Gateshead Birders

RED KITE NEWS

Red Kite at Clara Vale

A proper Gateshead Red Kite born & bred in the borough

[Gordon Pollinger]

Red Kite at Barlow Fell [Iain Clyne]

Flag and Red Philip’s Kite Diary

Additional notes:

• Red kites are a large bird of prey, with a wingspan of almost 2m (over 5½ft). Kites are one of the most beautiful birds of prey in Europe and are famed for their stunning rusty-red plumage, forked tail and long elegant wings. They became extinct in the north of England during the early 1800s.
• In the UK , red kites used to be widespread and common, but human persecution led to their extinction in England and Scotland by 1870 and 1890 respectively. Only a few pairs survived in central Wales at the beginning of the 20 th century, but because of protection, this population has gradually increased to more than 350 pairs. However, only a tiny fraction of the red kite's former range is occupied today and its spread within Wales is slow, making natural recolonisation of the rest of its UK range unlikely in the near future.
• Evidence of the former presence of red kites in Northern England includes historical records of local names - 'swallow-tailed falcon' - and 'Glead' or 'Glede' (from the Anglo-Saxon word for 'to glide'). Several North-East place names also hint at the past presence of the birds including Gleed Hill, Gled Law and Gledscleugh

Ruby the Red Kite on her nest

[Photo: RSPB]

At present, we know the fate or whereabouts of 50 of the 61 kites that have been released and we know that the current, known survival rate of birds is at least 79%.

One of the most exciting recent happenings was the re-discovery of WT13 at Blanchland - not noted since August 2005 (then again, could it be the missing Yorkshire bird that has a very similar transmitter frequency?)!

There has been a recent dispersal of birds away from the Derwent valley (something similar happened last spring), with at least eleven kites going ‘missing’ over the last few weeks. That said, there are probably still over 20 kites in the west Gateshead area, though clearly some birds are now travelling further field (recent regular reports have come from near Sunniside, Slaley and Satley). Perhaps the best example of this dispersal is WT45, which was present near Rowlands Gill on 6 April and was located at Barmpton, near Leeds, on 20th (perhaps this was the bird reported close to Darlington a couple of weeks ago?). Clearly birds are on the move, for in the second week of April, WT26, which had been wintering near Hart village, re-appeared in the lower Derwent valley, before disappearing again a few days later.

During April, there has been much display from birds and initial estimates would suggest that there are at least four established territories in the lower Derwent valley, with another pair in Teesdale. We are hopeful that exciting things will come from all of this encouraging activity. Watch this space!

Other news from someone not seen lately, WT9 was recently noted over Far Pasture Ponds in the DWCP, after not being seen for a few months – nice to know that this bird, with its dodgy transmitter, is still around. Meanwhile, down in Yorkshire it would appear that Scarlet (WT2) has settled on a nest and is getting on with contributing to the next kite generation!

This bird was one of six over Far Pasture in April [Photo: Ray Wilby]

Ruby (No. 19) at Far Pasture [Photo: Ray Wilby]

Recent Summary from Northern Kites

Day time monitoring: 31st October

WT18 could be on the wander again after being back in Gateshead for just over a week. He was foraging in the Barlow Burn on Monday afternoon (13.00hrs) but was not recorded at any of the local roost sites in the evening. There were 15 other kites in the Barlow Burn with birds being seen circling over Reelie Mires wood and Greenside. Only two kites were seen at reasonably close quarters in front of the Black Horse car park.

Fourteen kites were located just east of Barlow village (Grid ref. NZ164611). The wing tags of two them WT16 & WT 37 could be read easily as they perched on a pylon. Occasionally, a kite could be seen flying in this area but most were perched so there must have been some good feeding here earlier in the day. A buzzard was also observed here. These birds are now regularly seen with the kites and further evidence to support that they are being “pulled in” by the kites was the recent noting of four of them in the area.

There were 10 kites tracked in the Lower Derwent Valley and birds were seen flying over Spen Banks wood and to the north east of Sherburn Towers housing estate.

There were still no signals detected for the “missing” new releases WT25, WT26, WT30 & WT49.

WT5, WT57 & WT23 remain in Teesdale. WT5 is spending more and more time with WT57 at Kinninvie and less and less time with WT23 at Eggleston. She must have been feeling neglected because she paid them a visit on Sunday afternoon ( 27 th October) and roosted about 300 metres from them. Strange that they did not all roost together. The following day WT23 was roosting back at Eggleston.

Roost monitoring

During late afternoon, from the bus terminus at Sherburn Towers, kites were observed to be drifting westwards along the skyline from Thornley Kennels, and it soon became obvious Spen Banks wood was going to be the main roost site that evening. The roost observation point was moved to Thornley Kennels and some good views of the kites were had, up to eight at one time, as they slowly made there way along to the roost site. About half an hour later, when they had settled for the night, a total of 26 kites were recorded in Spen Banks wood and 5 kites were recorded at Sherburn Towers.

Fout kites roosted in the Barlow Burn. Only WT60 appears faithful to this roost site being recorded there for the third week in a row.

WT54, the kite which roosted on her own east of Barlow, was roosting in the same area this week, (grid ref. NZ160612), but this time she had Ruby ( WT19) for company. WT54 had been tracked as being perched there earlier in the day but any concerns about her welfare (had she been there for a week?) were eased by the fact that on Sunday afternoon Alan Witherington had visually identified this bird whilst it was perched at Sherburn Towers Farm.

