Our Red Kite Histories

Kite No: 1

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Speedy

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Rowlands Gill Primary School, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Speedy spent much of his first year in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn, taking a trip to Warden Law near Houghton-le-Spring with WT14 and four kites from outside the region in October 2004. Mainly, he was flying over, and roosting in, the Rowlands Gill area. In summer 2005, he was often seen with WT3, visiting the kite pens calling to the young kites awaiting release. He disappeared from Gateshead in late June 2005 and has not been back in the area since. In early February 2006 Speedy was detected in the Chilterns; he was last recorded in this area on 7th June 2006. Recent radio tracking by the South of England Kite Group had not detected Speedy. However, the battery on his transmitter will be losing power therefore he may only be detected by a visual sighting. One such report was received in March 2007 when a photograph confirmed that Speedy was in the Harrogate area of Yorkshire!

Speedy remains in Yorkshire and has bred with an untagged female. They have successfully raised three chicks that fledged in July 2007. In spring 2008 Speedy and his mate bred successfully for a second consecutive year. They have managed to raise an incredible four chicks, all of which fledged in July 2008. Though there are breeding birds at the nest site used by Speedy and his mate in 2008, it is likely that this couple have returned to use their previous nest site.

Speedy is believed to have continued breeding successfully in Yorkshire raising two chicks each year in 2009,2010 and now in 2011.

Latest Sighting: August 2011 - Yorkshire - Successfully raised two chicks with his partner.

Kite No: 2

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Scarlet

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Female

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blaydon, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Scarlet was the greatest documented traveller of any of the kites released. A few weeks after release in September 2004, she was reported at Gigrin Farm feeding station, in mid-Wales. On 12th March 2005 she was detected in the Chilterns; by 31st March 2005 she was back in Gateshead! In early April, she was tracked heading south near Catterick in north Yorkshire. She returned to Gateshead by 6th April, disappeared, returned briefly in June and then left again. In early August 2005, she was found with the Yorkshire red kites near the Harewood Estate, to the north of Leeds. She has been reported there ever since. During March and April 2006, Scarlet was seen displaying with an untagged male who she mated with and successfully raised two chicks while nesting in a larch tree. Both chicks fledged in late July 2006. Scarlet remains in Yorkshire and has bred successfully for a second consecutive year. Scarlet and her mate have raised one chick that fledged in July 2007. In spring 2008 Scarlet and her mate bred successfully for a third consecutive year. They have raised two chicks that fledged in July 2008. Though there are breeding birds at the nest site used by Scarlet and her mate in 2008, it is likely that this couple have returned to use their previous nest site.Scarlet is believed to have continued breeding successfully in Yorkshire raising two chicks in 2009, three chicks in 2010 and two in 2011.On 31st May 2012 Scarlet was photographed perched near her 2011 nest but it appears she had lost her mate and was on her own. May 2013 she was again seen near her 2011 nest, but still on her own.

Latest Sighting: June 2014 it was confirmed that Scarlet and her partner had successfully raised two chicks at a new nest on her old territory in Yorkshire.

Kite No: 3

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Scarlet Feather

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Blaydon West Primary School, Blaydon, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Scarlet Feather has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. In early summer 2005, he was seen visiting the kite release pens, often with WT1, calling to the young kites. In late May 2005, he moved south more than 35 miles and joined WT5 in Teesdale. They were joined in August by WT23. Scarlet Feather stayed until 19th September when he was noted leaving Teesdale at 11.30am and flying over High Spen at 12.45 on the same morning. (A journey of over 35 miles in less than 1hour 15minutes.) He spent the winter feeding and roosting in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Since February 2006, he has regularly been noted over the Gibside estate, and was seen in April 2006, mating with WT54, a female kite released in 2005. He spent some of his summer months in Teesdale with other kites that have settled there. He was detected on 8th June 2006, near Eggleston.Scarlet Feather was then not detected for some time, until he was photographed flying over High Thornley on the 7th November 2009.

Latest Sighting: November 2009 - Gateshead - flying over High Thornley.   

Kite No: 4

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Twilight

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school:  Washingwell Community Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Twilight spent most of his first nine months in Gateshead's lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. In April 2005, he departed the area. He was last noted, being mobbed by crows, in the Iveston area, near Lanchester, Co Durham on 11th April 2005. Twilight's transmitter signal was detected in Gateshead on 30th Oct 2006. However, this is an unconfirmed report.

Latest Sighting: October 2006 - Gateshead - unconfirmed report.   

