Our Red Kite Histories
Kites Released in 2005 (21 to 60)
Kite No: 21
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Winlaton Phoenix
Fledged: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Winlaton West Lane Community Primary School, Winlaton, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Winlaton Phoenix has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and at the Burnhills SITA landfill site with several other kites. She still enjoys the feeding around the Barlow Burn area.
In the summer of 2006 Winlaton Phoenix was not detected in Gateshead from early June until mid-August. A photograph taken in Scotland at this time clearly shows the wing tags of Winlaton Phoenix - it would appear she summered in Scotland! This has only come to light recently. Since then she has been in Gateshead. In February 2007 Winlaton Phoenix was detected several times near Wylam in the Tyne Valley, on one occasion with WT59, as well as at her usual haunts around Barlow.
Having initially spent time with WT59 in the early spring, Winlaton Phoenix finally paired up with WT51. The pair successfully raised one chick, the first red kite chick to be raised in Northumberland for over 170 years! The chick, which has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A5, fledged in late July 2007.
On 22nd January 2008, Winlaton Phoenix was seen with WTA5 at Barlow Burn. On 11th February 2008, Winlaton Phoenix was seen with five other kites (including mate WT51 and juvenile WTA5) feeding in a field and perching on fence posts just north of the Barlow Burn.
In spring 2008 Winlaton Phoenix and mate WT51 were seen displaying together, though they are not known to have nested.
On 22nd September 2008, Winlaton Phoenix was seen roosting with seventeen other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. She has continued to spend the winter nights at this roost.
On 28th January 2009, Winlaton Phoenix was seen with 7 other kites in the Beda Hills area of Rowlands Gill.
On 6th April 2009, Winlaton Phoenix was seen with partner WT51 perched in woodland near Wylam. A breeding attempt between this pair at Bradley Hall in Northumberland subsequently failed.
In September 2009 her partner WT 51 was found electrocuted at the base of a pylon near Wylam, and searches of the area since then, have found no trace of her.
Latest Sighting: May 2009 - Bradley Hall, Northumberland - failed in breeding attempt with partner WT 51.
Kite No: 22
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Sapphire
Fledged: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Joseph's RC Junior School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT22 has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and since then, regularly in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley. She was last detected near Crawcrook on 18th June 2006 near Gibside.
She was not detected again until 12th October 2007, when a faint signal from her transmitter was tracked to the Burnopfield area of Gateshead.
Sapphire was next seen on 27th June 2008, she was feeding on a hay crop at Beda Hills in Gateshead with WT48 and several other kites. She has not been detected since.
Latest Sighting: June 2008 - Beda Hills, Gateshead - Feeding with other kites in a hay field.
Kite No: 23
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Rosie
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: A few days after release, WT23 left the Lower Derwent Valley and headed south. By early August 2005, she was reported at Hamsterley, then several days later near Frosterley, both in Weardale. By the end of August, she had joined WT5 and WT3 near Barnard Castle in Teesdale. WT3 did not stay with them for long, but soon after, in October 2005, they were joined by WT57. WT23 has since remained in this area flying and foraging between woodland near Eggleston and Kinninvie. She has played 'Auntie' to the juvenile kites in the area and was seen regularly in their company.
Rosie was last detected on 2nd December 2006. However, the battery on her transmitter will be losing power therefore she may only be detected by a visual sighting. One such sighting confirmed Rosie was near Eggleston on 5th April 2007.
This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: April 2007 - Eggleston, Teesdale - visual sighting.
Kite No: 24
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Starfire
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Chopwell Primary School, Chopwell, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Starfire has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. In October 2005, she was tracked to a roost in Iveston area near Consett but her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. In 2006 she spent some of her summer in Gateshead but on 18th June she joined other kites near Barnard Castle in Teesdale but returned to Gateshead in late September. She is regularly recorded in the Gateshead area.
Starfire spent time with WT40 in early spring of 2007 but has since paired up with WT59 (Crookhill Blaze). The pair are known to have successfully raised one chick that fledged earlier than expected at the beginning of July. The chick left the nest before any wing tags were fitted making it a truly wild kite. Reports of a family party of kites consisting of two adults and two juveniles were received in early July. This was in the territory of Crookhill Blaze & Starfire, prompting suspicions that they managed to raise two chicks!
During the winter months Starfire has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.
It is unconfirmed if Starfire and WT59 bred in 2008. However, an unconfirmed pair have raised two chicks in the Rowlands Gill area, one of these chicks has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B2. It is suspected that Starfire and WT59 are the parents.
On 22nd September 2008, Starfire was seen roosting with seventeen other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
She has continued to spend the winter nights at this roost.
In 2009 she again successfully raised two chicks with her partner WT 59, both untagged. She was seen at the winter roost at Sherburn Towers in the September.
In 2010 she and her partner failed in their breeding attempts, but she was again seen later in the year, at the winter roosts at Sherburn Towers and Hollinside Manor. In June 2011 she and her partner WT 59 successfully fledged a further two chicks, both untagged in Spen Banks Wood.
March 2012 - refurbishing lasts years nest with partner Crookhill Blaze, WT59) inSpen Banks Wood . Noted incubating on the 16th April. They went on to raise two chicks.
June 2012 - flying over nest site
31/12/2012 -recorded at the main roost, Paddock Hill
March 2013 - on territory with partner Crookhill Blaze, WT59 buildin new nest 200metres south of last years nest.
04/04/2013 - on nest incubating eggs.
June 2013 one chick successfully fledged and wing tagged F7, it was later seen perched near the nest with the adults circling overhead.
November 2013 - Starfire was recorded twice at the main winter roost at Lockhaugh Meadows near the nine arches viaduct
March 2014 the pair were on territory and the nest appeared refurbished. Starfire was noted incubating on the 24th April 2014.
June 2014 - She and her partner Crookhill Blaze (WT59) went on to successfully fledge one chick (ringed only) on their territory in Spen Banks Wood
Latest Sighting: November 2014 - Sadly Starfire was found deceased with an untagged kite between High Spen and Greenside. As the circumstances appeared suspicious, they were both sent for post mortem that subsequently confirmed poisoning by Aldicarb - a widely used pesticide that has been implicated in deliberate poisonings elsewhere in Britain. She is a great loss to our breeding population as she raised at least eleven chicks with her constant partner Crookhill Blaze (WT59) over her lifetime.
Kite No: 25
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Bede
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Bede's RC Primary School, Sacriston, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: Four days after release, WT25 was no longer detected in the lower Derwent valley. In December 2005, her wing tags were read by an experienced observer, identifying her presence in Barlow Burn. No transmitter signals were noted, indicating that her transmitter is possibly no longer working. There is also the possibility that she has been outside the area for most of the time. She was not detected again until early October 2006, when she was found in north Northumberland, just south of Coldstream. She was detected in Gateshead on 21st December 2006. Then following a report that kites had been seen near Plessey Woods, in south east Northumberland, further investigation on 11th March 2007 revealed WT25 was in the area. Bede has not been detected since March 2007 - near Plessey Woods, Northumberland
Latest Sighting: March 2007 - near Plessey Woods, Northumberland.
