You shouldn't have to bully anybody who can draw as well as that, it's excellent.
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Northern Kites (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter June Atkinson
- Start date
You shouldn't have to bully anybody who can draw as well as that, it's excellent.
June Atkinson
Well-known member
News up-date
Courtesy of Northern Kites Team:
Bird News
Since the last news update, the weather has been absolutely, appalling for nesting, as well as adult, kites. We have had a number of problems, relating to the weather. It really has been a dreadful period for nesting birds. Despite this, we still expect to be able to announce success at a number of nests.
News hot off the press, one of the two babies (wing tag Pink/Purple A3) from the nest at Paddock Hill Woods (the Kitewatch site) fledged during the morning of Sunday 15th July.
Where to See Birds
Still THE place to see kites, for the next week or two at least (we hope), is the Kitewatch watch point. This will continue to be ‘staffed’ between 10am and 4pm daily and weather permitting, until Sunday 5th August 2007 – assuming that the young birds stay in the vicinity of the nest. Please continue to tell as many people as you possibly can to go and enjoy the kites there, the coming weekend should be excellent with both babies having fledged by then.
Birds continue to have a daily presence over Rowlands Gill village and over the housing estates in Winlaton (try going to the small market garden at the bottom of the Derwent valley, where the Project Manager was recently watching kites whilst picking strawberries!).
Do go and see our new baby kites!
Courtesy of Northern Kites Team:
Bird News
Since the last news update, the weather has been absolutely, appalling for nesting, as well as adult, kites. We have had a number of problems, relating to the weather. It really has been a dreadful period for nesting birds. Despite this, we still expect to be able to announce success at a number of nests.
News hot off the press, one of the two babies (wing tag Pink/Purple A3) from the nest at Paddock Hill Woods (the Kitewatch site) fledged during the morning of Sunday 15th July.
Where to See Birds
Still THE place to see kites, for the next week or two at least (we hope), is the Kitewatch watch point. This will continue to be ‘staffed’ between 10am and 4pm daily and weather permitting, until Sunday 5th August 2007 – assuming that the young birds stay in the vicinity of the nest. Please continue to tell as many people as you possibly can to go and enjoy the kites there, the coming weekend should be excellent with both babies having fledged by then.
Birds continue to have a daily presence over Rowlands Gill village and over the housing estates in Winlaton (try going to the small market garden at the bottom of the Derwent valley, where the Project Manager was recently watching kites whilst picking strawberries!).
Do go and see our new baby kites!
Chris Monk
Well-known member
Great news June! :t: B
I hope everything goes well for the new family!:t:smoke: :
All the best for more chicks from other pairs!
I hope you are doing well too looking after your side of the Northern Kites.
My daughter was near Hexham in May for a week in a cottage with my parents, my youngest brother, his wife and three children. Very wet and no Kites to brighten their stay I'm afraid.
All the best,
Chris
Chris Monk
Well-known member
From tragedy to delight
http://www.teesdalemercury.co.uk/teesdale-news/story,1270.html
From tragedy to delight
Teesdale Mercury
Wednesday, July 18 2007
BIRD watchers in Teesdale are being urged to look towards the skies to witness a kite display that proves even the most tragic of events can have a happy ending.
A female red kite has overcome the death of her partner and one of the worst summers on record to successfully breed a healthy chick, with a little help from a flock of admirers and a parental male.
The female, Langleydale Traveller and her partner, Pheonix, nested successfully in Teesdale last year and the Northern Kites Project and bird enthusiasts in Teesdale had high hopes for the pair. However initial prospects for the birds took a turn for the worse when Pheonix was fatally injured in an accident last May.
Keith Bowey, Northern Kites project manager, said: “Despite all efforts we were unable to save Pheonix but it wasn’t through the lack of trying. We had about 15 people helping but in the end we couldn’t save him and we then feared the worse for the nesting female.”
The combined efforts of a local farmer, Raby Estates, Natural England and the Northern Kites Project went into supporting the female and her eggs while she was on her own, but the real relief came when a new male kite arrived on the scene and the pair were ‘left to get on with it’.