Kite No: 5

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Phoenix

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Ryton Community Juniors School, Ryton, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Phoenix began travelling from Gateshead three days after release when he was reported flying over Scotswood in Newcastle. He returned briefly to the Lower Derwent Valley, before heading south to the Derwent Reservoir where he stayed for much of August. By early September, he travelled to Hamsterley Forest and onwards to Teesdale, where he remained. In early June 2005, he was joined by WT3 (a male) followed by WT23 (a female) in August. WT3 left in September and was replaced in October by a female, WT57. All three kites foraged and roosted together between the villages of Eggleston and Kinninvie over the winter. They were also seen flying with buzzards. Phoenix and WT57 spent the most time together and were seen inspecting an old crow's nest in November 2005 and displaying over woodland in March/April 2006 showing interest in a buzzard's old nest. He has since been identified paired with WT57! The two paired up and successfully raised two chicks that fledged in late July 2006. He was last detected on 8th June 2006, near Eggleston.Sadly, in late May 2007, Phoenix was fatally injured in a road traffic accident. He was found by a road between Hamsterley and Witton-le-Wear, approximately seven miles north of his usual Teesdale haunts. Despite the valiant efforts of up to 15 people in the Teesdale area, it was not possible to save Phoenix. Sadly, due to the extent and severity of his injuries, Phoenix had to be euthanised.

Latest Sighting: May 2007 - Teesdale - Deceased - Road Traffic Accident.

Kite No: 6

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Flame

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Highfield Community Primary School, Highfield, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Flame rarely moved from the lower Derwent valley. In late June 2005, he was seen at Ruffside, close to the Derwent Reservoir but he was back in the lower Derwent valley from early July. He was seen spending time with WT7 in spring 2005 and playing 'uncle' with several juveniles released in summer 2005. From mid January 2006, Flame paired up with WT19. They were regularly seen together around Rowlands Gill. In early April 2006, they built a nest locally, but sadly, their nesting attempt failed as the strong winds in May blew their nest out of the tree!Flame and Ruby (WT19) built a new nest in spring 2007, thankfully this time the nest remained in the tree! They successfully raised one chick that fledged in late July 2007. The chick was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A2.Flame and Ruby bred successfully for a second successive year, raising one chick. The chick was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B6. WTB6 fledged in July 2008.On 28th July 2008, Flame was seen at Gibside National Trust estate perched in a tree with juvenile, B6.On 12th November 2008, Flame was observed drinking from a pool near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.In 2009 Flame and Ruby successfully fledged one chick (not tagged), but failed in their breeding attempts in 2010. Flame was seen regularly in December 2010 over gardens in Rowlands Gill. In 2011 Flame and Ruby again attempted and failed in raising any chicks.18th December 2011 - perched in tree near the bottom of Thornley Lane, Rowlands Gill.March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT19. Incubation took place but the nest failed in early June.June 2012 - Flame and partner Ruby were calling approx 70 metres from the nest.February 2013 - Flame is on territory with his mate Ruby 15/04/2013 - Flame perched in tree on territory in Rowlands Gill March 2013 - nest refurbishedApril - Ruby incubating.12/06/2103 - nest failed 26/0613 - Ruby and her partner Flame perched near nest site, calling. Flame has been seen regularly in a garden at Rowlands Gill during the winter of 2013/14February 2014 - Flame and his partner Ruby were seen on their territory.June 2014 - Bred with his partner Ruby (WT19) in the same territory but the new nest was not found. The parents were observed carrying food over the wood on several occasions.July 2014 - successfully fledged at least one chick with his partner WT19 Ruby on their territory in Rowlands Gill, a juvenile was heard calling in July.January 2015 - Flame and Silky Striker WTA2, were identified from photographs,  around Sherburn Towers farm, Silky Striker's territory.  February and March 2015 - Flame and his partner Ruby (WT19) were seen on their territory in Rowlands Gill, building a new nest April 2015 - Ruby was seen incubating, then Flame came in with a twig, and he took over on the nest.May 2015 - Early in May there was still activity at the nest, but sadly towards the end of May no further activity was seen and the nest failed - probably due to disturbance.January 2016 - Flame was identified  from a photograph on one occasion at Sherburn Towers pre-roost, approximately 20 kites passed through here on their way to roost.February 2016 - Flame was identified on one occasion at a pre-roost gathering at Sherburn Towers with eight other kites, mostly juveniles.February and March 2016 - Flame was often seen around his territory at Low Spen Burn, and in the company of his regular partner WT19 Ruby, their nest  was refurbished.April and May 2016 - Ruby was noted incubating on the 17th April and incubating/brooding on the 9th May with Flame calling overhead.June 2016 - sadly the nest failed at the incubating/ brooding stage - reason unknown. February and March 2017 - Flame was often seen around his territory at Low Spen Burn, and in the company of his regular partner WT19 Ruby, at times seeing off intruders.April and May 2017 - Ruby was noted incubating on the 23trd April and on 18th May one of the adults was perched and alarm calling loudly from near the nest, suggesting there were chicks in the nest.June 2017 - One of the adults was sitting on the nest, alarm calling, suggesting the chicks were still small, later in the month the adults were still alarm calling - but as the tree was thin and the nest precarious, the tree-climber was not sent up to investigate.July 2017 - Although a kite was seen near the nest site, there is now some doubt if this was an active nest after all. Therefore the outcome is unknown.  March 2018 - one of the pair were perched in a tree near a newly built nest on this territory at Low Spen.April 2018 - On the 16th April WT19 Ruby was noted incubating eggs.(Her partner here is WT6 Flame).