Kite No: 26
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Red Crystal
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: All Saints Primary School, Lanchester, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: For the first month after her release, WT26 spent the majority of her time in the Barlow Burn area. She was not recorded again until November 2005 when her signal was detected flying south west of Lanchester. In early February 2006, a report was made of a WT26 in Crimdon Dene close to Teesside. Later monitoring in March 2006, confirmed her presence in the Teeside area near the village of Hart, near Hartlepool. In April 2006, she was detected back in Gateshead's lower Derwent valley. She returned briefly in early June where she was seen sitting on the pen calling to the newly arrived juvenile kites. She was not detected again until 2nd March 2007, when her signal was picked up at the Team Valley. She was eventually tracked to the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham. Red Crystal has not been detected since.
March 2007 - Chester le Street, Co Durham.
Latest Sighting: December 2011 - Red Crystal was seen feeding on a rabbit carcass in a garden south of Inverness, Scotland.
Kite No: 27
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Lindy Feather
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Lindisfarne Community Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Lindy Feather has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. In late April 2006, she left Gateshead to explore other areas and has not been detected since. However, a report from bird watchers in Scotland detected Lindy Feather on the Perth to Dundee Road in Scotland on 27th November 2006. In early February 2007, the transmitter signal identified the bird near Angus in North Scotland. However, upon further investigation, the kite was unfortunately found dead.
It was hoped Lindy Feather had died of natural causes. However, following a postmortem on the remains, it has come to light that Lindy Feather had been poisoned using Carbofuran - a known substance that has historically been used to poison birds of prey. Sadly, the persecution of red kites is still a problem in north Scotland.
Latest Sighting: February 2007 - Cairngorms, Scotland - deceased, confirmed poison.
Kite No: 28
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Agnes
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Agnes RC Primary School, Crawcrook, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Agnes has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005, again in March 2006 and regularly in Barlow Burn and the Lower Derwent Valley. In April 2006, she has regularly seen displaying with WT36 at Hamsterley Hall in the lower Derwent valley where they set up a territory but did not nest.
Agnes continued to spend time with WT36 (Fire Flight) and in spring 2007 they again set up a territory. However, this time they built a nest together and have successfully raised two chicks! One of which has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A6. The chicks fledged late July 2007.
On 13th September 2007, Agnes was observed flying with A6 around Pontop Pike in County Durham.
Agnes and Fire Flight have bred successfully in Gateshead for a second consecutive year. They have raised two chicks, one of which has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags C0. The chicks fledged in July 2008.
On 13th October 2008, Agnes was seen roosting with twenty two other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
She was not detected for sometime, but in April 2011 she was confirmed with a new partner C2 Centurion and they successfully fledged two chicks, not tagged.
N.B. Her previous partner WT 36 Fire Flight, was found deceased in woodlands near Lintzford in February 2011, it was not possible to determine cause of death.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner C2 but did not use. new nest not found
April 2012 - recorded with partner C2 at Priestfield Stables
March 2015 - Agnes was photographed hassling C2 Centurion, near his Territory near Lintzford. She had not been sighted since 2012.
February and March 2015 - Agnes and her partner Centurion (WTC2) were regularly seen on territory near Lintzford. Nesting material was brought in and the nest was located.
June 2015 - there was at least one chick in the nest, and by the end of the month two chicks had successfully fledged, not ringed or wing tagged.
Latest Sighting: October 2015 - Agnes was identified at the winter roost near Victoria Garesfield, in the company of eleven other kites. One of these was identified as a Dumfries & Galloway kite Green/Purple 4 - who has previously been seen at our winter roosts in both 2007 and 2008.
Kite No: 29
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: No name given
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Fell Dyke Community Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT29 spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts were at Sherburn Tower Farm and Spen Banks wood at Rowlands Gill. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and regularly around Rowlands Gill. Her wing tags were read on 13th February 2006 when she was perched on a pylon in Rowlands Gill. Since then, her signal was detected as 'flying' near Rowlands Gill. Sadly, a member of the public found her carcass on 12th April 2006 in Spen Banks wood, Rowlands Gill. There is no evidence to indicate that she died of anything but natural causes.
Latest Sighting: April 2006 - Spen Banks, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead - deceased, natural causes.
Kite No: 30
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Blaze
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Augustines RC Primary School, Felling, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: For the first month after her release, Blaze spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley. Her transmitter signal was detected in the lower Derwent valley in mid August but was not heard again until December 2005. She was detected near Bradley Hall, Gateshead in April 2006. She has not been detected since.
Having remained undetected for two years, Blaze was finally recorded in spring 2008. She was detected in Northumberland between Haydon Bridge and Hexham. This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: April 2008 - near Hexham, Northumberland.
Kite No: 31
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Emmaville Ruby
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Emmaville Primary School, Crawcrook, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: For the first few months after release, WT31 spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005, and also flying with buzzards. She was detected on 21st November 2005. However, a photograph taken by a local bird watcher identified her in Gateshead on 13th November 2006. Her transmitter may be faulty.
Latest Sighting: She was last detected in Gateshead on 17th December 2006.
Kite No: 32
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Red Arrow
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Josephs RC Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Red Arrow has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and at the Burnhills SITA landfill site with several other kites.
In early spring 2007, Red Arrow spent time with WT51. Since then she was seen displaying with WT81, they set up a territory but did not nest.
Red Arrow was last detected in Gateshead on 26th November 2007.
In spring 2008, Red Arrow was seen displaying with WT76 (Chester) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together but unfortunately at a very early stage their chicks were predated upon by a carrion crow.
On 8th September 2008, Red Arrow was seen near Thornley Woodlands Centre in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
On 12th November 2008, Red Arrow was seen roosting near Thornley Nurseries in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. She was seen there again on 8th December 2008.
In spring 2009, Red Arrow and partner WT76 built a nest in the lower Derwent valley, Gateshead, and successfully fledged two chicks, not tagged.
They successfully fledged a further two chicks in 2010 (not tagged) and again two chicks in 2011, tagged E7 & E8.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT76 (Chester). Red Arrow was noted incubating on the 16th April and three well feathered young, ready for fledging, were seen in the nest on the 19th June.
June 2012 - on territory at Cappy Scar
Recorded at main roost iduring winter of 2012 - 2013.
March 2013 - building new nest with partner WT76 just above Far Pastures, Lockhaugh, Gateshead
15/04/13 - on nest incubating eggs
June 2013 - confirmed that three chicks successfully fledged, not ringed or wing tagged.