WT55 roosted on her own in a wood on the north side of the Thornley Kennels to Winlaton road, grid ref. 164608 and WT27 roosted on her own just south of the same road, behind Thornley Kennels, grid ref. 164606. Perhaps these four kites stopped over because the area would provide a further feed the following day.

Kite opportunism

The lady at Thornley Kennels related the following event:

Her cat had brought a dead mouse into the house. She put it a carrier bag and put it in the garden to dispose of later. She had forgotten about until she seen a kite suddenly swoop down in an instant and pick up the mouse. The carrier bag had blown away in the wind leaving the mouse exposed on the lawn and the passing kite took the opportunity to put some variety in its diet. The woman was thrilled to have witnessed this at close quarters even though it was over very quickly.

[Photo: Steven Fryer ]

MEDIA RELEASE
8 July 2005
THE WINLATON PHOENIX LEADS THE WAY…
…AS RED KITES TAKE FLIGHT

Today (Friday 8th July) saw lift-off for the first of forty spectacular birds of prey that will be taking to the skies over north east England this year, as part of the latest phase of a project to bring rare red kites back to the region. With 40 birds to be released, the number of kites to be set free into Gateshead’s Derwent Valley this summer far exceeds all the project team’s expectation - the original target was to have around twenty birds. To have double that number of young birds set to fly is a fantastic boost for the project.
“In the first phase of the project we released twenty young kites into the Derwent Valley and we were expecting to have the same kind of number this year” said Keith Bowey, Northern Kites Project Manager. “To be able to confirm that we have forty kites this year is fantastic news for the future success of the project. The more kites that we are able to bring back, the faster they will become established in the north east and the greater the spectacle for local people and visitors to the region.”
The young birds were collected from nests in the Chilterns in June and have been cared for locally until they were old enough to take their first flight. That moment came today, when representatives Northern Kites partnership released the first eight kites this morning. Northern Kites is managed by English Nature and The RSPB, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Environmental Trust. One of the first young kites to fly free today was Phoenix, who has been ‘adopted’ by children at Winlaton West Lane Community Primary School. Last year the kite that they adopted, Flash, was illegally poisoned in Tynedale, and the Northern Kites partnership put the school at the front of the queue to adopt one of this year’s birds.

Red kites take flight…2
Keith added: “It is incredible that Northern Kites has made such an impact in the north east in just a year and that so much has happened in such a shor t time. The discovery of Flash’s corpse was undoubtedly a low point but there have been numerous highlights during the year, and it’s fantastic that local people have really taken these fabulous birds to their hearts.
“The release of Phoenix and the other young kites today takes us another step closer to the day when kites will once again be a familiar sight in our skies. Next year should be especially exciting, as we can expect the first serious nesting to take place and the first chicks to hatch in the north east.”
Although kites don’t normally nest until they are two years old, the Northern Kites team also revealed today that there has been a courting couple of one-year old kites recorded this year, which attempted to nest. Two kites – christened Rufus and Ruby – paired up in the spring and Ruby even went so far as to make a nest of sheep’s wool. However, Ruby still has more to learn about home making as she built her nest on the ground rather than at the top of a tree, where kites are supposed to nest.

Northern Kites was set up to help re-establish a breeding population of the spectacular birds in northern England. The initiative is a world-first in reintroducing the birds into a semi-urban environment near the twin cities of Gateshead and Newcastle. Funding for Northern Kites comes from the partners and additional grants have been generously awarded to the project by The Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Environmental Trust . Gateshead Council has pledged £250,000 over 5 years, and Northumbrian Water is donating £15,000 for each of the first two years. The partnership intends to provide opportunities for people to see these spectacular birds through a programme of events and the setting up of special viewing points. More birds will be released in the Derwent Valley next year. Before long red kites could be soaring over Gateshead’s MetroCentre and perching on The Angel of the North.
Northern Kites is the fourth and final phase of the English Red Kite Reintroduction Project, which has already helped return red kites to southern and central England and Yorkshire.

Latest info from the Northern Kites Team

As of Tuesday 29th March 2005, of Northern Kite’s twenty birds released in July 2004, 18 of these are known to be alive and all were present in the northeast. Thirteen of these birds were in the Gateshead area. Single birds were in North Tyneside and Teesdale. The whereabouts of two ‘lost’ birds have recently been determined. The favoured daytime area for most of the NK birds changed in early January, the Rowlands Gill and Barlow Fell areas being much frequented. Birds continued to make daily visits to the Barlow Burn, but in somewhat lesser numbers than during the autumn and winter.

In January, birds moved away from the Barlow/Blaydon Burn roosting areas to begin roosting in the Rowlands Gill area. Thirteen birds were roosting in this area through until at least late March (with occasional forays elsewhere).

From mid-late February, birds became more mobile and they began to be noted on a daily basis over the Gibside Estate and other locations in the lower valley. In mid-March birds were feeding in good numbers alongside Fellside Road, as local sheep began to lamb (the attraction presumably being afterbirths), and birds were increasingly mobile as the month wore on.