The new chick eventually hatched in late Spring to the delight of Barnard Castle volunteer, Ken Sanderson. He said: “It is such fantastic news that the Langleydale Traveller has again produced young – despite the death of her original partner, Pheonix. It was upsetting for everyone when we learned of his death.”
Pheonix was originally released in Gateshead but he was the first red kite in the project to travel so far in the reintroduction scheme. There are several kites now based in Teesdale which can be seen around the Eggleston and Kininvie areas but there have also been sightings as far out as Barningham.
Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the north east of England, is a partnership between Natural England, the RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
On July 12 the team from the project fitted the chick with leg, wing, and ring tags allowing the chick to be included in the Adopt-a-Kite scheme, which already includes Woodland Primary School and Teesdale School.
Anyone interested in volunteering or adopting a kite can contact Keith Bowey on 0191 496 1555 or visit the website www.northernkites.org.uk
http://www.teesdalemercury.co.uk/teesdale-news/story,1270.html
From tragedy to delight
Teesdale Mercury
Wednesday, July 18 2007
BIRD watchers in Teesdale are being urged to look towards the skies to witness a kite display that proves even the most tragic of events can have a happy ending.
A female red kite has overcome the death of her partner and one of the worst summers on record to successfully breed a healthy chick, with a little help from a flock of admirers and a parental male.
The female, Langleydale Traveller and her partner, Pheonix, nested successfully in Teesdale last year and the Northern Kites Project and bird enthusiasts in Teesdale had high hopes for the pair. However initial prospects for the birds took a turn for the worse when Pheonix was fatally injured in an accident last May.
Keith Bowey, Northern Kites project manager, said: “Despite all efforts we were unable to save Pheonix but it wasn’t through the lack of trying. We had about 15 people helping but in the end we couldn’t save him and we then feared the worse for the nesting female.”
The combined efforts of a local farmer, Raby Estates, Natural England and the Northern Kites Project went into supporting the female and her eggs while she was on her own, but the real relief came when a new male kite arrived on the scene and the pair were ‘left to get on with it’.
The new chick eventually hatched in late Spring to the delight of Barnard Castle volunteer, Ken Sanderson. He said: “It is such fantastic news that the Langleydale Traveller has again produced young – despite the death of her original partner, Pheonix. It was upsetting for everyone when we learned of his death.”
Pheonix was originally released in Gateshead but he was the first red kite in the project to travel so far in the reintroduction scheme. There are several kites now based in Teesdale which can be seen around the Eggleston and Kininvie areas but there have also been sightings as far out as Barningham.
Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the north east of England, is a partnership between Natural England, the RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
On July 12 the team from the project fitted the chick with leg, wing, and ring tags allowing the chick to be included in the Adopt-a-Kite scheme, which already includes Woodland Primary School and Teesdale School.
Anyone interested in volunteering or adopting a kite can contact Keith Bowey on 0191 496 1555 or visit the website www.northernkites.org.uk
June Atkinson
Well-known member
More news of the Viaduct chicks
Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the north east of England, is a partnership between Natural England, the RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
On July 12 the team from the project fitted the chick with leg, wing, and ring tags allowing the chick to be included in the Adopt-a-Kite scheme, which already includes Woodland Primary School and Teesdale School.
Anyone interested in volunteering or adopting a kite can contact Keith Bowey on 0191 496 1555 or visit the website www.northernkites.org.uk[/QUOTE]
MEDIA RELEASE
19th July 2007
Up, Up and Away!
Gateshead’s Very Own Red Kite Chicks Take to the Sky
Gateshead Council today announced, that the first young kites to be hatched on its land since the species’ return to the region in 2004 have successfully flown from their nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park. Wing tag ‘Pink/Purple A3’ was the first to make it into the wide blue yonder, but today it was followed by itsThe kite’s nest, which was located more than 50 feet up in a sycamore tree, was accessed by Council tree-climbers just three weeks ago, so that the youngsters could be fitted with their wing tags under the supervision of the Northern Kites Project Team.