March 2014 - Red Arrow and her partner WT76 Chester on territory near Far Pasture refurbishing their nest
May 2014 - the pair moved back to their previous territory at Cappy Scar
June 2014 - the pair successfully fledged two chicks wing tagged H8 and H9
February and March 2015 - Red Arrow and her partner Chester (WT76) were seen on their territory at Cappy Scar in Rowlands Gill, including being in a territorial dispute with other kiteshumberland between Haydon Bridge and Hexham. This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: April and May 2015 - The pair were still seen on territory, and the nest appeared refurbished. By May this nest was not being used, no new nest was found and breeding was not confirmed.
Kite No: 33
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Storm
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Colegate Community Primary School, Felling, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Storm has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She was seen regularly foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn until 11th May 2006.
She was not detected in Gateshead again until the 17th December 2006. On 11th February 2007 she was recorded at Gigrin Farm, the kite feeding station in Wales. Just a few weeks later on 7th March 2007 she was back in Gateshead!
She is regularly seen between Chopwell Wood and Dipton. She spent a lot of time with WT63 in spring 2007, they were seen carrying sticks but did not build a nest. During the winter months Storm has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.
In spring 2008, Storm was seen displaying with WT79 (Mulberry) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together and have successfully raised two chicks. The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags C1 and C2 respectively. Both chicks fledged in July 2008.
There was no trace of Storm or her partner in the following two breeding seasons, but it is almost certain that they were the unidentified pair that successfully fledged two chicks (tagged D4 & D5) at a new territory in Gateshead's Derwent Park in 2010. She was noted at the 2010/2011 winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor on three occasions.
In spring of 2011 Storm and her partner were identified at the territory in Gateshead's Derwent Park, where last year two unidentified kites had successfully fledged two chicks (see above), but they failed at the incubation stage.
March 2012 - observed on territory with WT79, her partner Mulberry They did not use the 2011 nest but built a new one approx. 75metres to the west. Observed feeding two youngsters on the 6thJune which were becoming very well feathered and ready for fledging when the nest was visited on the 25th June.
June 2012 - on territory
15/10/2012 - recorded at pre roost, Hollinside Manor. Regularly recorded after this date at the main roost in Paddock Hill, derwent Country Park
March 2013 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT79
15/04/2013 - on nest incubating
2 chicks were hatched by May, but by June 2013 it was confirmed the nest had failed, possible predation by crows.
March 2014 - Storm and her partner Mulberry WT79 were initially on their old territory at Paddock Hill and were seen carrying nesting material.
June 2014 - it was confirmed the pair had moved to a new location in Rowlands Gill, the nest was not found but a juvenile was seen perched in a tree.
July 2014 - seen on territory with chick perched close by
February 2015 - Storm and her partner Mulberry (WT79) were seen near their old nest site in Rowlands Gill.
April 2015 - the pair were found back at their 2013 nest site at Paddock Hill, with Storm incubating and Mulberry seeing off corvids. The nest subsequently failed, probably from predation.
September 2016 - after not being seen for over a year Storm was identified perched with an untagged kite near a successful nest in Sunniside. Could she be the breeding female from this territory?
January, February and March 2018 - WTD5 Rocket and his partner WT33 Storm were seen regularly around the nest site near Sunnyside. Kite Cam was installed and the pair were observed nest building intensively.
April and May 2018 - Storm was noted incubating on the 9th April, and regular change overs taking place, whilst Rocket was still bringing in nesting material.
May 2018 - two chicks were being brooded and getting well fed.
Latest Sighting: June 2018 - the two chicks grew rapidly with plenty of wing flapping, they both successfully fledged by the end of June.
Kite No: 34
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Parochial Poppy
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Whickham Parochial Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Parochial Poppy has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She was seen regularly foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn until mid June. She was detected on 14th June 2006. However, a report from Gigrin Farm, the kite feeding station in Wales, places Parochial Poppy at the feeding station on 23rd October 2006. On 19th March 2007 she was detected back in Gateshead.
Parochial Poppy was seen building a nest with WT80 (Sky Diver) in the spring, however, they did not breed successfully.
Parochial Poppy remained in Gateshead until June 2007. By September 2007, she was back at Gigrin Farm in Wales.
By spring 2008 Parochial Poppy was back in Gateshead! On 25th March she was recorded with WT80 in the Barlow Burn area.
In Spring 2008, Parochial Poppy paired up again with WT80 (Sky Diver). They built a nest together but did not successfully raise any chicks.
On 23rd March 2009, Parochial Poppy was seen foraging in field of winter cereal in High Spen, Gateshead, with WTA3 trying to woo her! Partner Sky Diver appeared and chased WTA3 away but after a few minutes he drifted back. WTA3 eventually moved on after getting chased by Sky Diver for a second time. The pair were seen on their territory in the spring of 2009, but no nest was found. There have been no sightings since.
Latest Sighting: Spring 2009 - Barlow Burn, Gateshead - seen on territory with WT 80.
Kite No: 35
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Sky
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Albans RC Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Sky has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside and since then was seen regularly foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the Lower Derwent Valley. She was detected in May 2006 in Gateshead and returned on 30th November 2006. She has not been detected since.
Latest Sighting: November 2006 - Gateshead.
Kite No: 36
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Fire Flight
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Clover Hill Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT36 has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and again in March 2006. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. In April 2006, he was regularly seen displaying with WT28 at Hamsterley Hall in the lower Derwent valley where they set up a territory but did not nest.
Fire Flight continued to spend time with WT28 (Agnes) and in spring 2007 they again set up a territory. However, this time they built a nest together and have successfully raised one chick! The chick has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A6. The chick fledged late July 2007.
Fire Flight and Agnes have bred successfully in Gateshead for a second consecutive year. They have raised two chicks, one of which has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags C0. The chicks fledged July 2008.
On 12th November 2008, Fire Flight was first seen roosting with fourteen other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead before moving to Gibside National Trust estate. This has been followed by no sightings since.
In February 2011 his body was discovered in a wood near Lintzford, it was clear he had been dead for sometime and therefore it was impossible to determine the cause of death.
Latest Sighting: February 2011 - Lintzford, Gateshead - deceased
Kite No: 37
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Spirit
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Farne Primary School, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT37 has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and again in March 2006. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. In December 2006, Spirit's transmitter signal did not change for a period of time indicating problems. Following further investigation, his corpse was found in Barlow Burn. There is no evidence to indicate death was due to anything but natural causes.
Latest Sighting: December 2006 - Barlow Burn, Gateshead - deceased
Kite No: 38
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Harlow Harrier
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Harlow Green Infants School, Low Fell, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Harlow Harrier has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. She was regularly seen foraging and feeding in the Barlow Burn and lower Derwent valley until 10th May 2006 when she arrived in Teesdale to join the resident kites. During October and November 2006 Harlow Harrier travelled back and forth between Teesdale and Gateshead. Since January 2007, she has been regularly detected near Rowlands Gill.
