Tyne Kittiwakes

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Kittiwakes are a species of gull which normally nest on high cliffs above the sea. They spend most of their lives out at sea, but every Spring a large number of kittiwakes arrive in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne and build nests high up on the Tyne Bridge and surrounding buildings. The Tyne Bridge is believed to be home to the most inland breeding site of Kittiwakes in the world, and one of the few urban breeding sites in the world. The towers of the Tyne Bridge provide a perfect substitute for cliffs for these city-dwelling kittiwakes. Some of the birds born in nests on the Tyne Bridge last year will have wandered as far away as Canada and Greenland during the winter. This pictures shows some kittiwakes who are currently nesting on the Guildhall which is adjacent to the bridge.

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All Saints and the Guildhall

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The spire of All saints Church, which was built 1786-96 can be seen to the right. The clocktower in the foreground belongs to the Guildhall which was old centre of government of the town. The old Guildhall was rebuilt and enlarged in the middle of the 17th century.

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