advice would you give to politicians who are seeking solutions while also needing to balance public support?

Kittiwakes are red-listed and Birds of Conservation Concern. They need our help and understanding. Further research will help determine what kind of support may be necessary to protect kittiwakes and seabirds in general. When designed appropriately, artificial structures support research and provide alternative nesting provision, encouraging pairs to move away from city centre buildings.

The future sustainability of the Kittiwakes colonies will also very much depend on campaigning to reduce air and sea pollution as well as their access to tasty food like Sand eels. Where anti-bird determents have been proven to be harmful to birds, these should be removed to avoid further birds suffering.

A kittiwake chick caught in a net (photo Oscar Dewhurst)

Can you tell us about the organization "Kittiwakes upon the Tyne"?

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 because 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. A popular website www.tynekittiwakes.org.uk shares the story of the Tyne Kittiwake colonies along the River Tyne as it unfolds each year. We also engage with local stakeholders to campaign for the removal of any deterrents that have been proven to be harmful to birds.

What is your favourite success story about kittiwakes on the river Tyne?

Following a large campaign in 2018, asking for the removal of anti-bird deterrents which were sadly fatally injuring Kittiwakes on Tyneside and a petition which secured over 100,000 signatures, attitudes towards the Tyne Kittiwakes changed.

Many of the building owners removed the more dangerous anti-bird netting and spikes. Since establishing a modest 134 pairs of Kittiwakes back in 2001, the Tyne Bridge colony has grown to up to 1,105 pairs. Since 2018 local councils have not only acknowledged their right to nest on the bridge (as a red-listed species), but they are supporting this, the largest of the Tyne Kittiwake colonies as restoration work is actioned on the Tyne Bridge 2024-28.

Kittiwakes on a building ledge in Newcastle city centre (photo Oscar Dewhurst)

Is there anything you would like to share with us?

Public engagement and active research are also essential. External professionals, such as those from Wild Intrigue (https://www.wildintrigue.co.uk) help raise awareness with their in-person guided walks for the general public, whilst Daniel Turner has been recording population data (https://www.nhsn.org.uk/tyne-kittiwakes/) since the early 1990s and continues to provide informative talks.

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust and local RSPB staff have put in an outstanding effort over the last decade to help protect what is “The furthest inland breeding colony of Kittiwakes in the World”. Support from local wildlife organisations is essential to help speak up for our nature.