2023 Breeding Summary
Photo by Ken Sanderson
The number of known breeding pairs at 27 has remained stable for the third year in a row with the number of chicks known to have fledged being at least 39. This figure is slightly down from previous years but with some nests it was not possible to ascertain an accurate brood count and these have been credited with just one chick. Seven nests failed which is slightly higher than normal.
Whilst the majority of pairs nested in Gateshead MBC and Co. Durham there is more encouraging news from Northumberland with evidence that at least 8 chicks have fledged from 5 nests in the west of the county. A further 3 territories have been confirmed there but no evidence of breeding found. The west of Northumberland is such a vast area to survey and the confirmed kite territories range from just south of Haltwhistle down to the border with Durham.
Of the 10 kite youngsters that were ringed and tagged in mid-June 7 all have been identified since fledging. This year’s right wing tag colour is orange and the juveniles are individually identified from X5 to Y4. The left wing tag colour of pink denotes the kite fledged in the north east of England.
Ken Sanderson and John Barrett
2022 Breeding Summary
Photo by Ken Sanderson
In an attempt to gather evidence of kites moving into new territories, monitoring in the early spring was focused on suitable woodland outside the core area. Alas, this did not produce any meaningful results. However, from work carried out during the latter part of the breeding season, a further four occupied territories were designated two of which confirmed breeding took place.
There was an early setback to the breeding season when one of the pair from a territory near Tanfield Lea was found grounded in March. After a short period in rehab. it was successfully released and it immediately found its partner but they did not go on to the nest that had been refurbished.
In total, 36 territories were confirmed as occupied. Twenty-six active nests were found of which 21 went onto successfully fledge at least 42chicks, which was marginally down from the 2021 total of 44. Highlight of the season was a brood of 4 chicks from a nest near Swalwell, Gateshead.
In recent years Northumberland has not produced the breeding pairs that could be expected. This, despite the very high number of sightings received, especially in the south west of the county. So, it is encouraging news indeed that there have been 5 confirmed territories with 4 successful nesting attempts from, producing at least 8 chicks.
Only one days ringing and wing tagging took place in mid - June when 5 chicks were ringed and wing tagged from 3 nests. The 2022 right wing tag colour is yellow.
In summary, a slightly disappointing season with the number of fledged chicks being slightly down from 2021. Expectations had been raised following record roosts counts last January. But we take some heart that the birds are doing well in the core area.
Ken Sanderson and John Barrett
