friends of red kites newsletter spring 2012_v3.pdf · there was also a smaller roost further up the...

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1 Spring 2012 Newsletter Dear Friends, Membership Judy Summerson Membership numbers continue to grow with people joining from all over the north-east. Following a slight drop in numbers we are now a 283 strong team of Red Kite “ambassadors” keenly encouraging interest and involvement in protecting and maintaining our population of red kites. However, we need to keep going, and if we all try to join up one new member then our membership would grow even quicker. Let’s see if we can reach 300 by the end of June. The more members we have, the louder our voice to help with the protection of these magnificent birds of prey. There is a membership form on the web site and there are leaflets in Thornley Woodlands Centre, The Golden Lion, Swalwell Visitor Centre, Lintzford Garden Centre or contact me at [email protected] 2011-2012 Winter Roost Summary Ken Sanderson In the last issue of the Newsletter I reported that in November the number of kites at roost had built up to thirty birds. This trend continued and by 14th December an amazing forty-six were noted, a record for the Derwent Valley since the birds were released. Up to the end of January forty birds were regularly recorded, often giving some fantastic aerial displays. The main winter roost was again at Snipes Dene, Gibside with the pre-roost forming at nearby Hollinside Manor, but the birds did occasionally move around on the Gibside Estate, depending on the weather conditions. This is an excellent location for us to monitor the kites with good views from the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Park. During the winter twenty-two kites were identified from their wing tags whilst perched in windless conditions. On one occasion there were nine untagged juveniles from last year present at the pre-roost gathering. There was also a smaller roost further up the valley at Victoria Garesfield, where up to seventeen kites roosted on one occasion. These communal roosts are an important social event for the kites; they enjoy gathering together, and probably share knowledge of where feeding opportunities have been found, particularly important for juveniles, to help them through their first winter. It is also an important opportunity for juveniles to form partnerships for the next breeding season, or for mature kites to find a new partner if their previous partner has been lost for any reason. Last month saw a steady decline in the number of kites at roost and by the end of February there were only fifteen birds present. The less harsh winter, recent mild weather, and better feeding opportunities have brought birds into breeding condition early. Many kites are now back on territory, redefining their borders, pair bonding and in some cases have even started nest building. The Friends of Red Kites monitoring teams are entering a very busy period and request your support. We would like to hear of any sightings of red kites that are showing breeding behaviour e.g. displaying over woodland, territorial disputes, carrying nesting material etc and would appreciate being sent your observations. This can be done via our website www.friendsofredkites.org.uk or by emailing any of the committee listed in this newsletter. Friends of Red Kites in the North East of England www.friendsofredkites.org.uk F r iends of R ed K i t es Friends of Red Kites in the North East of England Red Kite Mali Halls

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Spring 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Membership Judy Summerson

Membership numbers continue to grow with people joining from all over the north-east. Following a slight drop in numbers we are now a 283 strong team of Red Kite “ambassadors” keenly encouraging interest and involvement in protecting and maintaining our population of red kites. However, we need to keep going, and if we all try to join up one new member then our membership would grow even quicker. Let’s see if we can reach 300 by the end of June. The more members we have, the louder our voice to help with the protection of these magnificent birds of prey.

There is a membership form on the web site and there are leaflets in Thornley Woodlands Centre, The Golden Lion, Swalwell Visitor Centre, Lintzford Garden Centre or contact me at [email protected]

2011-2012 Winter Roost Summary Ken SandersonIn the last issue of the Newsletter I reported that in November the number of kites at roost had built up to thirty birds. This trend continued and by 14th December an amazing forty-six were noted, a record for the Derwent Valley since the birds were released. Up to the end of January forty birds were regularly recorded, often giving some fantastic aerial displays.