Latest Sighting: May 2018 - Sadly the nest was confirmed as having failed - possibly due to predation. 

Kite No: 7

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Not named

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Rowlands Gill Juniors School, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: WT7 spent much of her first autumn and winter in the lower Derwent valley and the Barlow Burn making a few short journeys into the Tyne valley towards Prudhoe and Ovington. In spring 2005, she seemed to have paired off with WT6, however, this did not last long and she left the area on 13th May 2005. She was detected back in the lower Derwent valley in November 2005 and she was not detected again until 14th December 2006 when she returned to Gateshead. She has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting: December 2006 - Gateshead. 

Kite No: 8

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Rufus

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Heworth Grange Comprehensive School, Felling, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Rufus spent most of his first autumn and winter in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. In spring 2005, he paired up with WT19, displaying above woodland where they set up a territory. They did not breed but built a nest on the ground! Rufus left the Lower Derwent valley in June 2005, and was noted at the Derwent Reservoir and then close to Stainton village, nr. Barnard Castle a few days later. He returned to Rowlands Gill in July 2005. In August 2005, his signal was detected heading up the Tyne Valley and again on 5th September. He returned to Gateshead April 2006 then was not seen again until a report in February 2007 confirmed Rufus was in Doune, in central Scotland. He has not been detected since. 

Latest Sighting: February 2007 - Doune, Scotland.    

Kite No: 9

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Marley's Flame

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Marley Hill Community Primary School, Marley Hill, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Marley's Flame spent most of his time in the lower Derwent valley and the Barlow Burn. He favoured Barlow Fell and Barlow village and remained in this area throughout much of the spring and summer of 2005. In late May 2005, reports were received of a kite that was 'clipped' by a car on Barlow Fell. According to the driver, the bird received a glancing blow but flew away, apparently uninjured. It was probably Marley's Flame, and from this date, his radio transmitter began to develop an intermittent fault, which has since stopped working completely. From wing tag sighting reports, he was seen over Shotley Bridge in June 2005, and then returned to the lower Derwent valley and was seen in September 2005. In April 2006, a visual sighting confirmed that Marley's Flame was in the lower Derwent valley.He has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting: April 2006 - Lower Derwent Valley. 

 Kite No: 10

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Flash

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Winlaton West Lane Community Primary School, Winlaton, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Flash spent his first few weeks after release in the lower Derwent valley. On the 31st August 2004, he was tracked in the Tyne valley, near Prudhoe. In early October 2004, his transmitter frequency was tracked to an area in Tynedale and did not change location or from a flying signal indicating that the bird might be dead. Eventually his 'corpse' was located and, with Police assistance, recovered. Flash's body was found within 60cm of rabbit and pheasant carcasses and poisoning was suspected. The remains of the kite were sent for analysis and a Police investigation commenced. A few days before Christmas 2004, confirmation was received that Flash had been poisoned using Carbofuran (a pesticide). On 28th January 2005, Flash's death was announced at a press conference at Gateshead Civic Centre which was followed by a huge wave of public concern about this illegal act and the story was very extensively covered in the media.

Latest Sighting: October 2004 - Tynedale - Deceased, confirmed poisoned.

