Looking for somewhere to nest

“Displaced Kittiwakes choose new places to build their nests“

As visitors and residents travel to and from the Quayside of Newcastle during the spring/summer months, they are often rewarded with great views of Kittiwakes.

Kittiwakes nesting on anti-bird spikes
on Newcastle Quayside
Summer 2019

A selection of buildings have been chosen in recent years by the Kittiwakes themselves to build their nests and help bring life to the next generation.  Some of the owners of the buildings have been unable to let these red-listed seagulls continue to nest and have installed anti bird deterrents such as netting and spikes.  Some Kittiwakes ignore these and continue to nest on the spikes and amongst the netting.  Of course, this is always potentially dangerous for birds.

Two Kittiwakes nesting high up
on a building – Newcastle Quayside
Summer 2019

“Sometimes the Kittiwakes manage to nest between spikes,
but usually, they then form smaller colonies of 1-5.”

A Kittiwake nesting amongst Anti-bird spikes
Summer 2019

Sometimes the Kittiwakes actually nest amongst the spikes themselves.  This is a more riskier choice.  If you look closer at the photo you can see the spikes towering out of the nest.  At other times, Kittiwakes nest in gutters and areas of nearby roofs.  Kittiwakes like to nest in groups for company and for better protection should any predators come to visit.  Occasionally they nest in very unique configurations.  Triangles seem really popular.