The main winter roost was again at Snipes Dene, Gibside with the pre-roost forming at nearby Hollinside Manor, but the birds did occasionally move around on the Gibside Estate, depending on the weather

conditions. This is an excellent location for us to monitor the kites with good views from the Nine Arches Viaduct in the Derwent Park. During the winter twenty-two kites were identified from their wing tags whilst perched in windless conditions. On one occasion there were nine untagged juveniles from last year present at the pre-roost gathering.

There was also a smaller roost further up the valley at Victoria Garesfield, where up to seventeen kites roosted on one occasion.

These communal roosts are an important social event for the kites; they enjoy gathering together, and probably share knowledge of where feeding opportunities have been found, particularly important for juveniles, to help them through their first winter. It is also an important opportunity for juveniles to form partnerships for the next breeding season, or for mature kites to find a new partner if their previous partner has been lost for any reason.

Last month saw a steady decline in the number of kites at roost and by the end of February there were only fifteen birds present. The less harsh winter, recent mild weather, and better feeding opportunities have brought birds into breeding condition early. Many kites are now back on territory, redefining their borders, pair bonding and in some cases have even started nest building.

The Friends of Red Kites monitoring teams are entering a very busy period and request your support. We would like to hear of any sightings of red kites that are showing breeding behaviour e.g. displaying over woodland, territorial disputes, carrying nesting material etc and would appreciate being sent your observations. This can be done via our website www.friendsofredkites.org.uk or by emailing any of the committee listed in this newsletter.

Friends of Red Kitesin the North East of England

www.friendsofredkites.org.ukFriends ofRed KitesFriends ofRed Kites

i n t h e N o r t h E a s t o f E n g l a n d

Red Kite Mali Halls

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Presentations and events Sylvia JonesSylvia, Judy and Harold have given 8 presentations this Spring and have talked to 345 people. These presentations also raise money for our funds. We are still targeting Northumberland and we are getting a good response. Please contact us if you would like a presentation.

The February Roost Watch was officially cancelled due to bad weather.Allan went to the viaduct and was joined by a number of members who enjoyed excellent views of kites.

Fifty people and four dogs attended the Gibside Red Kite Ramble in February. Judy, Marian and Harold conducted the walk during which there were very good views of kites.

Harold represented FoRK at the regional finals of the F1 car racing in schools event at Newcastle University. Red Kite Racing (Emmanuel College) won and are through to the national finals in Birmingham. Their car was adorned with FoRK logos and we hope they do well in the finals.Congratulations to their team on a brilliant effort.

Fork leaders organised a red kite safari with the Great North Museum as part of the Newcastle Science Festival which had Extinction as its theme. 30 members of the public met Ken, Marian and David. After a brief introduction, walked from Winlaton Mill, over Kite Hill to the Nine Arches Viaduct. There were excellent views of kites as well as buzzards, dippers and other wildlife.

We are still promoting red kites and the work of FoRK to people outside the core area. Thank you to everyone who has helped with these activities.

STOP PRESS Marian WilliamsHave you checked out our Website recently? This is constantly being refreshed and updated with photos, media stories, events etc.

Also new is the ‘Individual Kite Histories’ page which lists all the North East tagged kites since 2004 to the present, with brief details of each kite’s name, Adopt/Befriend a Kite school, parents, etc., plus a brief summary of each kite’s life history. You can browse through the whole list (over 140 kites), or search by year born and unique wing tag if you are interested in a specific kite. Our Web address is: www.friendsofredkites.org.uk

Photo by Kevin Gray

Health Walks Update Jackey LockwoodOnce again we have enjoyed a varied and interesting programme of Health Walks in the Derwent Valley. The average numbers of walkers has risen over the last six months from 16 to 25 people out enjoying the fresh air, countryside, wildlife and the company of others.

In September, the walk included part of Rowlands Gill and the recently surfaced track through woodland to the Derwent Walk. There were regular close views of red kites. In October, the walk from Stirling Lane along the Derwent Walk Railway Path was a delight with stunning autumn colours and good views of red

WT D5 photo by Steven Fryer

Ferry crossing on coastal walk Oct 2012, photo by Glenn Dawson

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kites each week. An extra “event” walk was included at the start of the month. A group of 21 Health Walkers enjoyed a bracing ramble of 5 miles from Souter Lighthouse to Tynemouth via the ferry crossing, with a welcome stop for fish and chips in South Shields.