In the spring Harlow Harrier set up a territory with WT56 (Burnside Red Arrow). They built a nest and have successfully raised two chicks! The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B1 and B0 respectively. B0 fledged mid-July 2007, however, sibling B1 had to be taken into rehabilitation after being found soaked through and underweight at the bottom of the nest tree. Following several weeks in rehab B1 was released back into the Derwent valley in late-July, after being fitted with a radio transmitter.
Harlow Harrier is regularly recorded with Burnside Red Arrow in the Barlow area of Gateshead.
In spring 2008, Harlow Harrier and WT56 paired up again and successfully raised two chicks. The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B4 and B5 respectively. Both chicks fledged mid-July 2008, however, not long after fledging B5 was predated upon by most likely a fox.
In November 2008, Harlow Harrier was seen at Beda Hills in Rowlands Gill.
On 28th January 2009, Harlow Harrier was seen perched in a tree with partner WT56 in the Beda Hills area of Rowlands Gill, and they went on to successfully raise a further two chicks, not tagged.
In 2010 this pair were again successful in fledging a chick, this was tagged D3.
In January 2011 she was seen with her partner, on their territory, accompanied by D0 - a 2010 chick, and another untagged juvenile. Harlow Harrier and her partner Burnside Arrow, then went on to successfully raise another chick, this was tagged E3. Observed on territory at Beda Hills on 12th November 2011
Identified perched in territory at Beda Hills, Highfield on 30th December 2011.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT56. They did not use this nest but are thought have moved west to Chopwell Woods, new nest not found.
2013 - There was no activity on their territory this years.
Latest Sighting: April 2014 - Territory at Beda Hills appeared occupied - but no nest was found.
Kite No: 39
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Sparkle
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: High Spen Primary School, High Spen, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Sparkle has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She was regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until March 2006. She was detected in April. On 28th November 2006 she was detected once again in Gateshead. She has not been detected since.
Latest Sighting: November 2006 - Gateshead.
Kite No: 40
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Ziggy
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Emmanuel College, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Ziggy has spent most of the time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. Ziggy has been regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and Lower Derwent Valley.
Ziggy was recorded with WT24 (a female) in early spring, however WT24 has since bred successfully with WT59. Then Ziggy was seen with WT43 and WT89 (both female). As Ziggy has only been recorded roosting with various females, but has not set up a territory with any of them, the sex of Ziggy still remains a mystery!
Ziggy remains in Gateshead and during the winter months has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill.
The sex of Ziggy has remained a mystery since the kite was released back in 2005. However, the mystery has finally been solved - Ziggy is female! In spring 2008, Ziggy was seen displaying with WT74 (Jammy Dodger) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together and Ziggy laid several eggs, unfortunately these did not hatch.
On 15th September 2008, Ziggy was seen roosting with at least eight other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
She has continued to spend the winter nights at this roost.
In spring 2009, Ziggy and partner WT74 nested at the Highland Cattle Centre near Whittonstall, in the Tyne Valley, and this time they successfully raised one chick, not tagged.
In the spring of 2010, Ziggy was with her new partner A5 Ponteland Sunrise, again at the Highland Cattle Centre, where they hatched one chick. Sadly her body was found near the nest in June, her partner was found near by the following month, and the chick also perished. Subsequent postmortems confirmed both of the adults had been poisoned.
Her previous partner WT 74 has not been seen since 2009.
Latest Sighting: June 2010 - Highland Cattle Centre, Northumberland - deceased, confirmed poisoned.
Kite No: 41
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Rusty
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Westerhope Primary School, Newcastle.
Brief Summary: Since release, Rusty has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. Rusty explored elsewhere during the summer of 2006 venturing between the kites in Teesdale and Gateshead. He was last detected in Teesdale on 14th August 2006.
On 26th November 2007, having not been recorded for over a year, Rusty was detected near Beamish in County Durham! This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: November 2007 - Beamish, Co Durham.
Kite No: 42
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Thunderbird
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Burnopfield Primary School, Durham.
Brief Summary: Since release, Thunderbird has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. He has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and at the Burnhills SITA landfill site with several other kites. During May 2006 he was frequently recorded around the Gibside estate. He is still seen regularly around the Rowlands Gill area.
Thunderbird and WT54 (Fantastic Flying Fiona) were seen inspecting an old crows nest in early spring. They set up a territory and WT54 was first noted incubating during April 2007, however the nest was abandoned in early May. Thunderbird remained in Gateshead and during the winter months was regularly detected at the Gibside winter roost.
In spring 2008 Thunderbird and WT54 paired up again, however, they did not successfully raise any chicks. On 9th October 2008, Thunderbird was seen roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
On 10th March 2009, Thunderbird was seen with partner WT54 investigating woodland in the lower Derwent valley area of Gateshead. On 30th March 2009, Thunderbird was seen feeding on a dead vole with WT54 in the Derwent Walk Country Park, Gateshead.
Thunderbird and his partner WT54, again failed to raise chicks in both 2009 and in 2010.
Early in the 2010 breeding season, Thunderbird then changed partners to WT16 Flag, splitting up a long term partnership between Flag and Red Philip, but they still failed to raise any chicks.
Over the winter of 2010/2011 Thunderbird was a regular visitor both at the Pre-roosts at Hollinside Manor, and at Roost at Gibside, often with WT16 in attendance.
In summer 2011 Thunderbird and Flag moved across the valley to Hollinside, and built a new nest, but still failed to raise any chicks. In August he was seen perched at his old nest site with WT16, WT D4 and another untagged juvenile in attendance.
Recorded at pre roost near Hollinside Manor on the 20th November and 10th December 2011 and on five occasions in 2012
March 2012 - refurbishing old nest of 2010 at the Slide in the Derwent Country Park, with partner WT16. Thunderbird was seen regularly displaying over the nest wood in the spring but their nest was discovered failed at the end of May.
December 2012 at roost at Gibside
10/01/2013 - at pre roost in Paddock Hill woods, Derwent Country Park
January 2013 - seen at pre roost in Paddock Hill woods, Derwent Country Park on three occasions
January 2013 - seen at pre roost in Paddock Hill woods, Derwent Country Park on three occasions
March 2013 - building new nest near Hollinside Manor with patner WT16
15/04/2013 - Observed flying over nest site.
Spring/summer of 2013 - Thunderbird and Flag build new nest near Hollinside Manor and successfully fledge two chicks, one of which was wing tagged G6
February and March 2014 - Thunderbird and Flag 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 his partner and new chick J1
November 2014 - Thunderbird was seen pre-roosting twice this month - once with his partner WT16 near their Territory at Hollinside Manor, and on another occasion in the same area with WT 43.
February and March 2015 - Thunderbird and Flag (WT16) 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 his partner and newly tagged chick K5
February and March 2016 - Thunderbird and his regular partner WT 16 Flag 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 - Thunderbird and his regular partner WT16 Flag 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..
