Akenside Traders

Kittiwakes previously nested in larger numbers on the front side of the Akenside Traders building 2014-15 with up to 27 pairs recorded, raising 2-39 chicks.  The owners installed fire-gel however and this successfully deterred Kittiwakes from nesting.  This anti-bird gel started to look very old/expired however as time passed. 

 

A family of Kittiwakes from 2018
nesting on Akenside Traders
by Lophophanes

“Where there remains hope,
Kittiwakes will find a way”

A pair of Kittiwakes successfully nested and fledged a young Kittiwake however during the 2018 breeding season on a drain pipe. They returned again for 2019, rebuilding their nest.  Sadly, they failed to raise any young Kittiwakes for 2019.  On both occasions they built their nest on a drain pipe on the back of the building close to the Tyne Bridge.

 

No Kittiwakes nested there in 2020-2023.  A couple of adult Kittiwakes were present on the top of the building however during the 2022 season.

 

2019 season – no young Kittiwakes this year
by Paul Buskin

These were not part of the daily
Flight Dance of the Kittiwakes that regularly can be observed from the Tyne Bridge with birds flying between Lombard House, the Exchange Buildings and the River.  Dozens of adult Kittiwakes can also be found resting on the upper reaches of the Exchange Buildings, the Vermont Apart Hotel and resting on the surface of the river during the breeding season. 

2024 Season

Tyne Kittiwakes returned again however to Akenside Traders, with up to a dozen Kittiwakes spending time on the building.   At least two pairs nested for the 2024 season, towards the right side of the building away from any anti-bird gel.  Will more pairs return for the 2025 season? ; especially as work to restore the Tyne Bridge moves from the Gateshead side of the River to the Twin Towers on the Newcastle Side.  

 

Two pairs of Tyne Kittiwakes nesting on Akenside Traders on Newcastle Quayside – 2024 Season – by Paul Buskin