Kite No:

E3

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT B4 Starlight / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE3 was tagged, the nest was found in an Oak tree. WTE3 can only be identified by a visual sighting. WTE3 was seen flying near the nest territory in July 2011

Latest Sighting:

July 2011 - Beda Hills, Gateshead

Kite No:

E4

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT C1 Angel / Mother- WT60 Welbeck Whistler

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE4 was tagged, along with sibling WTE5, the nest was found in an Scots pine. WTE4 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTE4 has been seen in the area in August and October, and also at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

December 2011 - Identified on three occasions at pre roost near Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

E5

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT C1 Angel / Mother- WT60 Welbeck Whistler

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE5 was tagged, along with sibling WTE4, the nest was found in an Scots pine. WTE5 can only be identified by a visual sighting. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2011 - Gibside, Gateshead - at tagging

Kite No:

E6

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT76 Chester / Mother- WT32 Red Arrow

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE6 was tagged, along with sibling WTE7, the nest was found in a Cherry tree. WTE6 can only be identified by a visual sighting. WTE6 has recently been seen at the winter roost at Snipes Dene, Gibside.

Latest Sighting:

October 2011 - Snipes Dene, Gibside, Gateshead

Kite No:

E7

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT76 Chester / Mother- WT32 Red Arrow

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE7 was tagged, along with sibling WTE6, the nest was found in a Cherry tree. WTE7 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTE7 has been seen in the local area since fledging, and also at the winter pre-roosts at Hollinside Manor. November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Latest Sighting:

November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

E8

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT43 Swift

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE8 was tagged, along with sibling WTE9 and a third untagged chick, the nest, in a Cherry tree, was found to contain the head of a toy bear as decoration. WTE8 can only be identified by a visual sighting. WTE8 has since been seen at the winter roosts and pre-roosts at Gibside and Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

12th & 17th December 2011 - Pre roost near  Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

E9

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT43 Swift

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE9 was tagged, along with sibling WTE8 and a third untagged chick, the nest, in a Cherry tree, was found to contain the head of a toy bear as decoration. WTE9 can only be identified by a visual sighting. WTE9 has been seen in the local area since fledging, and also at the winter pre-roosts at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting

30th December 2011 - Perched with "mam"(WT43), near natal site at Paddock Hill, Derwent Country Park, Gateshead

Kite No:

F0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Causey, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT84 Shiver / Mother- WT R/P T2

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTF0 was tagged, along with sibling WTF1 and a third untagged chick, the nest was found in a Sycamore tree. WTF0's mother is a 2007 kite from the mid Scotland project, her wing tags are Red and Purple. WTF0 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTF0 has since been seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

F1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / White

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2011 Causey, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT84 Shiver / Mother- WT R/P T2

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTF1 was tagged, along with sibling WTF0 and a third untagged chick, the nest was found in a Sycamore tree. WTF1's mother is a 2007 kite from the mid Scotland project, her wing tags are Red and Purple. WTF1 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTF1 has since been seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

12th December 2011 - Perched on pylon near Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

D0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

Yoko

Born:

2010 Priestfield, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT A7 Icarus / Mother- WT B0 Excalibur

Befriend a Kite School:

Hexham Middle School, Hexham, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

When WTD0 was tagged, along with siblings WTD1 and WTD2, the nest, in an Oak tree, was found to contain half a white pvc glove as decoration. WTD0 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Yoko was seen at Beda Hills, Gateshead in January 2011 with WT 56 Harlow Harrier & 38 Burnside Red Arrow on their territory, and with an untagged juvenile.

Latest Sighting:

January 2011 - Beda Hills, Gateshead

Kite No:

D1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Priestfield, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT A7 Icarus / Mother- WT B0 Excalibur

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD1 was tagged, along with siblings WTD0 and WTD2, the nest, in an Oak tree, was found to contain half a white pvc glove as decoration. WTD1 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

After no sightings for over a year, WTD1 was recently seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

D2

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Priestfield, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT A7 Icarus / Mother- WT B0 Excalibur

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD2 was tagged, along with siblings WTD0 and WTD1, the nest, in an Oak tree, was found to contain half a white pvc glove as decoration. WTD2 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTD2 was recorded at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor in November 2010.

Latest Sighting:

November 2010 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

D3

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT56 Burnside Red Arrow / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD3 was tagged, the nest, in an Oak tree, was found to contain a white woolly hat with blue lines, as decoration. WTD3 can only be identified by a visual sighting. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2010 - Beda Hills, Gateshead - at tagging

Kite No:

D4

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

Zola

Born:

2010 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- Unknown / Mother- Unknown

Befriend a Kite School:

Ebchester C of E Primary School, Consett, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

When WTD4 was tagged, along with sibling WTD5, the nest, in a Scots Pine, was found to contain a brown jumper and a pair of tights as decoration. WTD4 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Zola has been seen on several occasions in both November 2010 and January 2011 at the main winter roost site near Hollinside Manor and pre-roosting at Paddock Hill and Gibside.

Zola was seen in August 2011 in the Derwent Country Park with three other kites.

Zola has since been seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

December 2011 - NE of Thornley Nurseries, Gateshead. Being chased by WT76

Kite No:

D5

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- Unknown / Mother- Unknown

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD5 was tagged, along with sibling WTD4, the nest, in a Scots Pine, was found to contain a brown jumper and a pair of tights as decoration. WTD5 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTD5 was twice seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor in November 2010.