Latest Sighting: July 2018 - the juvenile was seen flying over the nest wood having successfully fledged.
Kite No: 43
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Swift
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Whitemere Community Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Swift has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and again in March 2006. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. Swift has been regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and lower Derwent valley.
She was recorded roosting with WT40 and WT89 during the spring of 2007.
Swift remains in Gateshead.
In spring 2008, Swift was seen displaying with WTA7 in the lower Derwent valley, though they did not nest together. It is believed that Swift paired up with another kite and managed to raise two chicks as she was seen in late July 2008 with two juveniles!
Since early October 2008, Swift has been spending the winter nights at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
In 2009 Thunderbird appeared to be holding a territory in Thornley Woods, but with no partner in evidence, this came to nothing. In September 2009 she was twice recorded at the Sherburn Towers winter roost.
In the spring of 2010 Swift was seen partnered with WT80 Sky Diver, and they went on to successfully raise one chick, tagged E2, in the Blaydon Burn. During the winter of 2010/2011 Swift was frequently seen at both the Pre-roosts at Hollinside Manor and at Roost at Gibside.
In March 2011 it was confirmed that Swift was the new partner of WT15 Red Philip, at his territory in the Derwent Park. They successfully went on to fledge three chicks (a first for Red Philip), two were tagged E8 & E9, the third being too small to tag. The nest was found to contain a soft toy bear's head as decoration.
In August she was seen with her partner WT15 and two of their offspring at their nest location in the Derwent Park.Regularly seen during the winter of 2011/2012, on territory, with partner WT15 & family, at Paddock Hill and at pre roost near Hollinside Manor.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with partner WT15. Swift was noted incubating on the 9th April and feeding a very small chick in the nest on the 8th May. The chick(wing tag F3) was seen flying at a Kite Watch event on the 8th July and on the same day was observed feeding back at the nest with Swift in attendance.
Swift has been identified regularly during the 2012/2013 winter pre and main roost sites near the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Country Park - often calling with partner WT15. The main roost is in their territory.
08/04/2013 - Swift has left her partner of the last two years for the untagged male holding an adjacent territory and Red Philp tries to woo her back whilst the male is away foraging.
Swift stays with her untagged partner but the nest fails at the chick stage.
Swift is regularly seen at the winter roost and on territory
21/01/2014 - perched at Paddock Hill in the Derwent Country Park.
February 2014 - Swift is on territory at Paddock Hill with her untagged partner bringing in nest material. They went on to successfully fledge two chicks - wing tagged J4 and J5
June 2014 - on territory with her two chicks J4 and J5
October 2014 - identified at the main winter roost in the Derwent Country Park
November 2014 - Swift was seen pre-roosting twice this month near Hollinside Manor, on one occasion near WT 42, the male from the Hollinside Territory.
December 2014 - Swift was seen three times this month, once over Winlaton with two other kites and twice at the main winter roost at Hollinside Manor.
January 2015 - Swift was seen four times this month, once over Winlaton and twice over Blaydon, on two of these occasions being photographed.
She was also seen once at the main winter roost near the Nine Arches Viaduct with up to 40 other kites.
February 2015 - Swift was once again seen near Winlaton, perched in a tree above Axwell Park and eating carrion, with another untagged kite coming in with food.
February 2015 - Swift was seen on her territory at Paddock Hill.
Latest Sighting: April and May 2015 - In April Swift was noted incubating, but by May the nest had failed - reason unknown.
Kite No: 44
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Morgan
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Ryton Comprehensive School, Ryton, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Morgan has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. In February 2006, Morgan was detected at Tanfield Lea near Stanley, and has been regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and Lower Derwent Valley. In August and September 2006, Morgan was seen in the Simonside Hills in Northumberland but continued to return to Gateshead.
In spring 2007, Morgan and WT53 (Winlaton Blaze) were regularly seen together. They set up a territory in the Derwent valley and have successfully raised two chicks! The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags A0 and A1 respectively. The chicks fledged in July 2007.
In spring 2008 Morgan and WT53 paired up again, however, they did not successfully raise any chicks.
Morgan remains in Gateshead and in early February 2009, a photograph was taken of her flying around the Rowlands Gill area. In November 2009 Morgan and her partner WT53 were seen near their territory in the Derwent Valley. They went on to successfully fledge one chick, not tagged, in 2010.
In the summer of 2011, Morgan was found with a new partner WT B6 Golden Glider, at a new territory in Rowlands Gill, where they successfully fledged one chick, not tagged.
June 2011 - Rowlands Gill, Gateshead - successfully fledged one chick with her new partner WT B6.
March 2012 - Morgan and partner built a new nest, this time in a garden nearer the River Derwent. Morgan was noted incubating on the 16th april and brooding a single chick on the 13th May. The chick fledged on 11th June and was not tagged.
June 2012 - observed near nest.
March 2013 - refurbishing last years nest with partner B6.
15/04/2013 - Morgan is on her on nest incubating. Went on to fledge two chick which were wing tagged, G0 & G1.
February 2014 - on territory and refurbishing nest with partner B6
February 2014 - on territory in Rowlands Gill and refurbishing nest with partner B6 Golden Glider
Morgan was seen incubating in April 2014, but by June there was no activity at the nest site, although residents reported seeing two fledged chicks.
April 2014 - incubating on her nest - outcome was unknown
February and March 2015 - Morgan and her partner Golden Glider (WTB6) were seen around their nest site in Rowlands Gill, with two juveniles, which were probably their young from last year. There was some possible refurbishment of last year's nest.
Latest Sighting: April and May 2015 - although kites continued to be seen in the local area, no nest was found and breeding was not confirmed.
Kite No: 45
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Golden Rainbow
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Oswalds RC Primary School, Wrekenton, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Golden Rainbow has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. She has been regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and lower Derwent valley. On 17th June 2006, she was detected in Dorchester in Dorset where she stayed for several weeks before returning to Gateshead on 26th July. She was not detected again until April 2007, when a visual sighting confirmed she was in East Yorkshire.
Golden Rainbow paired up with a kite in east Yorkshire, they set up a territory though did not breed successfully.
By early 2008, Golden Rainbow was back in Gateshead. On the 24th February she was recorded near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill. On 9th October 2008, Golden Rainbow was seen roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
After no sightings for over a year, in January 2010, we received information that she had twice been seen in the East Yorkshire area again. There have been no recorded sightings since.
Latest Sighting: January 2010 - East Yorkshire.
Kite No: 46
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Super Newker Ruby
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Newker Primary School, Chester le Street, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT46 has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow and Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill. She was seen regularly foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until June. She has not been detected since 2nd June 2006.
Latest Sighting: June 2006 - Lower Derwent Valley, Gateshead.