Selected Details of NK Activity:
Kite safaris. As part of the Newcastle Science Festival, over 135 people were taken to see kites during mid-March. The safaris were massively popular and hugely over-subscribed. The safaris went very well indeed and analysis of the feedback forms indicates that the participants hold the Project and the kites in very high esteem.

Over the autumn and winter, the Project Manager has now delivered NK Presentations to eleven groups (total audience over 320).

Kite Monitoring
The monitoring team are increasing their efforts as the days become longer and the birds have become somewhat more mobile. Tracking birds will reveal more detail about their whereabouts and up to date information about where kites can be seen is available from the Northern Kites Office.

Viewing:
Birds are still very easy to observe. One of the best stop-off points to see kites in the Project area is the Black Horse public house car park, at Barlow village (NZ156609). This location gives a good overview of the area. Drive to the back of the car park and scan west and north-west (towards Greenside village). Birds are usually noted above Reeley Mires Wood.

Birds can often be seen over Barlow Fell (between Barlow village and Rowlands Gill) and on the eastern side of the Fell, into the Derwent valley (in the Sherburn Towers Farm area). The Thornley Bank Kennels and Hollin Hill Lane (close to Rowlands Gill) are usually well favoured by birds.

Spectacular late afternoon, pre-roost viewings have been observed (from the beginning of February to the present), close to the Sherburn Towers Estate, Rowlands Gill (NZ163593). Up to thirteen birds might be seen in this area from two hours before dusk. Scan the trees 40-50 m from the new houses for perched kites!
Large numbers of people are still regularly seeing birds across the lower Derwent valley. This includes areas around Barlow, over High Spen, along Fellside Road (Whickham), over Whickham, Highfield and the Gibside Estate. Recent reports include birds seen over the ‘Rose & Crown’ at Winlaton and one that flew over Shibdon Pond, the A1 and Swalwell Roundabout on 17th March. One was over the Thornley Woodlands Centre the following weekend. Many people are still visiting the area specifically to see kites.

How to Get There?
From Central Gateshead – head west on the A184, join the A1 west, past the Gateshead MetroCentre, then take either of the next two turn-offs, the first for Swalwell, or the second for Blaydon (follow the signs for the A694, signposted for Consett). Head south along the A694 for approximately 3.5 km, into Rowlands Gill. From here, keep an eye open for kites overhead.

For Barlow Fell and Barlow village, turn right up Hollin Hill Lane (this is a small, winding country lane, signposted for Thornley Nursery and Thornley Bank Kennels). Once at the top of the hill, turn left at Ashtree Lane and then right on to Barlow Fell Road to get to the village (c.1.5km). Turn right into the village for the Black Horse pub, which opens at 3 pm on Saturdays.

For Sherburn Towers Estate, drive through Rowlands Gill village (about 500 m further on than the turn-of for Hollin Hill Lane); turn right after the brick terrace that runs parallel to the road (this is Cowan Terrace). Drive up the hill (beware traffic calming) and stop close to the bus turning circle, 200 m beyond the entrance to the new Estate (Brockwell Drive). Scan up the hill and through the trees, towards Sherburn Towers Farm for the kites.

Northern Kites Contact Details:
The office address is - Office Suite 3b, 33 St Mary’s Green, Front Street, Whickham, Tyne & Wear, the landline telephone number is - 0191 496 1555, mobile 07793 170 595, email addresses for Jules and Keith are - julian.burnett@rspb.org.uk and keith.bowey@rspb.org.uk

Keith Bowey (Northern Kites, Project Manager) – 11th April 2005

Red Kite No. 9 at Barlow Fell in Jan 2005 [Photo:SF]

Purpose of the Project:
· Northern Kites aims to reintroduce and ultimately, re-establish the red kite as a breeding bird in northeast England. Timescale for the project, 2004-2008.

The Project:
· The Northern Kites Project will last five years, commencing in 2004. Over that period, it is hoped to release up to 80 kites in the north east of England.
· This project is a world first in re-introducing kites into a semi-urban environment centred on Gateshead's Derwent Valley.
· This is the seventh and final re-introduction project in the UK, the first started in 1989.

The Red Kite & Its Lifestyle:
· The red kite is a characteristic large, lowland bird of prey that nests in tall trees, close to open country. It feeds mainly on carrion.
· British birds are resident all year round and unusually for birds of prey, they are social, forming large winter roosts.

Status of the Bird:
· In medieval times, the species scavenged in city streets e.g. London, and at that time, it was protected by Royal Decree.
· Improvements in sanitation and persecution from game and agricultural interests resulted in the extermination of kites from England and Scotland by the end of the 19th century.
· Until relatively recently the species was found in Britain, in small numbers, only in mid-Wales.
· In 1989, a decision was taken by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to reintroduce kites to various parts of the UK. This decision was taken because of the slow rate of population expansion in the remaining Welsh birds.

Re-introduction:
· From 1989, young birds from Spain (plus a small number from Wales) were released at two sites in England. Birds from Sweden and, later, Germany were released at two sites in Scotland. British bred birds, from the earlier successful re-introduction projects, were used to establish populations in Yorkshire (from 1999) and southwest Scotland (from 2001).
· North East England was identified as the ‘final’ area for reintroduction in England - forming a link between populations in Yorkshire and Scotland.
· The young birds released in northeast England come from the thriving English population centred on the Chilterns.