WTD5 has again been seen recently at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

D6

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

Skyla

Born:

2010 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT C1 Angel / Mother- WT60 Welbeck Whistler

Befriend a Kite School:

Newburn Manor Primary School, Newcastle

Brief Summary:

When WTD6 was tagged, along with sibling WTD7, the nest, in a Scots Pine, was found to contain an Adidas sock and a glove as decoration. WTD6 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Skyla has been seen twice in November 2010 and once in January 2011 at the main winter roost site near Hollinside Manor and pre-roosting at Paddock Hill and Gibside.

Skyla has recently been seen at the winter roost at Snipes Dene, Gateshead.

Latest Sighting:

October 2011 - Snipes Dene, Gibside, Gateshead

Kite No:

D7

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT C1 Angel / Mother- WT60 Welbeck Whistler

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD7 was tagged, along with sibling WTD6, the nest, in a Scots Pine, was found to contain an Adidas sock and a glove as decoration. WTD7 can only be identified by a visual sighting. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2010 - Gibside, Gateshead - at tagging

Kite No:

D8

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Chopwell, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- Untagged / Mother- Untagged

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD8 was tagged, along with sibling WTD9, the nest, in a Larch tree, was found to contain a T/shirt and a white plastic bag as decoration. WTD8 can only be identified by a visual sighting. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2010 - Chopwell, Gateshead - at tagging

Kite No:

D9

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Chopwell, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- Untagged / Mother- Untagged

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTD9 was tagged, along with sibling WTD8, the nest, in a Larch tree, was found to contain a T/shirt and a white plastic bag as decoration. WTD9 can only be identified by a visual sighting. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2010 - Chopwell, Gateshead - at tagging

Kite No:

E0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Derwentcote, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT63 Polo / Mother- WT89 Kitty

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE0 was tagged, along with sibling WTE1, the nest, in a Larch tree, was found to contain a toy horse's head as decoration. WTE0 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Sadly, in April 2011, a member of the public found the body of WTE0 near Muggleswick, Co Durham, it was impossible to determine the cause of death.

Latest Sighting:

April 2011 - Muggleswick, Co Durham - deceased, cause unknown

Kite No:

E1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2010 Derwentcote, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT63 Polo / Mother- WT89 Kitty

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

When WTE1 was tagged, along with sibling WTE0, the nest, in a Larch tree, was found to contain a toy horse's head as decoration. WTE1 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTE1 has recently been seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

November 2011 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

E2

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Mid Blue

Kite Name:

Bomber Bird

Born:

2010 Blaydon Burn, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT80 Sky Diver / Mother- WT43 Swift

Befriend a Kite School:

Emmanuel College, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

When WTE2 was tagged, the nest in a Lime Tree, was found to contain a glove as decoration. WTE2 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Bomber Bird was seen at Friarside near Rowlands Gill in August 2010, and also on several occasions in November 2010 and January 2011 at the main winter roost site near Hollinside Manor and pre-roosting at Paddock Hill and Gibside.

Bomber Bird was seen in August 2011, feeding in fields near Winlaton with seven other kites. Bomber Bird has recently been seen at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor. Observed at Hollinside Manor in Novemebr

Latest Sighting:

17th December 2011 - Feeding on the ground near Hollinside Manor, Gateshead

Kite No:

C3

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Pink

Kite Name:

Petra

Born:

2009 Huntley Gill, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Father- WT68 Lyons Lightning / Mother- WTO/G1 Soar

Befriend a Kite School:

St Peters RC Primary School, Low Fell, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

WTC3 was raised in a nest in Gateshead in summer 2009, with sibling WTC4. WTC3 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring in June and fledged in July 2009. WTC3 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Petra was seen at the pre-roost at Hollinside Manor on 3 occasions during Winter 2010/2011 perched with the other kites.

In Summer 2011 Petra set up a breeding territory on the Gibside Estate with an untagged male, and they successfully raised one chick, this chick was too small to tag, but it was ringed.

Petra was seen in August 2011, feeding in fields near Winlaton with seven other kites, including a young juvenile, possibly her chick. Petra has since been seen at the winter roost at Snipes Dene, Gibside.

Latest Sighting:

October 2011 - Snipes Dene, Gibside, Gateshead

Kite No:

C4

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Pink

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2009 Huntley Gill, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT68 Lyons Lightning / Mother- WTO/G1 Soar

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

WTC4 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2009, with sibling WTC3. WTC4 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring in June and fledged in July 2009. WTC4 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

WTC4 was later found wet, bedraggled and emaciated some weeks after fledging. After a period of rehab. in the pens it was re-released on 10th August 2009. It was known to have connected with other kite families and had been moving around the Gibside/Lockhaugh area. In November 2009 it was identified at the winter pre-roost at Snipes Dene, Gibside. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

November 2009 - Snipes Dene, Gibside, Gateshead

Kite No:

C5

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Pink

Kite Name:

Fire

Born:

2009 Derwentcote, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT63 Polo / Mother- WT89 Kitty

Befriend a Kite School:

Clover Hill Primary School, Whickham, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

WTC5 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2009. WTC5 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring in June and fledged in July 2009. WTC5 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Fire was photographed and seen at a roost near Pocklington, East Yorkshire, twice in January 2011

Latest Sighting:

January 2011 - Pocklington, East Yorkshire - at winter roost

Kite No:

C6

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Pink

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2009 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT16 Flag

Befriend a Kite School:

Brief Summary:

WTC6 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2009. WTC6 left the nest early in June before he was able to fly. He was rescued by a member of the public and finished growing up in the care of Northern Kites. He was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 13th July and released back into the wild in July 2009. WTC6 can only be identified by a visual sighting. The following month his body was found by a member of the public, death was probably due to poor weather and lack of hunting skills.