Councillor Michael McNestry, Cabinet member for the Environment, says: “It should go without saying, that we are all as ‘high as kites’ over this news. Considering the recent bad weather this is brilliant news, not just for our baby kites, but their success should be seen as a testament to the whole of Gateshead’s fantastic environmental riches.“
Gateshead Council, who own the land on which the young red kites’ nest was located, are one of the partners in the Northern Kites partnership which has successfully re-introduced the red kite to Gateshead’s skies after an absence of more than 170 years. Northern Kites is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.
Local people have been taking full advantage of the young kite family’s presence in Gateshead’s Derwent Walk Country Park. The Council, supported by the Northern Kites Project Team, is currently operating ‘Kitewatch 2007’ at Goodshields Haugh, in the Country Park close to the Nine Arches Viaduct. The watch point is staffed daily between 10am and 4pm, until Sunday 5th August (or as long as the young kites remain in the area). If you haven’t yet seen red kites, why not visit this weekend for views of the youngsters in action? In the first six weeks of the watch point, over 7000 people visited to view kites and this coming weekend promises to be the best yet.
E N D S
From: Iain Lynn, Communications, Gateshead Council (0191) 433 2072
e-mail: [email protected]
NOTE
To reach the viewpoint, 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 viewpoint along a route 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, 46 and 46A) bus from the Eldon Square bus station, Newcastle or MetroCentre Interchange stopping at the Winlaton Mill car park. (Traveline telephone: 0870 6082608)
For further information telephone:
Thornley Woodland Centre on 01207 545212
Northern Kites Office on 0191 4961555
Additional notes:
The Northern Kites Project was set up in 2004 to establish a population of red kites in northern England.
The initiative, which is centred on Gateshead’s Derwent Valley, is a world-first in reintroducing the spectacular birds of prey birds into a semi-urban environment.
Between 2004 and 2006, 94 young kites were released into the wild in Gateshead’s Derwent valley.
In 2006, three chicks were reared from two nests – the first to be born in the region for around 200 years, and a breeding population is now establishing in northeast England.
The kite’s nest, which was located more than 50 feet up in a sycamore tree, was accessed by Council tree-climbers just three weeks ago, so that the youngsters could be fitted with their wing tags under the supervision of the Northern Kites Project Team.
Photos below
The Tag Team, - Simon Donkin (tree climber in centre), Giedre on right (Giedre is here from Lithuania, for a short time at the Project).
893 & 896 are images of the Teesdale chick - wing tag P/Pu A7
generic images of the two chicks in nest tagged on 21st June 2007
Look at the next message for Ken Sanderson with one of the chicks at the Viaduct, taken by Mark O'Keefe.
Northern Kites, the project that is bringing the red kite back to the north east of England, is a partnership between Natural England, the RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
On July 12 the team from the project fitted the chick with leg, wing, and ring tags allowing the chick to be included in the Adopt-a-Kite scheme, which already includes Woodland Primary School and Teesdale School.
Anyone interested in volunteering or adopting a kite can contact Keith Bowey on 0191 496 1555 or visit the website www.northernkites.org.uk[/QUOTE]
MEDIA RELEASE
19th July 2007
Up, Up and Away!
Gateshead’s Very Own Red Kite Chicks Take to the Sky
Gateshead Council today announced, that the first young kites to be hatched on its land since the species’ return to the region in 2004 have successfully flown from their nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park. Wing tag ‘Pink/Purple A3’ was the first to make it into the wide blue yonder, but today it was followed by itsThe kite’s nest, which was located more than 50 feet up in a sycamore tree, was accessed by Council tree-climbers just three weeks ago, so that the youngsters could be fitted with their wing tags under the supervision of the Northern Kites Project Team.
Councillor Michael McNestry, Cabinet member for the Environment, says: “It should go without saying, that we are all as ‘high as kites’ over this news. Considering the recent bad weather this is brilliant news, not just for our baby kites, but their success should be seen as a testament to the whole of Gateshead’s fantastic environmental riches.“
Gateshead Council, who own the land on which the young red kites’ nest was located, are one of the partners in the Northern Kites partnership which has successfully re-introduced the red kite to Gateshead’s skies after an absence of more than 170 years. Northern Kites is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.
