This film is about the seabird Kittiwake. The film itself has been paid for by the Northumberland and North Tyneside Bird Club and the screening paid for by the Roland Cookson Fund (via the Community Foundation) as part of a larger project carried out by Northumberland Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Tyne Kittiwake Partnership promoting the importance of the river Tyne for Kittiwakes.

Since the 1970s, Kittiwakes have been nesting on the Tyne Bridge and surrounding buildings. This has caused some contention over the years and recently there have been increased calls to exclude the birds from nesting in this area. However, the Kittiwake colony on the Tyne bridge and surrounds is the largest inland colony of this species anywhere in the world and partners (including the Local Authorities) agree this is a cultural asset that needs celebrating. Couple this with the fact that seabirds are declining globally adds extra emphasis on how important the Tyne bridge and surrounding area is for the species.

Image courtesy of Ian Cook