Latest Sighting:

August 2009 - Derwent Park, Gateshead - deceased, not suspicious

Kite No:

B2

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Whisper

Born:

2008 Spen Banks, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT59 Crookhill Blaze / Mother- WT24 Starfire

Adopt a Kite School:

West Jesmond Primary School, Newcastle

Brief Summary:

WTB2 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2008. WTB2 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 20th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB2 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Since 25th September 2008, Whisper has regularly been recorded at the the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Whisper was last seen in Gateshead at the end of 2008, this has been followed by no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2008 - Gateshead

Kite No:

B3

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Sunny Solar

Born:

2008 Winlaton, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT68 Lyons Lightning / Mother- WT O/G1 Soar

Adopt a Kite School:

The Grove Primary School, Consett, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

WTB3 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2008. WTB3 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 20th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB3' s mother is a Yorkshire kite that has settled in the North East. WTB3 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

One such sighting places WTB3 at Barlow Fell, in Gateshead, on 28th July 2008. WTB3 was seen flying with both parents. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

July 2008 - Barlow Fell, Gateshead

Kite No:

B4

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Starlight

Born:

2008 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT56 Burnside Red Arrow / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Adopt a Kite School:

Langley Park Primary School, Durham

Brief Summary:

WTB4, along with sibling WTB5, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTB4 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 24th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB4 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

On 13th November 2008, Starlight was recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 28th January 2009, Starlight was seen perched in a tree at Beda Hills in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. This was followed by no sightings until January 2011, when Starlight was seen near Rowlands Gill in the company of an untagged juvenile kite.

Latest Sighting:

January 2011 - Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Kite No:

B5

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2008 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT56 Burnside Red Arrow / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Adopt a Kite School:

Not adopted

Brief Summary:

WTB5, along with sibling WTB4, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTB5 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 24th June and fledged late-June 2008. Sadly on 30th June 2008 the corpse of WTB5 was identified by a member of the public, the bird had been predated upon by most likely a fox

Latest Sighting:

June 2008 - Gateshead - deceased, probable predation by a fox

Kite No:

B6

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Golden Glider

Born:

2008 Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Father- WT6 Flame / Mother- WT19 Ruby

Adopt a Kite School:

Sacriston Junior School, Sacriston, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

WTB6 was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2008. WTB6 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 24th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB6 can only be identified by a visual sighting. On 28th July 2008, WTB6 was seen flying and perched in trees at Gibside National Trust estate.

On 28th July 2008, WTB6 was seen at Gibside National Trust estate perched in a tree with father WT6. On 22nd September 2008, WTB6 was seen roosting with seventeen other kites near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Golden Glider has continued to spend the winter nights at this roost.

In April 2009, Golden Glider was seen roosting in trees at the bottom of a garden in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead! B6, although holding early season territory in Rowlands Gill was seen at Derwent Reservoir with another kite in July. He was recorded at the Sherburn Towers roost in the September.

In the first three months of 2010 Golden Glider was seen on three occasions in the Highfield area of Gateshead. He then started to build a nest with an untagged kite, in the Rowlands Gill area, which was then abandoned. On several occasions through out the winter of 2010/2011, Golden Glider was recorded at the pre-roosts and roosts at Hollinside and Gibside.

In the spring of 2011, Golden Glider was found with a new partner WT44 Morgan, at a new territory in Rowlands Gill, a local resident kept a diary of the breeding activity and was delighted to see this pair successfully fledge one chick, not tagged. 21st November 2011 - Identified at pre roost, perched on pylon near Hollinside Manor.

Latest Sighting:

19th December2011 - Recorded at pre roost, again perched on pylon near Hollinside Manor.

Kite No:

B7

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Crimson Ray

Born:

2008 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT16 Flag

Adopt a Kite School:

Eslington School, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

The parents of WTB7, WT15 (Red Philip) and WT16 (Flag), successfully raised a chick in 2006, becoming the first red kites to breed in the north east for nearly 200 years! In the summer of 2008 this pair successfully raised two chicks in the Derwent Walk Country Park. WTB7, along with sibling WTB8, was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 26th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB7 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

On 13th October 2008, Crimson Ray was recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Crimson Ray was seen there again a month later, on 13th November 2008.

On 6th April 2009, Crimson Ray was recorded near Wylam in Northumberland.

Crimson Ray was not seen again until observed flying over Chopwell in April 2011

Latest Sighting:

April 2011 - Chopwell, Gateshead

Kite No:

B8

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Starburst

Born:

2008 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT16 Flag

Adopt a Kite School:

Sedgefield Hardwick Primary School, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

The parents of WTB8, WT15 (Red Philip) and WT16 (Flag), successfully raised a chick in 2006, becoming the first red kites to breed in the north east for nearly 200 years! In the summer of 2008 this pair successfully raised two chicks in the Derwent Walk Country Park. WTB8, along with sibling WTB7, was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 26th June and fledged in July 2008. WTB8 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

On 8th September 2008, WTB8 was recorded with at least seven other kites at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Since 9th October 2008, WTB8 has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Starburst was last recorded at the winter roost on 27th November 2008. This was followed by a sighting in September 2009 at the Sherburn Towers winter roost. There were no more sightings until November 2010 when Starburst was recorded at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside, and again in January 2011 at the roost at Gibside.