Kite No: 47
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Pippin
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Glynwood Primary School, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: On the day of release, WT47 landed in the shallow water of Far Pasture pond in the Derwent Walk Country Park, after coming down to investigate a squabble between a mallard and a coot! WT47 soon flew off. Since her release, she has been regularly seen foraging and roosting in the Lower Derwent Valley. She has also been noted at Rainton Meadows in September 2005 and Springwell, east of Birtley in November 2005. Her preferred roost has varied between Gibside and Sherburn Tower Farm in Rowlands Gill. During May, she explored the Chester le Street area and was regularly seen in the Team Valley. She has not been detected since 1st June 2006. In August and October 2006, Pippin was detected with the kites in Teesdale. She travelled further south in late October and spent time near Barningham where she was last detected in early December 2006. She was not detected again until late February 2007 when she was recorded back in Gateshead.
On 30 April 2007, Pippin was seen in Wharfedale, Yorkshire and was thought to be nesting in the area. However, by mid-May she was detected near Wolsingham in Weardale, County Durham!
By the beginning of August 2007, Pippin had made her way to Langleydale in Teesdale and was seen trying to 'woo' the breeding male! She followed him through the wood, they were seen weaving in and out of the trees below the canopy.
In May 2008, the body of her mate was found dead below their nest in Wharfedale, Yorkshire, it was later confirmed he had been poisoned..
Latest Sighting: May 2008 - Wharfedale, Yorkshire - has not been sited since her mate was found dead.
Kite No: 48
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Nightfire
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Frosterley Community Primary School, Frosterley, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: Since release, Nightfire has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. He was seen foraging and feeding at Lintz Hall Farm near Hamsterley Mill in August 2005 and again in March 2006. His preferred roost was at Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and has been regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley, until he left the Derwent Valley in early May. He arrived in Teesdale on 9th May to join the resident kites there. He has not been detected since 9th June 2006 when he was in Teesdale.
Having not been recorded for almost two years, Nightfire was finally seen on 27th June 2008. He was feeding on a hay crop with WT22 and several other kites at Beda Hills in Gateshead.
This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: June 2008 - Beda Hills, Gateshead - feeding on a hay crop with several other kites.
Kite No: 49
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: High Flier
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Heddon St Andrews C of E First School, Heddon, Northumberland.
Brief Summary: For the first month after release, High Flier spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. She was last detected in the Lower Derwent Valley in September 2005 and has not been noted since.
Latest Sighting: September 2005 - Lower Derwent Valley, Gateshead.
Kite No: 50
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Valiant
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Branton County First School, Powburn, Northumberland.
Brief Summary: Since release, Valiant has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley. Valiant had not been detected in Gateshead since July 2006.
However, she was photographed in a roost in Monzie, central Scotland on 5th February 2007. Valiant was not seen again until early May 2008 when a report confirmed she was at Crieff in Central Scotland.
On 14th October 2008, Valiant was recorded at the red kite winter roost in Comrie, Perthshire in Scotland. It would definitely appear that Valiant has settled in Central Scotland. It is suspected that she may have bred in the area, however, this is unconfirmed.
Latest Sighting: October 2008 - Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland - at red kite winter roost.
Kite No: 51
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Burning Wings
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Stocksfield Avenue Primary School, Fenham, Newcastle.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT51 has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. He has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley.
Having initially spent time with WT32 in early spring, Burning Wings finally paired up with WT21 (Winlaton Phoenix). The pair successfully raised one chick, the first red kite chick to be raised in Northumberland for over 170 years! This chick has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A5. The chick fledged late July 2007.
On 19th January 2008, Burning Wings was seen flying with WTA5 above Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill.
On 11th February 2008, Burning Wings was seen with five other kites (including mate WT21 and juvenile WTA5) feeding in a field and perching on fence posts just north of the Barlow Burn.
In spring 2008 Burning Wings and mate WT21 were seen displaying together, though they are not known to have nested.
On 22nd September 2008, Burning Wings was seen roosting with seventeen other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
He was recorded at this roost again on 2nd October 2008.
On 6th April 2009, Burning Wings was seen with partner WT21 perched in woodland near Wylam, their breeding attempt again failed this year.
In September 2009 he was sadly found dead underneath a pylon near Wylam, the autopsy confirmed electrocution.
Latest Sighting: September 2009 - Wylam, Northumberland - deceased, electrocute.
Kite No: 52
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Coco Carrion
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Preston Grange Primary School, North Shields, North Tyneside.
Brief Summary: Since release, Coco Carrion has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley. Coco Carrion was last detected in Gateshead on August 21st 2006. She has since been exploring other areas.
Latest Sighting: August 2006 -Gateshead.
Kite No: 53
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Winlaton Blaze
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Parkhead Community Primary School, Winlaton, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, Winlaton Blaze has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. He has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley.
In the spring, Winlaton Blaze and WT44 (Morgan) were regularly seen together. They set up a territory and have successfully raised two chicks! The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags A0 and A1 respectively. The chicks fledged in July 2007.
In spring 2008 Winlaton Blaze and WT44 paired up again, however, they did not successfully raise any chicks on this occasion.
On 4th January 2009, Winlaton Blaze was seen perched on top of a pine tree in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Two other kites were circling above calling to each other.
On the evening of 5th April 2009, Winlaton Blaze was seen perched in a tree in Rowlands Gill with WTC2 and an untagged first summer bird (a kite born in 2008). He and his partner were not known to have bred this year.
In November 2009 Winlaton Blaze and his partner WT44 were seen at pre-roost near their territory.
They had more success in 2010 and successfully fledged one chick, not tagged. In September he was identified with two other kites flying over Rowlands Gill.
In 2011 Winlaton Blaze and his new untagged partner failed in their breeding attempt. He was then seen in September on his territory in the company of 4 juveniles and an untagged adult.
30th December 2011 - Rowlands Gill, Gateshead - on territory with untagged partner.
March 2012 - building new nest at an old site used in 2010.Winlaton Blaze is still paired with an untagged female. They have built a new nest in the garden of a house on a part of the territory that they built a nest in but did not use in 2011. Winlaton Blaze has been see bringing food into the female whilst incubating and then to the single chick after hatching. The chick was ringed and wing tagged (F5 ) on the 19th June and has since fledged successfully.
June 2012 - flying over nest site.
March 2013 - refurbished last years nest with partner but are not using it. New nest not found
Regularly seen after that on territory from the Rowlands Gill Viaduct.10/02/2013 - observed from the Rowlands Gill Viaduct on territory.
January 2014 - Winlaton Blaze was noted on territory with his untagged partner, they were refurbishing their nest in February and March, but then moved to a new nest in Rowlands Gill.
April 2014 - The female was observed incubating but by late May early June it was confirmed the nest had failed.
March 2014 - at new nest site with his untagged partner - nest subsequently failed.
February and March 2015 - Winlaton Blaze and his untagged partner were seen on territory and displaying over their nest wood in Rowlands Gill.
April 2015 - kites continued to be seen in this area, but the nest was not found.