Local people have been taking full advantage of the young kite family’s presence in Gateshead’s Derwent Walk Country Park. The Council, supported by the Northern Kites Project Team, is currently operating ‘Kitewatch 2007’ at Goodshields Haugh, in the Country Park close to the Nine Arches Viaduct. The watch point is staffed daily between 10am and 4pm, until Sunday 5th August (or as long as the young kites remain in the area). If you haven’t yet seen red kites, why not visit this weekend for views of the youngsters in action? In the first six weeks of the watch point, over 7000 people visited to view kites and this coming weekend promises to be the best yet.
E N D S
From: Iain Lynn, Communications, Gateshead Council (0191) 433 2072
e-mail: [email protected]
NOTE
To reach the viewpoint, 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 viewpoint along a route 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, 46 and 46A) bus from the Eldon Square bus station, Newcastle or MetroCentre Interchange stopping at the Winlaton Mill car park. (Traveline telephone: 0870 6082608)
For further information telephone:
Thornley Woodland Centre on 01207 545212
Northern Kites Office on 0191 4961555
Additional notes:
The Northern Kites Project was set up in 2004 to establish a population of red kites in northern England.
The initiative, which is centred on Gateshead’s Derwent Valley, is a world-first in reintroducing the spectacular birds of prey birds into a semi-urban environment.
Between 2004 and 2006, 94 young kites were released into the wild in Gateshead’s Derwent valley.
In 2006, three chicks were reared from two nests – the first to be born in the region for around 200 years, and a breeding population is now establishing in northeast England.
The kite’s nest, which was located more than 50 feet up in a sycamore tree, was accessed by Council tree-climbers just three weeks ago, so that the youngsters could be fitted with their wing tags under the supervision of the Northern Kites Project Team.
Photos below
The Tag Team, - Simon Donkin (tree climber in centre), Giedre on right (Giedre is here from Lithuania, for a short time at the Project).
893 & 896 are images of the Teesdale chick - wing tag P/Pu A7
generic images of the two chicks in nest tagged on 21st June 2007
Look at the next message for Ken Sanderson with one of the chicks at the Viaduct, taken by Mark O'Keefe.
Attachments
Last edited:
June Atkinson
Well-known member
Brian Bullough
DIGIDOPE
June Atkinson
Well-known member
Tracking today - Monday 13th
I went out tracking with Judy Summerson and Ken Sanderson, Volunteers for Northern Kites. Having been on duty at Kitewatch for the past two months (with 9,000 visitors despite the poor weather) it was good to get back to tracking the kites in the lower Derwent Valley.
Early morning found us at Far Pastures and Lockhaugh, where three kites were enjoying the sun and blue skies. Moving on to Sherburn Towers we had an excellent sighting of WT40, which is Ziggy, Emmanuel College's adopted kite. It was perched in a couple of places, giving us good views of its preening habits.
We then moved to The Black Horse, Barlow, where we got several good signals but no visual sightings for a while. A couple from Chapel House arrived and we were just about to send them to Sherburn Towers when three kites decided to put in an appearance. We had superb views as they soared, circled and quartered the fields.
WT81 proved very elusive; Ken was getting a clear signal, and we then tracked towards Winlaton, but still failed to get a visual sighting.
Altogether we tracked 25 kites, showing that we still have a good nucleus in the core area.
On a sombre note, I should like to remember John Gibson of Cut Thorn Farm, adjacent to the National Trust Gibside Estate. His funeral is tomorrow in the Gibside Chapel. John was always very supportive of the Northern Kites project. Our sympathy is extended to his family.
I went out tracking with Judy Summerson and Ken Sanderson, Volunteers for Northern Kites. Having been on duty at Kitewatch for the past two months (with 9,000 visitors despite the poor weather) it was good to get back to tracking the kites in the lower Derwent Valley.
Early morning found us at Far Pastures and Lockhaugh, where three kites were enjoying the sun and blue skies. Moving on to Sherburn Towers we had an excellent sighting of WT40, which is Ziggy, Emmanuel College's adopted kite. It was perched in a couple of places, giving us good views of its preening habits.