Latest Sighting:

January 2011 - Gibside, Gateshead - at the winter roost

Kite No:

B9

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Fire Star

Born:

2008 Blanchland, Northumberland

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT71 Sky Dancer / Mother- WT A4 Farra Flame

Adopt a Kite School:

Milfield Community First School, Wooler, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

WTB9 was raised in a nest in south west Northumberland, in summer 2008. , Fire Star's mother, Farra Flame, was only one year old, when she successfully raised this chick, which is very rare. It also made Farra Flame's famous parents Red Philip and Flag grandparents at only four years old. Fire Star was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 17th July and fledged in late-July 2008. Fire Star can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Latest Sighting:

July 2008 - Blanchland, Northumberland - at tagging

Kite No:

C0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Jet Fire

Born:

2008 Burnopfield, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT36 Fire Flight / Mother- WT28 Agnes

Adopt a Kite School:

Glendene School & Community Arts College, Durham

Brief Summary:

WTC0 was raised in a nest in the Derwent valley, summer 2008. WTC0 was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 1st July and fledged in late July 2008. WTC0 can only be identified by a visual sighting. Jet Fire was not seen again until March 2011 when he was seen near Thornley Woods.

Latest Sighting:

March 2011 - Thornley Woods, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Kite No:

C1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Angel

Born:

2008 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Father- WT79 Mulberry / Mother- WT33 Storm

Adopt a Kite School:

Starting Out Nursery, Leam Lane, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

WTC1, along with sibling WTC2, was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2008. WTC1 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 3rd July and fledged late-July 2008. WTC1 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Since 30th October 2008, Angel has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 23rd March 2009, Angel was seen foraging in a field at Beda Hills in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. On 23rd April 2009, Angel was seen at a quarry in Ebchester, County Durham.

In 2010, Angel paired up with WT60 Welbeck Whistler, successfully fledging two chicks on the Gibside Estate, these were tagged D6 & D7.

In January and February 2011, Angel was a regular visitor to the winter pre-roosts and roosts at Hollinside Manor and Gibside. In summer 2011 this pair again successfully fledged two chicks, tagged E4 & E5.

Latest Sighting:

June 2011 - Gibside, Gateshead - successfully fledged two chicks with his partner WT60

Kite No:

C2

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Black

Kite Name:

Centurion

Born:

2008 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT79 Mulberry / Mother- WT33 Storm

Adopt a Kite School:

Roman Road Primary School, Leam Lane, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

WTC2, along with sibling WTC1, was raised in a nest in Gateshead, summer 2008. WTC2 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 3rd July and fledged late-July 2008. WTC2 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

Since 13th October 2008, Centurion has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 28th January 2009, Centurion was seen with 7 other kites at Beda Hills in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. On the evening of 5th April 2009, Centurion was seen perched in a tree in Rowlands Gill with WT53 and an untagged first summer bird (a kite born in 2008).

Centurion was not seen again until April 2010 when he was observed grappling with another kite near Highfield, he was then recorded at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor in November 2010.

Latest Sighting:

November 2010 - Hollinside Manor, Gateshead - winter pre-roost

Kite No:

A0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Spirit 2

Born:

2007 Friarside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT53 Winlaton Blaze / Mother- WT44 Morgan

Adopt a Kite School:

Farne Primary School, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle

Brief Summary:

WTA0, along with sibling WTA1, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTA0 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 21st June. WTA0 fledged in July 2007. WTA0 can only be identified by a visual sighting. One such sighting places WTA0 at Barlow Burn, in Gateshead, on 14th August 2007. There have been no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

August 2007 - Barlow Burn, Gateshead

Kite No:

A1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Cragside Flame

Born:

2007 Friarside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT53 Winlaton Blaze / Mother- WT44 Morgan

Adopt a Kite School:

Cragside C of E First School, Cramlington, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

WTA1, along with sibling WTA0, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTA1 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 21st June and fledged in July 2007. WTA1 can only be identified by a visual sighting. WTA1 was not recorded again until 3rd October 2007 when a photograph confirmed WTA1 was flying over Barlow Fell.

From 26th to 31st October 2007, WTA1 was recorded in Teesdale and was seen roosting with WTA7. WTA1 did not remain in Teesdale for long and by 5th November 2007 had rejoined the kites in Gateshead.

On 11th February 2008, WTA1 was seen with five other kites feeding in a field and perching on fence posts just north of the Barlow Burn.

On 2nd December 2008, Cragside Flame was seen at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. This has been followed by no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2008 - Sherburn Towers, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Kite No:

A2

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Silky Striker

Born:

2007 Gibside, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT6 Flame / Mother- WT19 Ruby

Adopt a Kite School:

New Silksworth Junior School, Sunderland

Brief Summary:

WTA2 was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTA2 was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 12th July and fledged late-July 2007.

WTA2 can only be identified by a visual sighting and was regularly recorded around Rowlands Gill. On 5th November, WTA2 and five other kites were seen feeding on a pheasant carcass in a field in the area.

Silky Striker was next seen on 23rd June 2008 at Cut Thorn Farm, Gibside, with WTB0 and another purple tagged kite.