Kite No: 11

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Spark

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Harlow Green Infants School, Low Fell, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Spark spent his first few weeks after release in the lower Derwent valley. In August he ventured east and unfortunately became the victim of a road traffic accident on the A1 in the Team Valley. Veterinary examination revealed a cracked wing bone and after six months of rehabilitation was released back to the wild on 19th April 2005. Unfortunately, he was taken back into captivity a few days later, after being picked up by a member of the public. After a further two weeks of rehabilitation, and an attempted 'soft -release', with ongoing access to food and an aviary, he was eventually re-captured and taken for further examination and treatment to the London Zoo animal hospital. Here, he was found to have a severe 'leg' infection (nothing to do with the original injuries) and in July, after treatment, was recovering well. In late July 2005, he returned to the northeast for further rehabilitation in captivity. In autumn 2005, he was joined in his aviary by WT78, a female also requiring rehabilitation. It was hoped, with regular exercise, that Spark's flight muscles would build up sufficiently so he could be released back to the wild. Sadly, Spark died of natural causes in mid-June 2007.It was decided to offer Spark to the- then Hancock Museum. A taxidermist prepared his body and he now flies in the Northumbria section of the re-named Great North Museum.

Latest Sighting: June 2007 - Gateshead - Deceased, natural cause.

Kite No: 12

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Thunderbolt

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Fellside Community Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Thunderbolt spent most of his first autumn and winter in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He ventured near Tanfield in April 2005 and then disappeared from the area in mid-May, along with several other kites. He was noted again in the Barlow Burn in late June 2005, and after another short period of absence, he re-appeared, albeit briefly, near Hamsterley Mill in the Derwent valley on 11th July 2005. Another brief visit on 2nd October 2005 was followed by no detections since.

Latest Sighting: October 2005 - Gateshead.

Kite No: 13

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Lightning

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Bill Quay Primary School, Pelaw, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: For the first two months after release, Lightning spent most of his time in the Team Valley area, feeding and roosting around Kibblesworth, Lamesley and Watergate Forest Park, often seen with WT14 (a female). By mid-October 2004, he had disappeared from the local area.

Lightning was spotted in February 2005 in the Wynyard Estate when a local bird watcher read his Wing Tags. Reports had been received over that winter of a kite in the Trimdon Grange area (not far from Wynyard), which is likely to have been Lightning. He was detected again in March 2005 where he was noted near Rushyford, County Durham. During this month, he was noted heading up the Wear Valley with sightings at Witton-le-Wear, Fir Tree and then into the Derwent Valley near Waskerley on 21st March 2005.

Reports were then received between the end of March and July 2005 of a kite in Northumberland with sightings near Otterburn and near Wooler. Lightning has since been detected back in the lower Derwent valley in August 2005.

Lightning was detected on 18th April 2006 in the Blanchland area and again in Barlow Burn on 30th October 2006. Lightning was not detected for several months until a report in mid-February 2007 confirmed he was near Barlow. This has been followed by no detections since.

Latest Sighting: February 2007 - Barlow, Gateshead.

Kite No: 14

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name:  Scarlet Birtley Beast

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Female

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Birtley East Community Primary School, Birtley, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: For the first three months after release, Scarlet Birtley Beast was seen regularly in the Team Valley area with sightings near Sunniside, Lamesley, Ravensworth estate and Watergate Forest Park. She was often in the company of WT13. In October 2004, she was detected at Warden Law, near Houghton-le-Spring with WT1 and four kites from outside the region. She was regularly detected back in the Team Valley until January 2005 when she was found close to Seghill/Backworth, in North Tyneside. She remained here until April 2005, when she moved west of Newcastle to the Heddon-on-the-Wall and Ponteland area. Subsequent reports of a kite near Newcastle Airport, Woolsington and over Cramlington (on 26th June 2005) probably refer to this bird. She was detected briefly in October 2005 and has not been detected since.

However, in spring 2007, a photograph was taken of a kite at Saughtree in the Scottish borders, north west of Kielder. The kite had pink and yellow wing tags so was definitely a Northern kite. The numbers on the wing tags were not clear on the photograph so the photograph was sent away to be analysed. Unfortunately, the results of the analysis were inconclusive, however, the consensus is that the number on the wing tags is most likely to be 14. This has been followed by no detections since.

Latest Sighting: Spring 2007 - Scottish Borders - probable sighting.

Kite No: 15

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name:  Red Philip

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Philip Neri RC Primary School, Dunston, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Red Philip has spent most of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He was briefly taken into captivity in August 2004, when he was thought to be injured. After examination showed he was fit and well, he was released back to the wild the next day. In spring 2005, he set up a first year territory with WT16, but did not breed. In late May he moved out of the area but was back on 8th July, over Rowlands Gill as 2005's first young kites were released into the Derwent valley. He then disappeared from the area again but returned in September and has stayed locally since. In November 2005, it was noted that his radio transmitter had stopped working but his wing tags have been read indicating his health and presence. In April 2006, it was discovered he had paired up once again with Flag, WT16. They successfully built a nest, laid eggs and, in late May, hatched the first red kite chicks in northeast England for nearly 200 years! One chick was successfully raised and fledged the nest in late July 2006. The young chick has since been named 'Geordie'.