We then moved to The Black Horse, Barlow, where we got several good signals but no visual sightings for a while. A couple from Chapel House arrived and we were just about to send them to Sherburn Towers when three kites decided to put in an appearance. We had superb views as they soared, circled and quartered the fields.
WT81 proved very elusive; Ken was getting a clear signal, and we then tracked towards Winlaton, but still failed to get a visual sighting.
Altogether we tracked 25 kites, showing that we still have a good nucleus in the core area.
On a sombre note, I should like to remember John Gibson of Cut Thorn Farm, adjacent to the National Trust Gibside Estate. His funeral is tomorrow in the Gibside Chapel. John was always very supportive of the Northern Kites project. Our sympathy is extended to his family.
Chris Monk
Well-known member
Revised Edition Of The Red Kite By Ian Carter Out In September!
A bit of advance publicity for you Ian! ;-):t:
The Red Kite
By Carter, Ian
Arlequin Press. ISBN-10: 1900159619
Subbuteo entry:
In Britain the fortunes of the Red Kite have come almost full circle. From being one of the most widespread and familiar birds of prey to almost complete extinction as a result of persecution, they are now in the early stages of what is hoped will be a full recovery. This book describes the history of the Red Kite and its long association with man. Explains why populations in many areas are now recovering and the serious threats they still face in parts of their range. There is a full review of their current status with chapters on diet and foraging, social behaviour, breeding ecology and movements. Colour and b/w illustrations, photographs, tables, figures, 187pp. 2007 revised edition DUE SEPTEMBER 2007
A bit of advance publicity for you Ian! ;-):t:
The Red Kite
By Carter, Ian
Arlequin Press. ISBN-10: 1900159619
Subbuteo entry:
In Britain the fortunes of the Red Kite have come almost full circle. From being one of the most widespread and familiar birds of prey to almost complete extinction as a result of persecution, they are now in the early stages of what is hoped will be a full recovery. This book describes the history of the Red Kite and its long association with man. Explains why populations in many areas are now recovering and the serious threats they still face in parts of their range. There is a full review of their current status with chapters on diet and foraging, social behaviour, breeding ecology and movements. Colour and b/w illustrations, photographs, tables, figures, 187pp. 2007 revised edition DUE SEPTEMBER 2007
IanF
Moderator
From the BBC today - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/6976845.stm
11 chicks fledged in Derwent Valley this year.
Eight pairs of a rare bird of prey have successfully mated and produced 11 chicks at a North East park.
Almost 100 red kites were released into Gateshead's Derwent Valley between 2004 and 2006 after an absence of 150 years.
And despite one of the wettest summers on record, so far this year the mating birds have produced 11 chicks.
To commemorate the success of the breeding programme, the Royal Mail has produced a set 10 stamps showing the birds of prey soaring over Tyneside.
Red kites were formerly widespread and common in the UK, but human persecution led to their extinction in England and Scotland by the end of the 19th Century.
Northern Kites was formed to reintroduce and ultimately re-establish the red kite as a breeding bird in the North East.
Keith Bowey, project manager of Northern Kites, said: "This is great news, that underlines the success of the project and reflects the hard work and dedication of the project team, our volunteers, and the Northern Kites partnership.
"This is only our second full breeding season, and considering this summer's appalling weather, this is an astonishingly good performance from the birds - clearly the North East's kites are made of strong stuff.
"We are thrilled that a viable red kite population has become established in the region in such a short space of time." The project is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
11 chicks fledged in Derwent Valley this year.
Eight pairs of a rare bird of prey have successfully mated and produced 11 chicks at a North East park.
Almost 100 red kites were released into Gateshead's Derwent Valley between 2004 and 2006 after an absence of 150 years.
And despite one of the wettest summers on record, so far this year the mating birds have produced 11 chicks.
To commemorate the success of the breeding programme, the Royal Mail has produced a set 10 stamps showing the birds of prey soaring over Tyneside.
Red kites were formerly widespread and common in the UK, but human persecution led to their extinction in England and Scotland by the end of the 19th Century.
Northern Kites was formed to reintroduce and ultimately re-establish the red kite as a breeding bird in the North East.
