The first kittiwakes of the season have returned to the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside.
After spending the winter out at sea, the first kittiwakes of the year have been spotted returning to their nesting grounds on buildings, bridges, and other structures along the Quayside.
The iconic Tyne kittiwakes may have returned during the coronavirus lockdown but nature lovers can now observe them from the comfort of their own homes.
A free live webcam has now been set up to give us a close-up view of the birds as they reunite with their partners, build nests, lay eggs and rear their chicks through the Kittiwake Camera attached to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
Kittiwakes are more commonly found in coastal areas, where they traditionally nest on cliffs and rocky outcrops. To see them as far inland as the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside is extremely rare – in fact, the colony here is unique in being the furthest inland breeding colony in the world.
The birds spend most of their life at sea but travel to nesting areas to breed. The Quayside kittiwake colony have been nesting here since the 1960s and have become something of an icon.
Chris Jones, RSPB Conservation Officer said: “The Tyne Kittiwakes are such a unique example of urban wildlife.
"They truly are a wonderful part of this city’s heritage and something to celebrate.”
View the live webcam here.