Flag and Red Philip successfully bred again. In spring 2007 they built a nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park, approximately 350 metres northwest of their 2006 nest site. Two chicks were successfully raised which fledged in mid-July 2007. Both chicks have been fitted with wing tags A3 & A4 respectively and leg rings.

Flag and Red Philip bred successfully for a third consecutive year. In spring 2008 they built a new nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park, about 60-70 metres downstream from their 2007 nest. They raised two chicks that have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B7 and B8 respectively. Both chicks fledged in July 2008.

One of Flag and Red Philip's chicks from 2007 bred successfully at one year old! In spring 2008, WTA4 (Farra Flame) was seen displaying with WT71 (Sky Dancer) they went on to build a nest together and had two chicks, one of which was raised to fledging. This chick has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B9 and fledged in July 2008. WTA4 therefore made WT15 and WT16 grandparents at the ripe old age of four years old!

During March 2009, Red Philip and mate WT16 refurbished their 2008 nest and hatched two chicks, but failed to successfully fledge them. The chicks appear to have fallen from the nest, one was recovered from below the nest, and taken in to re-hab. It was tagged C6, and later released, but was found dead a few weeks later. The other chick was never found.

Red Philip was seen at the winter roost in Snipes Dene in January 2010. In March 2010 he and Flag started to refurbish their old nest, but this was then abandoned, and Flag took up with WT 42 Thunderbird, just down stream, neither pair raised chicks this season.

In the winter of 2010/2011 Red Philip was regularly seen at the Pre-roost at Hollinside Manor, or on his territory, sometimes in the company of WT 43 Swift.

In 2011, Swift was confirmed as his new partner, and together they built a new nest within his territory in the Derwent Country Park. They successfully fledged three chicks, (a first for Red Philip), two of which were tagged, E8 & E9, the third being too small to tag. The nest was also found to contain the head of a soft toy bear as decoration. The family have since been seen together in the area of the nest location.

Recorded regularly during the winter of 2011/2012 with partner and family at roost and pre roost.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT43. Red Philip and his partner Swift (WT43) raised one chick (wing tag F3) . He was regularly seen bringing in food to the nest.
08/07/12 - flying over territory, observed from Kite Hill, in the Derwent Country Park, during the Kite Watch event. 

Identified regularly during the winter roost from October 2012 to February 2013, at the main roost and on territory, Often calling with his mate WT43, near the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Country Park

18/03/2013 - Red Philip was seen refurbishing his nest 

28/03/2013 Red Philip appears to be on his own. His partner WT43, Swift has left him for an untagged male holding the adjacent territory.

08/04/2013 - Red Philip tries to woo his ex partner Swift back by visiting her whilst the male is away.  

March 2013 - Red Philip refurbishes his nest.

April 2013 - despite refurbishing his nest and calling continuously he fails to attract anothe mate 

Summer and winter 2013/14 - Red Philip was often recorded on territory and at the main roost.

18/01/2014 - perched in the main roost at Lockhaugh Meadow in the Derwent Valley

February 2014 Red Philip managed to attract a new mate this season and built a nest near Hagg Hill Farm in the Derwent Valley, just west of Axwell Park. With his new partner, wing tag orange / green 1, a Yorkshire born female, they successfully raised two chicks.

Spring and summer of 2014 - regularly seen around Hagg Hill Farm.

March 2015 - Red Philip was injured in a road accident at Winlaton on the 16th March, the RSPCA were notified and he was taken to their Avian Vet Expert at Morpeth. He was X-rayed and there were no fractures, but some tissue damage and internal bleeding. Following a course of treatment, he was transferred to Chris Bennett's aviary on the 25th March, for a further period of recuperation as he was still being tube fed.He was re-released back in to the wild on the 30th March on his territory at Hagg Hill farm, sporting brand new Wing Tags. His partner Yorkshire kite O/G 1 Soar, although initially seen at the nest site does appear to have deserted him. April 2015 - Red Philip has since been seen on a few occasions in the local area, he was seen in Blaydon, but mostly in the Winlaton area near his territory.Local residents have reported that he can do short flights, but his right wing droops when perched, some supplementary feeding is therefore being carried out.

Red Philip was last seen on the 11th May 2015 near his old territory at Winlaton. He appeared to be stronger and was flying well 

June 2016 - Red Philip was identified from a photograph taken whilst he was foraging near Thornley Kennels. He was looking good following his car collision accident a year ago.