Since 2nd October 2008, Silky Striker has regularly been recorded at the the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 24th February 2009, a photograph was taken of Silky Striker taking off from a field near Thornley Kennels in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

In early April 2009, Silky Striker was recorded at Barlow Fell in Gateshead. In October Silky Striker was recorded twice at the Sherburn Towers winter roost.

In March 2010 Silky Striker was seen perched in a tree near Highfield, and later in the same month was recorded at Sherburn Towers early one morning being quite vocal.

In August Silky Striker was recorded twice at the Sherburn Towers roost, again being quite vocal.

Latest Sighting:

August 2010 - Sherburn Towers, Gateshead

Kite No:

A3

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

RJ

Born:

2007 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT16 Flag

Adopt a Kite School:

Ryton Community Juniors School, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

The parents of WTA3, WT15 (Red Philip) and WT16 (Flag), successfully raised a chick in 2006, becoming the first red kites to breed in the north east for nearly 200 years!

In the summer of 2007 this pair successfully raised two chicks in the Derwent Walk Country Park. WTA3, along with sibling WTA4, was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 28th June. WTA3 fledged in mid-July 2007. WTA3 can only be identified by a visual sighting. Since fledging in July, no sighting for WTA3 have been recorded.

On 24th February 2008, RJ was seen near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill. Since mid-November 2008, RJ has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 23rd March 2009, RJ tried to woo WT34 (Parochial Poppy) who was seen foraging in a field of winter cereal in High Spen, Gateshead. Parochial Poppy's partner WT80 (Sky Diver) appeared and chased RJ away but after a few minutes he drifted back. RJ eventually moved on after getting chased by WT80 for a second time! The sex of RJ was unknown before this point but we can now confirm that RJ is male!

Latest Sighting:

March 2009 - High Spen, Gateshead

Kite No:

A4

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Farra Flame

Born:

2007 Derwent Park, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Father- WT15 Red Philip / Mother- WT16 Flag

Adopt a Kite School:

Farringdon Primary School, Sunderland

Brief Summary:

The parents of WTA4, WT15 (Red Philip) and WT16 (Flag), successfully raised a chick in 2006, becoming the first red kites to breed in the north east for nearly 200 years! In the summer of 2007 this pair successfully raised two chicks in the Derwent Walk Country Park. WTA4, along with sibling WTA3, was fitted with wing tags and a leg ring on 28th June. WTA4 can only be identified by a visual sighting and on 6th September 2007, WTA4 was seen foraging with seven other kites in the lower Derwent valley.

In early May 2008, A4 was seen around Blanchland, near the border of Northumberland and County Durham.

In spring 2008, 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. Farra Flame, at only one year old, has made her parents Flag and Red Philip grandparents at the ripe old age of four years old!

On 16th October 2008, Farra Flame was recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. She was seen there again on 24th November 2008.

On 28th January 2009, Farra Flame was seen at Beda Hills in Gateshead with 7 other kites. On 5th March 2009, Farra Flame and WT87 (George) were seen flying together just west of Birtley in County Durham, where they attempted to breed, but the nest was abandoned. She has not been seen since.

Latest Sighting:

April 2009 - near Urpeth, Co Durham - failed breeding attempt

Kite No:

A5

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Ponteland Sunrise

Born:

2007 Wylam, Northumberland

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Father- WT51 Burning Wings / Mother- WT21 Winlaton Phoenix

Adopt a Kite School:

Ponteland Community High School, Ponteland, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

The parents of WTA5, WT51 (Burning Wings) and WT21 (Winlaton Phoenix), build a nest in Northumberland's Tyne Valley and successfully raised WTA5 this summer. WTA5 is the first red kite to be raised in Northumberland for around 170 years! WTA5 was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 12th July and fledged late July 2007. WTA5 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

In October 2007, Ponteland Sunrise was regularly recorded roosting at Sherburn Tower Farm in Rowlands Gill. On 19th January 2008, Ponteland Sunrise was seen flying with parent WT51 above Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill. On 22nd January, Ponteland Sunrise was seen with parent WT21 at Barlow Burn.

On 11th February 2008, Ponteland Sunrise was seen with five other kites (including parents WT21 and WT51) feeding in a field and perching on fence posts just north of the Barlow Burn.

In mid-April 2008, Ponteland Sunrise was seen displaying with WT84 (Shiver) over Gibside National Trust estate. Though they did not go on to nest together we can now confirm that Ponteland Sunrise is male. Since 25th September 2008, Ponteland Sunrise has regularly been recorded at the the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

Ponteland Sunrise was not seen for some time, until March 2010 when he was confirmed as the new partner of WT40 Ziggy, at the Highland Cattle Centre in Northumberland where they hatched one chick. Sadly his body was found near Hindley in July, his partner had been found dead near their nest the previous month, and the chick also perished. Subsequent post mortems confirmed both of the adults had been poisoned.

Latest Sighting:

July 2010 - Hindley, Northumberland - deceased, confirmed poisoned

Kite No:

A6

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Sedgefield Blaze

Born:

2007 Burnopfield, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT36 Fire Flight / Mother- WT28 Agnes

Adopt a Kite School:

Sedgefield Community College, Sedgefield, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

WTA6 was raised in a nest in the Derwent valley this summer. WTA6 was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 28th June and fledged in late July 2007. WTA6 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

On 13th September 2007, Sedgefield Blaze was observed flying with parent WT28 (Agnes) around Pontop Pike in County Durham. On 10th December 2007, Sedgefield Blaze was recorded near Highfield in Rowlands Gill.