July 2015 - a juvenile kite was seen on this territory confirming successful breeding
February and March 2016 - Winlaton Blaze and his untagged partner were seen patrolling and displaying over their nest wood at Priestfield.
May 2016 - a new nest was located and initially there was a lot of kite activity around this site, which was then followed by no activity at all.
June 2016 - this nest failed, probably due to predation by crows.
February and March 2017 - Winlaton Blaze and his untagged partner were seen patrolling over their nest wood south of Rowlands Gill. By March the nest had been refurbished and copulation observed.
April and May 2017 - the female was observed incubating on the 24thApril with Winlaton Blaze close by. In May one chick was seen in the nest with the female perched on the side.
June 2017 - by early June there were two chicks in nest of different sizes, only one chick was subsequently ringed and wing tagged N4 - there was also an infertile egg in the nest. By the end of June the nest was empty and the chick had fledged.
July 2017 - An adult was flying around the nest wood, with a juvenile calling from in the wood.
February 2018 - there was kite activity noted near this nest site near Rowlands Gill
April 2018 - one kite was seen perched on the edge of last year's nest. (WT53 Winlaton Blaze is the male here).
May 2018 - no activity at old nest, but kite still patrolling this wood, so possibly nested nearby..
Latest Sighting: June 2018 - a juvenile kite was seen taking short flights with both parents in attendance.
Kite No: 54
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Fantastic Flying Fiona
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Wark C of E First School, Wark, Northumberland.
Brief Summary: Since release, Fantastic Flying Fiona has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley. In April 2006, she was seen mating with WT3 in the Lower Derwent Valley where they set up a territory but did not nest. She summered in Gateshead but has not been detected since August 2006. However, in late November she returned and has been detected in Gateshead regularly over the last few months.
Fantastic Flying Fiona and WT42 (Thunderbird) were seen inspecting an old crows nest in early spring. They set up a territory and Fantastic Flying Fiona was first noted incubating during April 2007, however the nest was abandoned in early May.
Fantastic Flying Fiona has not been detected since early May 2007, however, her transmitter is no longer working so she can only be identified by a visual sighting.
One such sighting places Fantastic Flying Fiona at Sherburn Tower Farm in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, on 15 October 2007.
She was then seen at Cut Thorn Farm near Gibside on 26th November 2007. This has been followed by no sightings since.
From early February 2008 Fantastic Flying Fiona has regularly been seen in the lower Derwent valley.
In spring 2008 Fantastic Flying Fiona and WT42 paired up again, however, they did not successfully raise any chicks.
On 10th March 2009, Fantastic Flying Fiona was seen with partner WT42 investigating woodland in the lower Derwent valley area of Gateshead. On 30th March 2009, WT42 was seen with Fantastic Flying Fiona feeding on a dead vole in the Derwent Walk Country Park, Gateshead. Their attempt at breeding in 2009 again failed, but she was identified flying over the lower Derwent Valley in October 2009.
Early on in the 2010 breeding season, she was observed on territory with her partner WT42, but not seen after this, WT42 was then noted to have paired up with WT16 Flag.
March 2010 - Derwent Park, Gateshead - seen on territory with WT 42. WT42 had a new partner in 2011
Latest Sighting: March 2010 - Derwent Park, Gateshead.
Kite No: 55
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Harrowgate Lightning
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Harrowgate Hill Primary School, Darlington, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: Since release, Harrowgate Lightning has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She was seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until May. She has not been detected since 10th May 2006.
Latest Sighting: May 2006 - lower Derwent Valley, Gateshead.
Kite No: 56
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Burnside Red Arrow
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Burnside First School, Cramlington, Northumberland.
Brief Summary: Since release, Burnside Red Arrow has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. He was seen regularly foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until mid May when he explored the Wolsingham area and near Lanchester. He returned to Gateshead on 17th May. He was last detected in Gateshead on 20th July. However, in late November he returned and has been detected in Gateshead regularly over the last few months.
In spring 2007, Burnside Red Arrow set up a territory with WT38 (Harlow Harrier. They built a nest and have successfully raised two chicks! The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B1 and B0 respectively. B0 fledged mid-July 2007, however, sibling B1 had to be taken into rehabilitation after being found soaked through and underweight at the bottom of the nest tree. Following several weeks in rehab B1 was released back into the Derwent valley in late-July, after being fitted with a radio transmitter.
Burnside Red Arrow is regularly recorded with Harlow Harrier in the Barlow area of Gateshead.
In spring 2008, Burnside Red Arrow and WT38 paired up again and successfully raised two chicks. The chicks have been fitted with leg rings and wing tags B4 and B5 respectively. Both chicks fledged mid-July 2008, however, not long after fledging B5 was predated upon by most likely a fox.
On 28th January 2009, Burnside Red Arrow was seen perched in a tree with partner WT38 in the Beda Hills area of Rowlands Gill. They again successfully raised two chicks, not tagged.
Once again, in 2010, this pair successfully fledged one chick, tagged D3.
In January 2011, the pair were noted on their territory, in the company of D0 - a 2010 chick, and another untagged juvenile.
Burnside Red Arrow and partner Harlow Harrier then went on to successfully fledge another chick, tagged E3, at Beda Hills.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest but this was not used. They did not use this nest but are thought have moved west to Chopwell Woods, new nest not found.
2013 - There was no activity on their territory this year.
Latest Sighting: April 2014 - Territory at Beda Hills appeared occupied - but no nest was found.
Kite No: 57
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Langleydale Traveller
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Woodland Primary School, Co Durham.
Brief Summary: For the first month after release, Langleydale Traveller stayed around the Lower Derwent Valley. In September 2005, she was detected foraging near Frosterley in Weardale and arrived in Teesdale, joining WT5 (a male) and WT23 (a female) in October 2005. All three kites have remained in this area flying and foraging between woodland near Eggleston and near Kinninvie. She has since been identified paired with WT5! The pair successfully raised two chicks that fledged in late July 2006.
Sadly Phoenix (WT5) was fatally injured in an accident in May 2007. However, Langleydale Traveller has since paired up with a pale coloured kite that has been in the Teesdale area for a while. They have successfully raised a chick that fledged in late July. The chick was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags A7.
Langleydale Traveller is regularly detected in the Eggleston area of Teesdale. On 7th January 2008, she was seen flying over Folly Top, Eggleston.
In spring 2008 Langleydale Traveller bred successfully with her new mate for a second consecutive year. They raised at least one chick that fledged in July 2008.
July 2008 - Langleydale, Teesdale - successfully fledged at least one chick with her untagged partner.
2009 - no evidence of breeding.
Latest Sighting: April 2010 - Langleydale, Teesdale - found dead on territory, near Kinninvie, Barnard Castle. Later confirmed as poisoned.
Kite No: 58
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Redwenna
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: St Godrics RC VA Primary School, Durham.
Brief Summary: Since release, Redwenna has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She was regularly seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until March. She has not been detected since 24th March 2006.