Timetable of Activity:
· July/August 2004 – re-introduction schedule commenced, twenty birds released in the lower Derwent Valley.
· All birds released carry numbered (1-20 in 2004) coloured plastic wing-tags (pink for Northern Kites birds, left wing, and yellow for the year 2004, right wing).
· Birds are also fitted with ‘back-pack’, radio transmitters, so that their movements and welfare can be monitored. Each of these has a unique radio frequency, with a battery life of up to two and a half years.
· 2005 and 2006 further birds released - giving a total of 80 birds released
· 2006 first breeding records?

In essence, the Northern Kites Project comprises four key elements:
· Wildlife - the return of the red kite to its former range in northeast England
· People - the opportunity to give people and communities access to the kite, so that they can enjoy and learn about wildlife through the Project
· Economics - the chance to show how such a project can be good not just for wildlife and people, but also for the local economy
· Partnership - the illustration of how partners from both private and public sectors, working in an imaginative way together can better deliver rewards not just for wildlife but also to improve local people’s quality of life

Northern Kites is a joint initiative between lead partners English Nature and the RSPB, and Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the SITA Environmental Trust.

Red Kite Campaign Gets £300,000 Lotto Grant

published - 4th December, 2003

Plans to reintroduce a threatened bird of prey to the North of England have received a major cash boost, it is announced today.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a £300,000 grant for the Red Kite project, a world first in attempting to bring back this rare and spectacular species into a semi urban environment in Gateshead’s Derwent Valley.

Red Kites were once widespread throughout the north of England, but have been absent from the region for around 150 years. Now they are coming back.

It is expected that the birds could be back in the skies over Gateshead as early as next summer and the search will soon be underway to recruit a locally based team to run the project.

Richard Bailey, chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s committee for the North East, which made the decision to award the grant, said: “People don’t necessarily associate wildlife with their heritage, but we consider it to be just as important to the region as our historic buildings, traditions and parks.

“We were particularly keen to support this pioneering project because, not only will it reintroduce these rare and beautiful birds to the North East, but it will provide plenty of opportunities for local people to get involved.”

Regional director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Andy Bunten, said: “We are thrilled that the Heritage Lottery Fund has chosen to award such a significant sum to this exciting project.

“Red Kites have been absent from the skies of northern England for far too long and we are all looking forward to helping bring them back home.

“Reintroducing these magnificent birds into the semi-urban setting of Gateshead’s Derwent Valley is another world first for the North East.”

Tony Laws, area manager for English Nature, said: “Without the lottery money it wouldn't’t have been possible to bring back this stunning bird of prey.

“We’re confident that the red kites with their 5ft wingspan rust red plumage and forked tail will be a major benefit to Gateshead.

“The return of the ospreys to the Lake District has been a huge boost to the local economy there, and we’re hoping that Northern Kites will achieve similar gains for the North East.”

Red Kites soar again

published - 2 July, 2003

One of the UK's rarest and most stunning birds could return to long-lost haunts in the northeast of England next year, after plans to re-introduce Red Kites to the region were announced today by English Nature and The RSPB on behalf of a partnership that includes Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and Forest Enterprise.

Once common throughout the country, the Red Kite is now one of the UK's rarest birds of prey. The kite's distinctive profile of raked back wings and forked tail was once a familiar sight in the skies over northern England. However, human persecution took its toll on the kites and the birds became extinct in the region more than 100 years ago.

Until recently the only Red Kites left in Britain were restricted to a small area of central Wales. However, during the past fifteen years young Red Kites have been translocated from healthy breeding populations and released into the wild in suitable areas of England and Scotland. This work, overseen jointly by English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB, has seen breeding populations successfully established in several areas of the UK from the southeast of England to the north of Scotland.

New proposals have now been put forward by English Nature and the RSPB to extend this work into northeast England. The proposal has already attracted the support of a number of key organisations that share the vision of establishing Red Kites in the North East. Northumbrian Water, Gateshead Council, The National Trust and Forest Enterprise are all supporting the project. Gateshead Council have pledged £50,000 per year to the project and Northumbrian Water £15,000 for each of the first two years.

If additional support and funding can be found then the first group of up to 30 Red Kites could be soaring in northeast skies as early as next summer. The proposals put forward by the North East Red Kite Project include: Identification of a suitable site in the Derwent Valley close to the Newcastle-Gateshead urban fringe to base the project and release the kites. Recruitment of a project team who will oversee the return of the kites, develop education opportunities, and work closely with local communities to provide kite viewing facilities.

An extensive public events and education programme linked to the kites. The proposal is for the project to run for five years, with releases of kites taking place each year. If all goes to plan, then the conservation organisations hope that Red Kites will once again become a regular sight in northeast skies and a self-sustaining breeding population will be established in the region.

John Barrett of English Nature, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be taking the first steps towards restoring this magnificent bird to its rightful place in the northeast countryside. The support of such a diverse range of partners is a fantastic boost to our plans and we look forward to working with them and the people of the northeast to ensure the success of this project".

Patrick Thompson of the RSPB added: "Red Kites are beautiful and majestic birds and popular with the public. Evidence from other re-introduction areas suggests that local communities, tourism and the regional economy have all benefited from the return of the Red Kite."

Councillor Michael McNestry, Gateshead Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the Local Environment, said: "We are very happy to support this project, which builds on the considerable work we are already doing to enhance wildlife in Gateshead.

