Petition Update No. 18: Monday, 31 July 2023.

Very sadly a dead kittiwake nestling was reported to me on the morning of Wednesday 26 July 2023 – entangled in the kittiwake-deterrent netting on one of the buildings beside North Shields ferry landing. Within half an hour I was on my way to examine and record. It was a sad sight, the well grown nestling was well and truly held, entrapped. I captured some photographs, but the bird would remain in place for now, too high to reach easily. I had last recorded this nestling on 15 July when I photographed it happily alive at the nest with one of its parents. 

This has distressed at least one of the local residents whose young family had been observing the nestling’s development for some time and reporting back to their class at school. The children (to say the least) are heart-broken. 

All I can say at this stage is that if deterrents are to be used – they must be safe and non-lethal. 

North Tyneside Council has been informed as has the Tyne Kittiwake Partnership and we hope for developments.

Another sad comment is that from the total of 28 North Shields kittiwake nests in 2023, only 7 nestlings survived to fledging. As well as bird deterrents to contend with, it seems avian influenza is a factor this year.

Thank you very much for your support,

from Daniel and the Kittiwakes of North Shields and the River Tyne.

(Photo: 26 July 2023, North Shields kittiwake nestling corpse at nest, entrapped in netting).