Keith Bowey, project manager of Northern Kites, said: "This is great news, that underlines the success of the project and reflects the hard work and dedication of the project team, our volunteers, and the Northern Kites partnership.
"This is only our second full breeding season, and considering this summer's appalling weather, this is an astonishingly good performance from the birds - clearly the North East's kites are made of strong stuff.
"We are thrilled that a viable red kite population has become established in the region in such a short space of time." The project is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
June Atkinson
Well-known member
There should also be some TV coverage this evening, as well as some in the local papers.
It is good too to have a stamp issued, celebrating these wonderful birds.:t:
Stewart J.
Well-known member
Wonderful news all
Stewart
Stewart
June Atkinson
Well-known member
Kite up-date
No we lesser mortals don't get in front of the camera very often, but it has been good today - both ITV and BBC have given us good coverage.
And here is our most recent up-date:
I have had great difficulty in uploading this Word Doc file, so if it doesn't appear, Margaret, I'll have to try again tomorrow!
No we lesser mortals don't get in front of the camera very often, but it has been good today - both ITV and BBC have given us good coverage.
And here is our most recent up-date:
I have had great difficulty in uploading this Word Doc file, so if it doesn't appear, Margaret, I'll have to try again tomorrow!
June Atkinson
Well-known member
A final try
This time I have saved the doc as a jpeg - wonder if this will get through to the Forum?
This time I have saved the doc as a jpeg - wonder if this will get through to the Forum?
Attachments
June Atkinson
Well-known member
Red Kite up-date
Last Monday I went out tracking with Ken Sanderson and Judy Summerson, two other Volunteers. We had a brilliant afternoon. It was sunny, with blue skies and the light winds which offered the kites the opoportunity to glide, wheel and soar. They seem to have decided to return to the Barlow Burn - in the spring they deserted it completely!
What we saw.................courtesy of Ken Sanderson:
Summary of tracking -1st October 2007
Twenty four kites were recorded in the Gateshead area of which fourteen were pink/green tags (2006 releases). There will also be significant amount of red kites that have failed transmitters, the latest one being WT43’s. This year’s juveniles should also be about so there could be up to forty three kites in the core area.
Best views were gained from the top farmer's track down to Sherburn Towers from Thornley Kennels.
The Dumfries and Galloway juvenile kite, Green / Purple WT10, which was recorded in the Barlow Burn two weeks ago was not recorded today.
There were thirteen kites in the Barlow Burn at 13.30hrs. Up to six of these were observed together circling high between Greenside and the SITA land fill site.
Up to eight were seen foraging at the top end of Sherburn towers, on land that was being worked by the farmer, on both sides of the track that leads down to the farm from Thornley Kennels. The wing tags were read on the following kites as they fed on the ground: WT40, WT59 and WT60. This is where the good views were had.
During late afternoon six of the kites which had been recorded earlier in the afternoon in the Barlow Burn were noted at Spen Banks/Sherburn Towers, making a total of fourteen kites in that vicinity, which might indicate that this is one of the current roost sites.
At 16.30hrs only three kites were recorded from the direction of Gibside.
WT42 whose wing tags were read whilst he was perched at Cut Thorn Farm, on the edge of Whickham Golf Club at 10.30hrs was later detected flying in the Normans Riding Wood area, near Winlaton, his territory when the nest failed(partnered with WT54).
Attached is an image of one of the birds - taken with my 18x optical zoom Olympus. It was a long way off, so I'm encouraged to think that when the kites are nearer, I might be luckier.
Middle-in Teesdale named their kite yesterday - Julie, our acting Education Officer went across to take part in the Assembly in which they named their kite Icarus. I wonder if they know the story?
And Ponteland High School has won the draw for the Northumberland chick, born near Wylam. They are going to run a competition to choose a name. More on this at a later date.
Last Monday I went out tracking with Ken Sanderson and Judy Summerson, two other Volunteers. We had a brilliant afternoon. It was sunny, with blue skies and the light winds which offered the kites the opoportunity to glide, wheel and soar. They seem to have decided to return to the Barlow Burn - in the spring they deserted it completely!