"We have seen what Ospreys have done to boost the Lake District's economy and I'm confident that this project can do something similar for Gateshead. I hope that, in the near future, the sight of Red Kites soaring over the River Derwent will become a familiar one to visitors and local people." Dr Chris Spray, Northumbrian Water's Environment Director said: "Providing opportunities for people to appreciate, watch and learn from wildlife is important to our company and Northumbrian Water is consequently proud to be a partner in the re-introduction of kites to the North East.

"Much wildlife is often to be found in the rural areas and the major challenge is getting the environmental message into urban areas. We believe that kites released close to Tyneside will carry that message in flight to those who live in the towns and cities."

Graham Gill, Forest Enterprise, Forest Manager said: "We hope our woods in the Derwent Valley will become nest sites for the Red Kites in future. In Chopwell Wood, we already have a very active environmental education programme run by our Ranger along with the local community group, the Friends of Chopwell Wood, and we are excited about the possibility of adding Red Kite as a wildlife viewing opportunity."

Evidence for the former presence of Red Kites in the region includes historical records of local names - 'swallow-tailed falcon' - and 'Glead' or 'Glede' (from the Anglo-Saxon word for 'to glide'). Several northeast placenames also hint at the past presence of the birds including Gleed Hill, Gled Law and Gledscleugh.

The North East Red Kite Project is a partnership supported by English Nature, The RSPB, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust, and Forest Enterprise. David Hirst, RSPB

Thursday 3 July 2003 For further information contact: Pat Thompson, RSPB North of England Office:
0191 2126119; John Barrett, English Nature, 01661 845500; David Hirst, RSPB
regional press officer: 0191 2126121/07885 834889.

The Red Kite re-introduction project was initiated in 1989 by the former Nature Conservancy Council and the RSPB when young Red Kites were released at sites in southern England and northern Scotland. From 1989 to 1994 a total of 93 kites were released at each of the two sites, those released in England coming from Spain and those in Scotland from Sweden. New release schemes began in the English Midlands in 1995, in central Scotland in 1996, West Yorkshire in 1999 and southwest Scotland in 2001.

10th June 2004

The first of 25 four-week-old red kite chicks from the Chilterns have arrived in Gateshead. They will be reared in pens at secret locations in the Derwent. When they are released next month, it will be the first time for 150 years that one of the most spectacular birds of prey has flown free over the North-East. It should mean that as people in urban Tyne and Wear and County Durham go about their daily business, they will be able to see red kites - with their 5ft wingspan and rusty-red forked tails - soaring overhead. The Northern Kites project is believed to be the first time the birds have been re-introduced to the edge of an urban area.The aim is to involve as many people as possible in the effort to re-establish red kites in the region. Schemes include monitoring nest and communal roost sites with CCTV cameras. These will relay pictures to screens in libraries, civic centres, pubs and stores. The already popular Derwent Valley Walk route will give people the chance to spot the birds. There are also plans to set up viewing points at feeding stations.Red kite project officer Keith Bowey says: "People should be able to see the birds up close and personal. Because the kites roost communally, we should be able to train our cameras on whichever spot they choose, to allow people to see 30 or 40 kites tumbling into the woodland to rest, which should be a spectacle worth writing home about."This project is as good as it gets. It is as exciting as it can be."Hopes are high that the red kites will boost the area's economy in the way the return of a breeding pair of ospreys has helped the economy around Bassenthwaite in the Lake District.Red kite releases are planned over the next two or three years with the targets of establishing an 80-strong population and first wild breeding in 2006. Keith says: "We see the red kite project as the environmental alternative and complement to major schemes, such as the Sage and Baltic buildings, in making the area a better and more vibrant place to live and visit."

May 2004

The arrival in June 2004 of the first Red Kite chicks and their release into the wild later that summer - from an established population in southern England - will be released into the wild from a secret site in Gateshead's Derwent Valley. The valley and surrounding area has been boosted in recent years by the transformation of former industrial sites such as Derwenthaugh Coke Works and Watergate Colliery into country parks. The kites project will also tie in with the National Trust's 18th Century Gibside estate in the valley, which already attracts 80,000 visitors a year, and the Derwent Walk trail.

Further releases are planned for 2005 and 2006. Kites may start nesting in 2006 and it is hoped that the population will become self-sustaining within a few years.

The project partners have also revealed a new name for the project, which will now be called Northern Kites. A new logo for the project will also be unveiled.

Within a few years, red kites should be a regular sight over the suburbs of Gateshead and beyond and they will be a valuable new visitor attraction for the area, helping generate income for the local economy.

The kites could eventually be spotted soaring over the MetroCentre and might even adopt The Angel of the North as a perch! Opportunities for local people and visitors to watch the kites at special viewpoints are planned, along with community and education events.

Graham Gill, Forest Enterprise, Forest Manager said: "We hope our woods in the Derwent Valley will become nest sites for the Red Kites in future. In Chopwell Wood, we already have a very active environmental education programme run by our Ranger along with the local community group, the Friends of Chopwell Wood, and we are excited about the possibility of adding Red Kite as a wildlife viewing opportunity."