August 2016 - at the beginning of the month Red Philip was seen flying over woodland in the Blaydon Burn, then he flew south towards the Derwent Valley. He was identified later that day perched on a pylon seen from the Red Kite view point on the Derwent Walk, west of Rowlands Gill. 

August 2016 - Red Philip was also identified on another occasion near Lockhaugh Farm with WTK6 and some other kites. 

October 2016 - Red Philip was seen on one occasion near his "territory" at Thornley Kennels, regularly interacting with another kite, two other untagged kites and WTH2 were also present.

December 2016 - Red Philip was seen twice on the same day perched in a tree near his "territory" at Thornley Kennels, doing a lot of calling. WT K6 and WT 76 Chester were also identified close by. 

January 2017 - Red Philip was identified from a photograph whilst he was perched near the Nine Arches Viaduct

February 2017 - Red Philip has once again been in the wars, having flown in to the window of a bungalow near Barlow. He appeared slightly dazed but after perching on the wheelbarrow for a while he flew of again. It is believed he was after a swallow motif on the window.

February 2017 - Red Philip and O/G1 (a Yorkshire kite) were seen separately in February around this territory near Barlow.

March 2017 - No activity but the nest looked slightly refurbished. The pair (one of which was Red Philip) were seen perched in a tree nearby on 18th March.

April 2017 - At the end of April Red Philip was seen perched in a tree on edge of the Hanover Estate, but with no other sightings the outcome of this territory was unknown 

July 2017 - Red Philip was identified from a photograph whilst he was flying near the Nine Arches Viaduct 

October 2017 - Red Philip was identified at a pre-roost near Thornley, Rowlands Gill with six or seven other kites before leaving to join the main roost..

Latest sighting: January 2020 - Sadly, Red Philip was found injured on Gibside. After consulting with a Vet the decision was made that his injuries were so severe it was agreed that the only option would be to put him to sleep.

Kite No: 16

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Flag

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Female

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school:  Oakfield Infants School, Low Fell, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Flag has spent most of her time in the Lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She has shown a particular liking for the Barlow Burn area, where she spent much of her daytimes foraging in local pastures. In spring 2005, she set up a territory with WT15, but did not breed. In July 2005, she was recorded in the Yorkshire red kite release area, near the Harewood Estate. She soon returned to Gateshead and has stayed since. In April 2006, it was discovered she had paired up once again with Red Philip, WT15. They successfully built a nest, laid eggs and, in late May, hatched the first red kite chicks in northeast England for nearly 200 years!One chick was successfully raised and fledged the nest in late July 2006. The young chick has since been named 'Geordie'.

Flag and Red Philip successfully bred again. In spring 2007 they built a nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park, approximately 350 metres northwest of their 2006 nest site. Two chicks were successfully raised which fledged in mid-July 2007. Both chicks have been fitted with wing tags A3 & A4 respectively and leg rings.

On 10th September 2007, Flag was observed foraging in a cut hay field, just south of Gibside, with seven other kites.

Flag and Red Philip bred successfully for a third consecutive year. In spring 2008 they built a new nest in the Derwent Walk Country Park, about 60-70 metres downstream from their 2007 nest. They raised two chicks that have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B7 and B8 respectively. Both chicks fledged in July 2008.

One of Flag and Red Philip's chicks from 2007 bred successfully at one year old! In spring 2008, WTA4 (Farra Flame) was seen displaying with WT71 (Sky Dancer) they went on to build a nest together and had two chicks, one of which was raised to fledging. This chick has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B9 and fledged in July 2008. WTA4 therefore made WT15 and WT16 grandparents at the ripe old age of four years old!

During March 2009, Flag and Red Philip refurbished their 2008 nest and hatched two chicks, but failed to successfully fledge them. The chicks appear to have fallen from the nest, one was recovered from below the nest, and taken in to re-hab. It was tagged C6, and later released, but was found dead a few weeks later. The other chick was never found.

In March 2010 Flag and Red Philip started to refurbish their old nest, but this was then abandoned, and Flag took up with WT 42 Thunderbird, just down river, neither pair raised chicks this season.

Throughout the winter of 2010/2011 Flag was a regular visitor to the pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

In 2011 she was seen nest building with her partner Thunderbird at a new site near Hollinside Manor, but again, they failed to raise any chicks.

In August 2011 she was spotted perched with her partner at their 2010 nest site, with WT D4 and an untagged juvenile in attendance.