What we saw.................courtesy of Ken Sanderson:
Summary of tracking -1st October 2007
Twenty four kites were recorded in the Gateshead area of which fourteen were pink/green tags (2006 releases). There will also be significant amount of red kites that have failed transmitters, the latest one being WT43’s. This year’s juveniles should also be about so there could be up to forty three kites in the core area.
Best views were gained from the top farmer's track down to Sherburn Towers from Thornley Kennels.
The Dumfries and Galloway juvenile kite, Green / Purple WT10, which was recorded in the Barlow Burn two weeks ago was not recorded today.
There were thirteen kites in the Barlow Burn at 13.30hrs. Up to six of these were observed together circling high between Greenside and the SITA land fill site.
Up to eight were seen foraging at the top end of Sherburn towers, on land that was being worked by the farmer, on both sides of the track that leads down to the farm from Thornley Kennels. The wing tags were read on the following kites as they fed on the ground: WT40, WT59 and WT60. This is where the good views were had.
During late afternoon six of the kites which had been recorded earlier in the afternoon in the Barlow Burn were noted at Spen Banks/Sherburn Towers, making a total of fourteen kites in that vicinity, which might indicate that this is one of the current roost sites.
At 16.30hrs only three kites were recorded from the direction of Gibside.
WT42 whose wing tags were read whilst he was perched at Cut Thorn Farm, on the edge of Whickham Golf Club at 10.30hrs was later detected flying in the Normans Riding Wood area, near Winlaton, his territory when the nest failed(partnered with WT54).
Attached is an image of one of the birds - taken with my 18x optical zoom Olympus. It was a long way off, so I'm encouraged to think that when the kites are nearer, I might be luckier.
Middle-in Teesdale named their kite yesterday - Julie, our acting Education Officer went across to take part in the Assembly in which they named their kite Icarus. I wonder if they know the story?
And Ponteland High School has won the draw for the Northumberland chick, born near Wylam. They are going to run a competition to choose a name. More on this at a later date.
Attachments
Last edited:
charlierocky
Well-known member
Encouraging news and a good report, thankyou June.
I took a trip to see the Red Kites on Harewood estate in Yorkshire last week. I was hoping to get better pictures that these but they were in an open field so I had not chance of getting any closer. The second bird had a tag on it's right wing with 15 on it?
I took a trip to see the Red Kites on Harewood estate in Yorkshire last week. I was hoping to get better pictures that these but they were in an open field so I had not chance of getting any closer. The second bird had a tag on it's right wing with 15 on it?
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June Atkinson
Well-known member
Perched kite
It's so good to see one perched for a change..........thanks for your message.
Our WT 2, Scarlet is the bird which, when very young flew 2,000 miles in the UK (Gateshead-Wales-Chilterns-Gateshead-Harewood-Gateshead and finally back to Harewood where she teamed up with an untagged bird last year and raised two young. This spring she has also raised two chicks. Clever girl!!
I should think the WT15 must be a Yorkshire kite.
If you get a chance to see the tag colours, our combination for 2007 is purple/pink.
If ever you come this way, do get in touch, and we can give you more info on our Kite situation.:t:
It's so good to see one perched for a change..........thanks for your message.
Our WT 2, Scarlet is the bird which, when very young flew 2,000 miles in the UK (Gateshead-Wales-Chilterns-Gateshead-Harewood-Gateshead and finally back to Harewood where she teamed up with an untagged bird last year and raised two young. This spring she has also raised two chicks. Clever girl!!
I should think the WT15 must be a Yorkshire kite.
If you get a chance to see the tag colours, our combination for 2007 is purple/pink.
If ever you come this way, do get in touch, and we can give you more info on our Kite situation.:t:
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Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
Hi June
I did not see this thread until now about the issues about Kites. Chicks are flourishing, yes, and are the birds have been breeding successfully
It is very interesting to know what has been happening with these birds at the moment. :t:
Thank you for all your information, and the time you have taken to post it. It has been very interesting to read.
If I come your way, yes I Will pop in for a visit anytime.
Will keep my eye on more updates on this thread now. :t:
Regards
Kathy
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