The walk we did in November is always a favourite. It follows the multi-user route south as it loops around Kite Hill beside the River Derwent. There were regular sightings of dipper, mallard, moorhen and swans. From the Nine Arches Viaduct we had clear views of red kites as the birds came in to pre-roost, and several sightings of buzzard. In December, the walk from Winlaton Mill

went north in the Derwenthaugh Park to Swalwell and then on to the Derwent Walk. The recently up-graded link path to the Butterfly Bridge has been a great improvement, making access to the crossing much safer than before.

The New Year got off to an auspicious start with record numbers of walkers out with us. The January walk in the Lower Derwent gave regular sightings of heron, dipper, various ducks including goosander, as well as gulls, cormorant and waders on the River Tyne. The walk in February from Stirling Lane gave, once again, good views of red kites with some birds over their nesting territories. There were also sightings of winter visitors such as siskin, fieldfare and redwing.

Thank you to all the voluntary Health Walk Leaders who contribute so much to the running and enjoyment of the walks, and to the walkers themselves for their enthusiasm. The Health Walks will continue throughout the spring and in to the summer. New walkers are always welcome. If you would like to join us the starting point for March and April is Winlaton Mill car park at 1.30 pm every Monday. Each walk is about 3 miles in length and finishes by 3 pm. There is the option of a refreshment stop nearby. All the details are on our website www.friendsofredkites.org.uk under Health Walks. In addition the new publication of Gateshead’s walking programme for 2012 called “Get Walking Gateshead” is available. The booklet outlines a wide variety of walks across the Borough. Hopefully see some of you out and about sometime.

Formula 1 in Schools... a racing certainty! Harold DobsonFriends of Red Kites have made a small donation to Emmanuel College who are part of our Befriend a Kite Scheme. They are participating in the international Formula 1 (F1) in Schools competition as “Red Kite Racing”.

The competition’s aim is to introduce younger people to engineering in a more fun environment. Teams have to design and manufacture a miniature “car” out of balsa wood using CAD/CAM design tools. The cars are powered by carbon dioxide cartridges and are attached to a track by a thin wire. They are timed, from the moment they are launched to when they pass the finish line, by a computer. The cars are raced on a 24 metre track with two lanes, to allow two cars to be raced simultaneously.

View of the Tyne Jan 2012, photo by Harold Dobson

Health walkers at Lintzgreen Feb 2012, photo by Austin Dunphy

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Contact details for Committee

Chairman, Kite Officer Mr Ken Sanderson [email protected]

Membership Secretary Mrs Judy Summerson [email protected]

Secretary Mr Harold Dobson [email protected]

Treasurer Mr David Jones [email protected]

Events and Presentations Mrs Sylvia Jones [email protected]

Health Walks Co-ordinator Mrs Jackey Lockwood [email protected]

Design & Graphics Mrs Karen Malone [email protected]

Press & Publicity, Editor Mrs June Atkinson [email protected]

Mr Glenn Dawson [email protected]

Protocols and policies Mr Allan Withrington [email protected]

Website June Atkinson, Ken Sanderson

Keep up-to-date by visiting our Website: www.friendsofredkites.org.uk

The sponsorship offered by the Friends of Red Kites has been used to pay for team badges and ceramic bearings for the car.

We provided moral support to the Red Kite Racing Team at the regional finals of the competition on Tuesday 21st February at the Business School, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In addition to the timed races, teams were judged on the engineering and design of their car, a portfolio and a verbal presentation. We are pleased to report that, in addition to having the fastest car, our team won First Place in the F1 class and are now through to the national final at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Friends ofRed KitesFriends ofRed Kites

i n t h e N o r t h E a s t o f E n g l a n d