Recorded regularly with partner WT42, on territory, at pre roost (Hollinside Manor) and at roost  (Snipes Dene).
March 2012 - refurbishing old nest with partner, WT42, at the Slide last used in 2010. Flag was seen incubating on the 7th of April and the 8th of May and was thought to be brooding young on 13th May was a change over on the nest was observed. But by the end of May the nest was discovered to have failed.
May 2012 - on territory.
October 2012 - at the main roost near the Nine Arches Viaduct in Gateshead's Derwent Valley
10/01/2013 - perched at the pre roost gathering between Hollinside manor and Paddock Hill. Observed regularly at the pre roost site after this date.

Feb/March 2013 - building new nest with partner thunderbird (WT42)
15/04/13 - Flag incubating eggs on new nest near Hollinside Manor in Gateshead's Lower Derwent Valley
Flag went on to successfully fledge two chicks, one of which was wing tagged, G6 
Regularly seen over winter 2013/14 either in the main roost or on territory near by..
21/01/14- perched on territory near Hollinside

February and March 2014 - Flag and her partner Thunderbird were on their territory near Hollinside Manor and refurbishing their nest.

April 2014 - Flag was seen incubating and by July the pair went on to successfully fledge one chick - wing tagged J1

July 2014 - on territory with her partner and new chick J1

October 2014 - identified once at the main winter roost in the Derwent Country Park

November 2014 - Flag was seen once with her partner WT42 pre-roosting near their Territory at Hollinside Manor, which is near the main winter roost. 

December 2014 - Flag was identified once at the pre-roost near her Territory at Hollinside Manor, with around 37 kites coming in to the main roost. 

February and March 2015 - Flag and Thunderbird (WT42) were on their territory near Hollinside Manor and refurbishing their nest. 

April and May 2015 - Flag was seen incubating in April and by May the pair had one chick, which they successfully fledged.

June 2015 - on territory with her partner and newly tagged chick K5

January 2016 - Flag was identified once whilst perched on a pylon near Hollinside with another kite.

February and March 2016 - Flag and her regular partner WT 42 Thunderbird were seen on several occasions on their territory at Hollinside, where last year's nest was refurbished.

May 2016 - Flag was noted brooding on the 15th May.

June 2016 - sadly by June the nest appeared to have failed, although an adult kite was still in the vicinity.

There were signs of disturbance around the base of the tree.

February and March 2017 - Flag and her regular partner WT42 Thunderbird were seen on several occasions on their territory at Hollinside throughout the winter, and in March were seen displaying over the nest wood.

April 2017 - early in the month the nest looked as if it had been refurbished, but no kites seen. Later in the month Thunderbird came in and perched near the nest and giving an alarm call.

July 2017 - Last year's nest was subsequently not used, but a juvenile and an adult were seen flying around the nest wood, so the new nest must have been close by indicating this pair had successfully raised at least one chick.

February and March 2018 - a pair of kites were seen either perched or flying over this territory at Hollinside.

April and May 2018 - On 20th April WT16 Flag was first noted incubating, then by 24th May she was brooding young with her partner WT42 Thunderbird alarm calling nearby.

June 2018 - a single chick was ringed only.

July 2018 - the juvenile was seen flying over the nest wood having successfully fledged  

Latest Sighting: July 2018 - Gateshead.

Kite No: 17

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Squeaker

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school:  St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley, Gateshead.

Brief Summary:  Squeaker (so named as he often squeaked) was the smallest of the young kites released in 2004 and initially required special care at the Project Manager's house to ensure the other kites did not bully him and that he got some food. After a few days, he was placed in the aviaries with other young birds. He was released and spent his first two months in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. On 8th October 2004, a member of the public found him with a badly injured wing in the Barlow Burn and circumstances suggested a road traffic accident, close to Pawston Birks. Sadly, after inspection and initial treatment by local vets, it was determined that the injury was not treatable and the bird had to be destroyed.

Latest Sighting:  October 2004 - Barlow Burn, Gateshead - Deceased, injuries probably due to a RTA.

Kite No: 18

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Zeus

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown.

Adopt/Befriend a kite school:  Front Street Community Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Since release, Zeus has spent most of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Between April and June 2005, he was recorded further afield with sightings reported from the Derwent Reservoir, Muggleswick, upstream of Shotley Bridge and near Waskerley. On 15th July 2005, he was reported at Snod's Edge, near Shotley Bridge and later the same day flying south past Spennymoor in County Durham. By the end of October, he had returned to Gateshead. In January 2006, it was noted that his transmitter signal was weakening, indicating the battery power was diminishing. Zeus was detected in March and June 2006 in the lower Derwent valley.Information received in October 2012 from the Yorkshire Kite Project has confirmed that Zeus has in fact been in East Yorkshire since 2006, breeding very successfully with his Untagged female partner.In 2006 they successfully fledged one chick, followed by two chicks the following year, then one chick in both 2008 and 2009. always using the same nest.