Latest

2008

Many pairs nesting by mid april and severalwere noted feeding inn gardens in Rowlands Gill, Sunnside and Winlaton

This bird above was scavaging in the Winlaton area and flew of with part of a loaf of bread [George Simpson]

No. 6 'Flame' [Ray Wilby]

Red Kite at Far Pasture [Ray Wilby]

At least 20 roosting in the Gibside Estate on some nights and 12 at Sherburn Towers but there is some overlap. Several birds back at last years breeding sites and some nest-building has resumed.

Autumn 2007

Juvenile Red Kite at Barlow Fell

This is one of the young birds that fledged from the nest within 500 m of the Rowlands Gill Tesco this summer. This is the first sightings of this bird since shortly after fledging (it has tags on but no transmitter - it was too small for fitting a back pack when it was rung). Other youngsters also have 'purple tags' so look for : A0 through to A7, B0 & B1.

Summer 2007

Great news - we can now officially confirm that the kites have once again produced young! And, in a place where we can show the birds off to the public again. For the first time they are breeding on Gateshead Council land, in the Derwent Walk Country Park and consequently, Gateshead's Kitewatch 2007 starts this Saturday at 10am

Kite Watching in the Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead

Join Gateshead Council and Northern Kites in the beautiful Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead’s Derwent valley, to see breeding red kites.

From Saturday 2nd June to Sunday 5th August 2007 - everyday between 10am and 4pm
A team of volunteers and staff from both Gateshead Council’s Countryside Team and Northern Kites will be on the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Walk Country Park between 10am and 4pm daily to show visitors the kites, and to talk about the Project and Gateshead’s wonderful countryside and wildlife.

Panoramic views from the viewpoint on Goodshields Haugh will give visitors the best possible chance to see kites – which have a wingspan of more than 5ft – soaring over the Derwent Valley. Binoculars and telescopes will be available for people to use.

Although the nest itself is not visible, the parents will be seen bringing food to the young and as the chicks grow, they will eventually move around the nest area, stretching their wings and building their strength for their first flights!

To reach the watch point, follow the marked trail from the car park at Winlaton Mill (opposite the garage at the traffic lights). It is a thirty-minute walk from the car park to the watch point, along a route, which is accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

How to get there:

By car – from the A1 follow the A694 to the car park at Winlaton Mill.

By bus –Catch the ‘Red Kite’ (number 45 or 46) bus from the Eldon Square bus station, Newcastle or the Metro Centre, Gateshead stopping at the Winlaton Mill car park. (Traveline telephone: 0870 6082608)

These buses have been named ‘The Red Kite’ and feature images of red kites both inside and out.

For further information telephone:

Thornley Woodland Centre on 01207 545212

Northern Kites Office on 0191 4961555

Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the northeast of England, is a partnership between the lead partners English Nature and the RSPB and Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sita Trust.

With Prey at Far Pasture [Iain Clyne]

May 2007

On the 1st, Red Kite actually over Harfod House in Industrial Blaydon it glided unhindered by other birds over towards the playing fields by Shibdon and at only a couple of hundred feet above ground level. Birds were very active early in te month with at least 4 pairs settling down to nest. One bird was at bungalow roof height in Hawesdale Crescent, Winlaton on 7th when several others were seen carring food items including a Grey Squirrel.

2 photos of a bird with a Grey Squirrel at Far Pasture [Ray Wilby]

April 2007

On 15th, Sherburn Towers Estate - Up to 25 Red Kite at the roost 15:45 plus a male Merlin which was like an exocet missile homing in a small flock of starling which took a hit . Left 16:30 when things had quietened down. Excellent views with over head flights, well worth the visit.

No. 6 Flame - at Far Pasture 4th April 2007 [Ray Wilby]

March 2007

1-2 were noted all along the Derwent valley from Rowlands Gill to Consett on 2nd One lucky observer had Red Kite feeding in her Rowlands Gill garden on 6th. Up to 3 of Gateshead's Red Kites seen regularly at the start of the month outside the borough at Eggleston. 2 pair, 1 pair nest building behind the sewage works at Far Pasture on 11th and another pair rebuilding last years nest at the viaduct. The two pair at Far Pasture continued to show well as they displayed and 1 pair were watching still nest-building and also mating. Another pair displaying at Strother Hills on 12th and a pair on Ravensworth Fell. On the 14th, one observer at Far Pasture wrote - Some great kite watching late afternoon with a displaying pair food passing directly overhead, and two pairs were observed performed brief talon grappling on numerous occasions. Up to half a dozen kites showed regularly over the trees, wing tags 15 and 76 perched in trees for a while, No 15 came to ground to gather a twig. A
low level display over the fields involved three birds, two yellow and one orange tag.
Leaving Far Pasture I stopped at the field at the top of the access road where a pair were in low level display, and next thing I know fourteen kites had drifted over followed by masses of jackdaws, all swirling overhead making a hell of a noise, a spectacular sight. The jackdaws disappeared as quickly as they arrived leaving eight kites still slowly drifting low overhead in fading light. very nice.