On 11th February 2008, Sedgefield Blaze was seen with five other kites feeding in a field and perching on fence posts just north of the Barlow Burn. On 24th February 2008, Sedgefield Blaze was seen near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill.

On 8th December 2008, Sedgefield Blaze was seen at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. This has been followed by no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2008 - Sherburn Towers, Gateshead

Kite No:

A7

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Icarus

Born:

2007 Langleydale, Co Durham

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Father- Untagged / Mother- WT57 Langleydale Traveller

Adopt a Kite School:

Middleton in Teesdale Primary School, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

Icarus was raised in a nest in Teesdale this summer. Icarus was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 12th July and fledged in late July 2007. Icarus can only be identified by a visual sighting and since fledging, Icarus has regularly been seen with the parent male around Langleydale in Teesdale. In late October 2007, WTA1 was visiting Teesdale and was seen roosting with Icarus. During the winter months Icarus has regularly been recorded at the winter roost in Langleydale.

In April 2008, Icarus was seen displaying with WT43 (Swift) in the lower Derwent valley, Gateshead. However, he did not stay in Gateshead for long and by May he was back in Teesdale and seen displaying with an untagged female! On 1st June he was recorded at Blackton, Eggleston.

Since 16th October 2008, Icarus has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 6th April 2009, Icarus was seen with WTB0 (Excalibur) just west of Burnopfield in County Durham, this pair went on to successfully fledge two chicks, untagged.

In 2010 Icarus and his partner Excalibur successfully fledged three chicks, which were tagged D0, D1 and D2. In October Icarus was identified at the pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

In 2011 this pair again successfully fledged three chicks, not tagged.

Latest Sighting:

June 2011 - Priestfield, Co Durham - successfully fledged three chicks with his partner

Kite No:

B0

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

Excalibur

Born:

2007 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Father- WT56 Burnside Red Arrow / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Adopt a Kite School:

Shotley Bridge Junior School, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

WTB0, along with sibling WTB1, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTB0 was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 21st June and fledged mid-July 2007. WTB0 can only be identified by a visual sighting.

On 5th November, Excalibur and five other kites were seen feeding on a pheasant carcass in a field in Rowlands Gill.

Excalibur was not seen again until 23rd June 2008. Excalibur was at Cut Thorn Farm, Gibside, with WTA2 and another purple tagged kite. Since 30th October 2008, Excalibur has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 6th April 2009, Excalibur was seen with WTA7 (Icarus) just west of Burnopfield in County Durham, this pair went on to successfully fledge two chicks, untagged.

In 2010 Excalibur and her partner Icarus successfully fledged three chicks, which were tagged D0, D1 and D2.

In 2011 this pair again successfully fledged three chicks, not tagged.

Latest Sighting:

June 2011 - Priestfield, Co Durham - successfully fledged three chicks with her partner

Kite No:

B1

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Purple

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2007 Beda Hills, Gateshead

Male/Female:

Unknown

Parents:

Father- WT56 Burnside Red Arrow / Mother- WT38 Harlow Harrier

Adopt a Kite School:

Cragside C of E First School, Cramlington, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

WTB1, along with sibling WTB0, was raised in a nest in Gateshead this summer. WTB1 was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags on 21st June. On 6th July WTB1 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 WTB1 was released back into the Derwent valley in late-July 2007 (after being fitted with a radio transmitter). WTB1 was regularly recorded around the Barlow area of Gateshead.

In October 2007, WTB1's transmitter signal did not change for a period of time indicating problems. Following further investigation, the corpse was found in Barlow Burn. There is no evidence to indicate death was due to anything but natural causes.

Latest Sighting:

October 2007 - Barlow Burn, Gateshead - deceased, natural causes

Kite No:

61

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Wrekenton Warrier

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Fell Dyke Community Primary School, Wrekenton, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. She is regularly seen flying around the Barlow area.

Wrekenton Warrior was regularly recorded in the Gateshead area until mid-May 2007. On the 11th June 2007, a report was received from Worcester, in the West Midlands, that a red kite was feeding on a dead pigeon in a field. This kite was Wrekenton Warrior!

Wrekenton Warrior has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting:

June 2007 - Worcester, West Midlands

Kite No:

62

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Cedars Cyclone

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

The Cedars School, Low Fell, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

For the first few weeks after release, Cedars Cyclone was detected feeding and foraging in the Lower Derwent Valley. However, her exploring took her away from Gateshead where she was last detected on 24th July 2006. In mid October 2006, Cedars Cyclone was detected and found to be in the Scottish borders, just north of Coldstream. She has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting:

October 2006 - Scottish Borders, north of Coldstream

Kite No:

63

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Polo

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Dubmire Primary School, Houghton le Spring, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Polo is still regularly detected in the Barlow area.

Polo spent a lot of time with WT33 in the spring, they were seen carrying sticks but did not build a nest.

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

During the winter months Polo has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.

In spring 2008, Polo was seen displaying with WT89 (Kitty) and they built a nest together near Hamsterley in County Durham. WT89 was seen incubating, however, their eggs did not hatch.

Since early September 2008, Polo has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 9th March 2009, Polo was seen at Victoria Garesfield Lane in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. He then went on to successfully fledge one chick, tagged C5, with his partner Kitty. In the October he was seen at the winter pre-roost at Sherburn Towers.