In 2010 they moved to a new nest in the same wood and successfully raised two more chicks. In 2011, using the same nest as the previous year, they were raising three chicks when high winds caused the nest to slip sideways and one chick was found dead at the bottom of the tree, the other two chicks were successfully fledged.

In 2012 they moved to a new nest, still in the same wood, and successfully fledged two more chicks.

September 2012 - Zeus was photographed whilst flying near his territory in East Yorkshire

July 2013 - Zeus and his partner built a new nest in the same wood as previously and successfully fledged three chicks

July 2014 - Zeus and his partner again successfully fledged another three chicks, using the same nest as last year, on their territory in East Yorkshire.

Latest Sighting:  November 2014 - A sighting of Zeus near Londesborough, East Yorkshire was reported via our website.

Kite No: 19

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Ruby

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Female

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school:  Lingey House Primary School, Felling, Gateshead.

Brief Summary:   

Since release, Ruby has spent most of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. In spring 2005, she paired up with WT8, displaying above woodland where they set up a territory. They did not breed but built a nest on the ground! She visited 'Crooked Oak' near Muggleswick in June 2005 but otherwise has spent her time in Gateshead. In mid January 2006, Ruby paired up with WT6. They are regularly seen together around Rowlands Gill and in early April was seen carrying twigs and displaying above woodland. In mid January 2006, Ruby paired up with WT6.They built a nest but, unfortunately, in May it was blown out of the tree by strong winds.

Summer 2007 proved to be third time lucky for Ruby, having built a nest in 2005 & 2006 she finally managed to build a nest that stood the test of time and, along with her mate Flame (WT6), successfully raised a chick! The chick, which has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A2, fledged in late July 2007.

Ruby and Flame bred successfully for a second successive year, raising one chick. The chick has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B6. WTB6 fledged in July 2008.

On 2nd October 2008, Ruby was seen near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

In 2009 Ruby and her partner Flame successully fledged one chick, not tagged. But in both 2010 and 2011, Ruby and her partner Flame, again attempted to breed, but failed at the incubation stage.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner  Flame (WT6). Was noted incubating on the 16th April and brooding young on the 14th May but by early June the nest had failed.

Early June - 2012 - calling with mate approx. 75 metre from nest site.

March 2013 - refurbishing last years nest

04/05/13 - Incubating

12/06/13 - nest confirmed as failed
24/06/13 - perched near failed nest, calling .

2014 - Bred with her partner Flame (WT6) in the same territory but the new nest was not found. They fledged at least one chick, the parents were observed carrying food into the wood and a juvenile was heard calling in July.

On territory in the spring and summer, 2014 

February and March 2015 - Ruby and her partner Flame (WT6) were seen on their territory in Rowlands Gill, building a new nest. 

April 2015 - Ruby was seen incubating, then Flame came in with a twig, and he took over on the nest.

May 2015 - Early in May there was still activity at the nest, but sadly towards the end of May no further activity was seen and the nest failed - probably due to disturbance.

February and March 2016 - Ruby was seen around her territory at Low Spen Burn, and in the company of her regular partner WT06 Flame, their nest  was refurbished.

April and May 2016 - Ruby was noted incubating on the 17th April and incubating/brooding on the 9th May with Flame calling overhead.

June 2016 - sadly the nest failed at the incubating/ brooding stage - reason unknown. 

February and March 2017 - Ruby was often seen around her territory at Low Spen Burn, and in the company of her regular partner WT6 Flame, at times seeing off intruders.

April and May 2017 - Ruby was noted incubating on 23rd April and on 18th May one of the adults was perched.

Latest Sighting: May 2018 - Sadly the nest was confirmed as having failed - possibly due to predation.

Kite No: 20

Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Yellow

Kite Name: Spike

Hatched: 2004 Chilterns

Male/Female: Male

Parents: Unknown

Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Ryton Community Infant School, Ryton, Gateshead.

Brief Summary: Spike spent most of his first autumn and winter in the lower Derwent valley and in late winter 2004, he was roosting near Sherburn Tower Farm, Rowlands Gill. He was recorded at the Derwent Reservoir in April 2005 and was last reported in the lower Derwent valley in May 2005. He briefly returned to Rowlands Gill in October 2005 and was detected again at the top of the Derwent valley on 3rd January 2006.He has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting: January 2006 - Top of Derwent Valley.