January 2007

On 3rd, at 15:00 - The kites were already coming in, singly, in occasional pairs and in widespread groups of three or four. The weather was raw and windy, and perhaps this was why the birds by-passed the copse opposite the Bus Stop and instead, headed straight into Sherburn Green Wood. Initially 25 were counted,and a fantastic aerial display shortly after as the kites were disturbed by a walker or the farmer, and all rose into the air. Using the tracking gear a total of 34 were counted, altogether, including the Dumfries and Galloway bird which has been seen recently with our kites. There would in all probability have been other birds whose transmitter batteries have failed, but 34 is the most counted in a single roost location. Smaller numbers continued to be seen here, Far Pasture, Ravensworth Fell and Barlow Fell later in the month but did perform very well in the strong winds. 34 were again counted coming into roost at sheburn on 26th.

Sherburn tower farm is at NZ159594 or see Multimap

[Photo: Iain Clyne]

Northern Kites Project - 2006 Breeding Season Round-up

The ‘Breeding Season’ Summary
An unexpectedly large number of pairs of kites ‘set up’ territory in the region in spring 2006; in total, this amounted to eight pairs. These initial territories translated into five ‘serious’ nesting attempts (in which birds built nests). Of these five nesting attempts, four pairs of kites laid and incubated eggs, three reached a late-stage in the incubation process, and two nests successfully hatched chicks, three young kites were fledged (see table below). Nest failures were all attributable to natural causes.Kitewatch Event
Just under, 11,000 people in eight weeks visited the Kitewatch run by Gateshead Council and Northern Kites at the Nine Arches Viaduct (on the Derwent Walk) during June and July.

The event was tremendously successful with visitors from across the region, the UK and the Continent, dropping in to watch the kites at the first nest in the region for six human generations.

Visitor feedback was extremely positive with over 670 people signing the visitor book, making comments such as:
• “A once in a lifetime experience” – Chris Stout from Winlaton Mill
• “Brilliant! Thank you for organising the Kitewatch!” – A. Smith from Gateshead
• “Wonderful to see, brought tears to your eyes” – Mr & Mrs Rae from Winlaton
• “Were very glad to see the Kite. Have never seen anything like this. Thank you” – Group of young cyclists visiting the northeast from Minsk, Belarus
• “My first Kite, majestic and superb” – Martin Hutchinson from Darlington
• “Wonderful sight I shall long remember” – Sheila Robinson from Dartford in Kent

The chick from this nest, Geordie, (the first young kite to fledge in the northeast in almost 200 years), made its first hesitant flight near the nest on 17 July.

The 2006 Kite Release Programme
In July 2006, Northern Kites brought to a close its programme of kite releases. Over the summer, the Project released a further 33 kites at two secret locations in Gateshead’s Derwent valley. At the end of this stage of the Team’s work, these secret locations were finally revealed as the National Trust Estate at Gibside and Northumbrian Water’s Lockhaugh Sewage Treatment Works, at Rowlands Gill.

The 2006 releases brought the total number of kites released in the region, between 2004 and 2006, to 94 (20 in 2004; 41 in 2005; and, 33 in 2006); the original goal of the Project was to release ‘up to’ 80 kites over the five-year lifetime of the Project.

November 2006

On 5th, a Red Kite was seen above the approach road to Blanchland (outside the borough), it was accompanied by a Buzzard and it was in the same area that one was seen one in March. It was about 4pm and it was just begining to get dark. By mid moth 6-8 birds still in the Barlow Fell area and up to 4 in the Derwent Walk area. Elsewhere, 2 over Ryton on 18th and two, 1 definately not wing-tagged ,over Ravensworth Fell next day.

October 2006

One above Whittonstall village on 1st. Up to 10 in ther Barlow Fell area all month with scattered reports of 1 or 2 elsewhere.

September 2006

Six kites today (26 Sept) over Lintzford. (The hilly fields on your right as you drive up Lintzford Lane from the main road - From the way additional birds kept appearing, it looked as if they had been roosting in the trees on the hill.
This is the second time they have been seen them in that area recently - on Friday there were three kites in the recently-ploughed field below Lintzford Wood. Up to double figures in the Rowlands gill/Sherburn Towers area all month.

August 2006

One observer at Gibside on 4th was scanning the Octagonal Pond for dragonflies when a green tagged Red Kite emerged from the rough on the bank opposite. Struggling to gain height as it was carrying half a dead crow/jackdaw it flew directly towards him dipping down over the pond revealing a Salvador Dali moustache of black feathers sticking out either side of its mouth before finally gaining height and slowly circling up and over the trees. On 19th, a single green-tagged Red Kite hung around a while (they dispersed much quicker this year than previous so consequently aren't being seen in any good numbers like those hanging about the sewage works last year at this time.) A single Red Kite was seen north of Oakwood, Hexham near the Military Road,about half a mile north west of Fawcett Hill. A very ragged looking bird was in the Derwent valley, accompanying a Common Buzard mid month. It had many missing and damaged flight and tail feathers.

July 2006

The Red kite chicks fledged on the 18th. One died but the other is remained and was fed by its parents. The odd bird was seen during the month at sites in the borough as far apart as Sunniside, Lamesley, Winlaton and Blaydon Burn.

June 2006

RSPB Press Release

DELIGHT AS FIRST KITE CHICKS HATCH IN NORTH-EAST NEST
PARENTS - FLAG & RED PHILIP - WERE “CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS”

Red kite chicks have hatched out in a nest in north east England for the first time in around 200 years, the Northern Kites project team announced today (14 June 2006). The project team has confirmed that there are at least two chicks in a nest located in Gateshead’s Derwent Valley, less than two miles from Europe’s largest shopping centre.