In 2010 this pair again successfully fledged two chicks, tagged E0 & E1.

In April 2011, Polo was seen flying over Chopwell near his territory. This year though, he and his partner failed in their breeding attempt.

Latest Sighting:

April 2011 - Hamsterley, Co Durham - on territory with his partner, but breeding attempt failed

Kite No:

64

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Red Runcie

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Archbishop Runcie C of E Aided First School, Gosforth, Newcastle

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In September, Red Runcie briefly visited Devil's Water, near Slaley in Northumberland. He is regularly detected in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley.

Red Runcie spend time with WT70 in the spring. However by May WT70 was in Teesdale.

Red Runcie was regularly recorded in the Gateshead area until 12th October 2007. This has been followed by no detections since.

Latest Sighting:

October 2007 - Gateshead

Kite No:

65

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Hook

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Cragside C of E First School, Cramlington, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In August, WT65 left Gateshead and began exploring other areas. On 18th November 2006, she was detected back in Gateshead during a red kite guided walk.

However, Hook's transmitter signal did not change for a period of time indicating problems. Following further investigation her corpse was found in mid-March. There is no evidence to suggest she died of anything other than natural causes.

Latest Sighting:

March 2007 - Gateshead - deceased, not suspicious

Kite No:

66

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Central First School, Ashington, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Wing tag 66 enjoyed exploring around the Rowlands Gill area. However, transmitter signals indicated a problem in the New Year of 2007. His corpse was found by a member of the public in woods near Dipton. There were no signs to indicate death was due to anything but natural causes.

Latest Sighting:

January 2007 - Dipton, Co Durham - deceased, not suspicious

Kite No:

67

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Red Bullet

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Tanfield Lea Junior School, Stanley, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In early August, Red Bullet left Gateshead and began exploring other areas.

In early August 2006, Red Bullet left Gateshead and began exploring other areas.

On 20th December 2007 Red Bullet's signal was detected in north Yorkshire. A visual sighting has since confirmed Red Bullet is with the Yorkshire red kites near the Harewood Estate, to the north of Leeds.

This has been followed by no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2007 - Harewood, Yorkshire

Kite No:

68

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Lyons Lightning

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Hetton Lyons Primary School, Sunderland

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Lyons Lightning is still regularly detected in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn area.

On 5th November 2007, Lyons Lightning and five other kites were seen feeding on a pheasant carcass in a field in Rowlands Gill.

During the winter months Lyons Lightning has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In spring 2008, Lyons Lightning was seen displaying in the Derwent valley with a Yorkshire kite (wing tag orange/green 1 - first seen in Gateshead in 2007). They went on to build a nest together and have raised one chick. The chick was fitted with a leg ring and wing tags B3. On 28th July 2008, Lyons Lighting was seen flying with partner WTO/G1 and chick WTB3 near Barlow in Gateshead.

Since mid-September 2008, Lyons Lightning has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

On 28th January 2009, Lyons Lightning was seen with 7 other kites in the Beda Hills area of Rowlands Gill. During March 2009, he was seen on two occasions in the Thornley Woods area of Rowlands Gill. He went on to successfully fledge two chicks, tagged C3 & C4 with WT O/G1 - Soar, but in 2010 this pair failed in their breeding attempt.

In January 2011 Lyons Lightning was identified at the winter pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

Building a new nest within his territory, proved a good move, and he and his partner Soar, successfully fledged two chicks, untagged.

In August 2011 he was identified feeding in a recently harvested field near Winlaton with several other kites, including his partner Soar, and one of his 2009 chicks, C3.

Latest Sighting:

August 2011 - Winlaton, Gateshead - feeding in a recently harvested field with several other kites.

Kite No:

69

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Fire Feather

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Amble First School, Amble, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Fire Feather was regularly seen in Barlow Burn and the lower Derwent valley until 5th June 2007.

On 12th December 2007 Fire Feather was detected at the winter roost at Glen Almond in central Scotland.

He has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2007 - Glen Almond, Central Scotland

Kite No:

70

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Christi

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Corpus Christi RC Primary School, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

For the first two weeks after release, WT70 was detected feeding and foraging in the Lower Derwent Valley. However, her exploring took her away from Gateshead where she was last detected on 20th July 2006. In September and October, WT70 was detected exploring County Durham around Swaledale. In early December she was detected with the kites in the Harewood Estate in Yorkshire. It was discovered on 7th March 2007 that Christi had returned to Gateshead, she was recorded at Barlow Burn with several other kites. By May she had travelled to County Durham, where her signal was detected in Langleydale, Teesdale. By mid-August 2007 Christi was back in Gateshead, she was detected at Barlow Burn.

Christi did not remain in Gateshead for long, by 16th October she was detected at Harewood Estate in Yorkshire, where she spent last winter. However, by 22nd October, Christi was back in Gateshead!

Since her return to Gateshead Christi has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In spring 2008 Christi was seen displaying with WT92 (Sunrise) near Hamsterley Mill in County Durham. The pair built a nest together and have successfully raised three chicks - the most raised by any Northern kite in the northeast so far!

In early October 2008, Christi was seen at Muggleswick near the Derwent Reservoir in County Durham.

Christi was not seen again until 6th April 2009, she was perched in woodland near Hamsterley Hall with partner WT92, where they went on to successfully fledge two chicks, not tagged.

