Our Red Kite Histories (Scroll Down for 2005 Red Kite His

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.

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.