On 17th July 2007, a faint signal was picked up for Redwenna in the Derwent Valley, Gateshead. This has been followed by no detections since.
Latest Sighting: July 2007 - Derwent Valley, Gateshead.
Kite No: 59
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Crookhill Blaze
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Male
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Crookhill Primary School, Ryton, Gateshead.
Brief Summary: Since release, WT59 has spent the majority of his time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. His preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. He has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley.
In February 2007 Crookhill Blaze had been detected several times near Wylam in the Tyne Valley, on one occasion with WT21, as well as at his usual haunts around Barlow.
Crookhill Blaze has paired up with WT24 (Starfire). The pair are known to have successfully raised one chick that fledged earlier than expected at the beginning of July. The chick left the nest before any wing tags were fitted making it a truly wild kite. Reports of a family party of kites consisting of two adults and two juveniles were received in early July. This was in the territory of Crookhill Blaze & Starfire, prompting suspicions that they managed to raise two chicks!
During the winter months Crookhill Blaze has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill.
It is unconfirmed if Crookhill Blaze and WT24 bred in 2008. However, an unconfirmed pair have raised two chicks in the Rowlands Gill area, one of these chicks has been fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B2. It is suspected that Crookhill Blaze and WT24 are the parents.
Since mid-November 2008, Crookhill Blaze has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
In 2009 Crookhill Blaze and his partner successfully fledged two chicks, not tagged. In September and October 2009, he was noted at the winter roost at Sherburn Towers on three occasions.
This pair failed in their breeding attempts in 2010, but the following year were successful in fledging two chicks at Spen Banks Wood, not tagged.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest in Spen Banks Wood. Crookhill Blaze and his female partner, Starfire (WT24), raised two chicks which were close to fledging on the 19th June, too big to ring and wing tag.
June 2012 at nest site.
March 2013 - building a new nest with pather WT24 200 metres south of last years nest. 04/04/2013 - partner is incubating.
March 2013 - building a new nest with partner WT24 200 metres south of last years nest. 04/04/2013 - partner is incubating.
June 2013 one chick successfully fledged and wing tagged F7, it was later seen perched near the nest with the adults circling overhead.
March 2014 the pair were on territory and the nest appeared refurbished. Starfire was noted incubating on the 24th April 2014.
June 2014 - Crookhill Blaze and his partner Starfire (WT24) went on to successfully fledge one chick (ringed only) on their territory in Spen Banks Wood.
February and March 2015 - Crookhill Blaze was seen on his territory at Spen Banks, and his nest appeared to be refurbished.
April 2015 - By April there was no activity at the nest. Sadly Crookhill Blaze had lost his partner Starfire (WT24) at the end of last year, and it appears he did not find a new mate for this season.
June 2016 - Although earlier in the season no activity was recorded at this site, in June an active nest was found at Spen Banks. Crookhill Blaze and his untagged partner went on to successfully fledge two chicks, both ringed and wing tagged K7 and K8.
February and March 2017 - Crookhill Blaze and his untagged partner were seen on several occasions circling over the nest wood at Spen Banks, also on one occasion one of the pair was seen perched near the nest site then saw off a buzzard.
April and May 2017 - In April the pair were seen in a dispute with corvids over the nest wood. Later in the month the nest was located but appeared to have been predated. In May a kite was circling over the nest wood but no active nest found.
July 2017 - A juvenile kite came out of a tree 50 metres away from last year's nest, this tree contained a nest and there was splash below indicating this pair had successfully raised at least one chick.
March 2018 - A single kite patrolling this nest wood near Derwentcote. (WT59 Crookhill Blaze is the Male here).
April and May 2018 - two kites regularly seen in the area of the nest, with white material on side of nest and splash on vegetation below nest.
June 2018 - Three chicks were ringed only.
Latest Sighting: July 2018 - Two chicks had fledged successfully, with the third still in the nest.
Kite No: 60
Wing Tag Left/Right: Pink/Orange
Kite Name: Wellbeck Whistler
Hatched: 2005 Chilterns
Male/Female: Female
Parents: Unknown
Adopt/Befriend a kite school: Welbeck Community First School, Ashington, Northumberland.
Brief Summary: Since release, Welbeck Whistler has spent the majority of her time in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn. Her preferred roosts have varied between Barlow, Sherburn Tower Farm at Rowlands Gill and Gibside. She has been seen foraging and feeding in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley.
In early spring 2007, Welbeck Whistler was seen carrying sticks with WT42. However, WT42 eventually paired up with WT54. Welbeck Whistler is still regularly seen in the Gateshead area, often around Barlow Burn.
During the winter months Welbeck Whistler has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.
In Spring 2008, Welbeck Whistler was seen displaying with WT77 (Broady Whipper) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together but did not successfully raise any chicks.
On 8th September 2008, Welbeck Whistler was seen near Thornley Woodlands Centre in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
On 22nd September 2008, Welbeck Whistler was seen roosting with twenty two other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.
She was seen in Gateshead at the end of January 2009, and went on to successfully fledge one chick, untagged, with her partner WT77.
In 2010, Welbeck Whistler had changed partners and paired up with WT C1 Angel, successfully fledging two chicks on the Gibside Estate, these were tagged D6 & D7.
In 2011 this pair (partner wing tag C1) again successfully fledged two chicks, tagged E4 & E5.
19th December - perched on a pylon at pre roost near Hollinside Manor in the Derwent Valley, Gateshead.
March 2012 - refurbishing last years nest with his partner (WTC1), in the West Wood, Gibside. They successfully raised one chick which was ringed and tagged on the 19th June.
June 2012 - observed near nest.
In 2013 the nest was refurbished and Welbeck Whistler was noted incubating but the nest later failed.reason unknown.
February and March 2016 - There were reports of nest building activity from the resident pair Welbeck Whistler and her partner WTC1 Angel on their territory in the West Wood, Gibside and the nest appeared refurbished.
May 2016 - Welbeck Whistler was noted brooding young on the 16th May, and Angel was in attendance.
June 2016 - this pair went on to successfully fledge one chick ringed and wing tagged K6.
February and March 2017 - The resident pair Welbeck Whistler and her partner WTC1 Angel were seen regularly circling over their territory in the West Wood, Gibside.
April and May 2017 - a new nest was located and Welbeck Whistler was noted incubating on the 11th April. By May there was at least one chick in the nest with Welbeck Whistler in attendance.
June 2017 - this pair successfully raised two chicks but they were too big to ring or wing tag. By the end of the month the chicks had fledged and were perched close by the empty nest.
April and May 2018 - On 16th April Welbeck Whistler was noted incubating at a new nest site near Burnopfield, then on 24th May she was seen brooding whilst her partner WTC1 Angel alarm calling.
June 2018 - two chicks were in the nest.
Latest Sighting: July 2018 - two chicks successfully fledged.