The kite chicks, which are about two weeks old, are being fed by their parents. The Northern Kites project team are delighted by news of the birth of the chicks and are confident that the successful nesting by a pair of kites is the start of a full-scale return to the region by the spectacular birds of prey.

The Northern Kites project is managed by the RSPB and English Nature, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, Forestry Commission and The National Trust, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.

The project started in 2004 and the project partners are delighted that kites have nested successfully so quickly. The project was set up to restore a breeding population of red kites in the region, by translocating birds from nests in the Chilterns and releasing them in Gateshead’s Derwent Valley. Northern Kites is a world first in attempting to reintroduce red kites so close to a major urban area.

The project team has also revealed the romantic history of the parent birds – ‘Flag’ and ‘Red Philip’ – see below for their own Mills & Boon-style diary. It’s an enthralling tale of two “childhood sweethearts” who were brought together by fate, wandered the country after splitting up, and were eventually reunited in north east England (a passionate place for passionate kites!), where they settled to nest.

Martyn Howat, Regional Director of English Nature, said: “Today is a red letter day for the Northern Kites project and an historic event for north east England. It marks the opening of an exciting new chapter in the extraordinary story of these magnificent birds in the region. We are confident that from this historic first nest a thriving population of kites will soon become established so providing further opportunities for people to enjoy the spectacle of kites flying over the north east.”

Andy Bunten, RSPB Regional Director, added: “The response to the Northern Kites project within the region has been incredibly positive and local people have wholeheartedly welcomed the kites back to the region. These spectacular birds look set to become a popular new wildlife attraction and an important economic asset for the north east.”

The kites have nested in woodland near Gateshead Council’s Derwent Walk Country Park and less than two miles from the Gateshead Metrocentre. A public viewpoint has been set up on the Nine Arches Viaduct (on the Derwent Walk) near Winlaton Mill, from where visitors can watch for kites. From now until 30 th July, information staff and volunteers from Gateshead Council and Northern Kites will be present daily from 10am-5pm to show people the kites and talk about the project.

So far, 61 red kites have been re-introduced into Gateshead ’s Derwent Valley and more birds will be released this summer.

May 2006

From the records sent in it appears that 6 pairs have paired up and showing various signs of attempted breeding. 2 birds at Burnhopfield continue to give excellent views most days. A Red Kite was seen over moors just north of Frosterley (Weardale) on Thursday 11th.

Wing-tagged bird no. 6 both above and below in May at Far Pasture [Ray Wilby]

March -April 2006

Early April - Now some of the birds have paired up and have territories it would appear that other, non-paired pairs are being to wander with birds now regular in the Sunniside and others seen over Burnhopfield and Dipton in the last few days. By mid April No. 47 is in the Kibblesworth area and another bird is now regular in the Crawcrook area. In addition, after Easter, a pair continued to be in the Whorlton Hall/Westerhope area of Newcastle and at least 2 still at Burnhopfield.

No. 19 ("Ruby") at Far Pasture on 26th [Photo: Ray Wilby]

March. - The Red Kites are beginning to pair up with birds at a number of scattered sites. Breeding behavour including carrying nesting material and attempted mating has been noted in at least 3 different, widespread sites.

January-February 2006

One of the Barlow birds on 31st

[Photo: Steven Fryer]

28th January - One observer had a stroll up to the Sherburn Towers Kite roost late afternoon today. He could see quite a few already perched including 5 posing quite close in trees centre-field. A sudden noise startled them and 21 took to the air together, a bit spooked they flew off in all directions but within a couple of minutes had gathered in the skies above Gibside. Scanning from the bus turning circle he counted an amazing 33 birds in the air (a new personal best by far), wheeling around in perfect conditions (no wind, setting sun giving a warm glow to the whole landscape and lighting the birds from below) and most of these came back over, this time gliding slowly back to the trees around the farm giving outstanding overhead views. He has had some great Kite experiences since the project began, but the atmospheric conditions and the sheer number of birds involved made this one a bit special. Just a shame there was only one other birder there to see it.

12 Red Kites over Far Pasture

[Photo: Steven Fryer]

Overall, the kites appeared to have coped well with the recent snow falls and cold weather, this may be due to their activities centred around the SITA landfill site – patrolling up and down stealing food from crows! There are still up to forty-two kites in the west Gateshead area. WT18 has once again returned to the Gateshead area. He was detected on Tuesday 4th, but may have wandered off again since then. After her sojourn in Teesdale, WT23 appears to have taken up residency in the Wear Valley, setting up a home range between Wolsingham and Fir Tree. Perhaps the most exciting recent news is that WT1, missing for some four months, appears to be down in the Chilterns. We heard this news, just a couple of days ago and it would appear to have been confirmed yesterday – it’s Scarlet all over again! Talking of which, she is still in Yorkshire with her chosen beau and breeding looks likely in 2006!

In the first week of the New Year up to 30 kites were roosting in the Sherburn Towers area (where there are two roosts, one in the trees near the farm, with some birds in the trees behind the new houses). W hilst a group of seven kites were being watched at Sherburn Tower Farm on 9th, two birds ‘peeled off’, found an up-draught and began circling to gain height. They then started to display, one closely tucked in behind the other, chasing and swervin