They again fledged two chicks in 2010, not tagged. In September 2010 Christi was seen at the winter roost at Sherburn Towers.

In 2011, although there was activity early in the season, the old nest was not used, and a new nest not found, so the out come for this year was unknown.

Latest Sighting:

April 2011 - near Hamsterley Hall, Co Durham - kites active near nest territory.

Kite No:

71

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Sky Dancer

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Whitehouse Primary School, North Shields, North Tyneside

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In late September, WT71 left Gateshead and was detected again in mid October in the upper Derwent valley near Derwent Reservoir. In early December 2006 he had returned to Gateshead. Since then Sky Dancer has regularly been recorded in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow area.

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

During the winter months Sky Dancer has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.

In spring 2008, Sky Dancer was seen displaying with WTA4 (Farra Flame) 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. Sky Dancer's mate WTA4 is only one year old and is the offspring of WT15 (Red Philip) and WT16 (Flag) (the first kites to breed in the northeast for nearly 200 years back in 2006). WTA4 has therefore made WT15 and WT16 grandparents at the ripe old age of four years old!

Since late September 2008, Sky Dancer has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

He was last seen in Gateshead at the end of 2008, this has been followed by no sightings since.

Latest Sighting:

December 2008 - Sherburn Towers, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Kite No:

72

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Red Lightning

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

St Pius Xth Primary School, Consett, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

For the first few weeks after release, Red Lightning was detected feeding and foraging in the Lower Derwent Valley. However, her exploring took her away from Gateshead where she was last detected on 26th July 2006. She returned to Gateshead in October. She was detected in Yorkshire with the kites at the Harewood estate in early December. However, on 15th February 2007, Red Lightning was back in Gateshead!

She was last detected in Gateshead on 11th April 2007.

Red lightning was not recorded in Gateshead again until 15th April 2008 when she was detected in Rowlands Gill and then at Gibside National Trust estate. She did not remain in Gateshead for long and by mid-June 2008 she was photographed at Gigrin Farm, the kite feeding station in Wales!

On 4th February 2009, Red Lightning was seen again at Gigrin Farm in Wales. It is assumed that she has now settled in this area.

Latest Sighting:

February 2009 - Gigrin Farm, Wales

Kite No:

73

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Hugar

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Hookergate School, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In late August, WT73 left Gateshead and began exploring other areas. She briefly returned to Gateshead on 21st October. 2006, but has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting:

October 2006 - Gateshead

Kite No:

74

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Jammy Dodger

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

St Joseph's RC Primary School, Highfield, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Jammy Dodger is regularly detected in the Barlow area.

During the winter months Jammy Dodger has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In spring 2008 Jammy Dodger was seen displaying with WT40 (Ziggy) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together, however, their eggs did not hatch.

Since mid-September 2008, Jammy Dodger has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

In spring 2009, Jammy Dodger and partner WT40 nested at the Highland Cattle Centre near Whittonstall, in the Tyne Valley, where they went on to successfully fledge one chick, not tagged.

There have been no sightings since, his partner Ziggy with her new partner WT A5 Ponteland Sunrise, attempted to breed at this same location in 2010, but both adults and their chick perished, much to the distress of the owners of the HCC. It was subsequently confirmed as poisoning, so it does not bode well for Jammy Dodger.

Latest Sighting:

July 2009 - Highland Cattle Centre, Whittonstall, Northumberland - successfully fledged one chick with partner WT40

Kite No:

75

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Doddy Red

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Dodmire Infant and Nursery School, Darlington, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

For the first few weeks after release, WT75 was detected feeding and foraging in the Lower Derwent Valley. However, her exploring took her away from Gateshead where she was last detected on 24th July 2006.

On 14th October 2007, Doddy Red was detected in South East Northumberland. She was between the villages of Ulgham and Hebron, just north of Morpeth.

She has not been detected since.

Latest Sighting:

October 2007 - north of Morpeth, Northumberland

Kite No:

76

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Chester

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Brighton Avenue Primary School, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. He is regularly recorded in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn area.

During the winter months Chester has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In spring 2008, Chester was seen displaying with WT32 (Red Arrow) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together but at a very early stage their chicks were predated upon by a carrion crow.

Since mid-September 2008, Chester has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

In spring 2009, Chester and partner WT32 built a nest on the Gibside Estate, Gateshead, and went on to successfully fledge two chicks, not tagged. In August the pair were seen on their territory with one of their chicks.

In 2010 the pair moved across the river from their previous territory, in to the lower Derwent Valley, and successfully fledged two chicks, not tagged.

Throughout the winter of 2010/2011 Chester was regularly seen at the pre-roosts at Hollinside Manor, and at the roosts at Snipes Dene.

In 2011 Chester and his partner WT32 successfully fledged two chicks, tagged E6 & E7.

Latest Sighting:

Observed at the pre roost near Hollinside Manor on 21st November 2011.

Kite No:

77

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Broady Whipper

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Broadwood Primary School, Denton Burn, Newcastle

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. In mid September 2006, Broady Whipper explored Holywell Dene in North Tyneside but soon returned to Gateshead. He is regularly recorded around the lower Derwent Valley and Barlow area.

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

During the winter months Broady Whipper has regularly been roosting near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill and also at Gibside.

In Spring 2008, Broady Whipper was seen displaying with WT60 (Welbeck Whistler) in the Derwent valley. They built a nest together but did not successfully raise any chicks.

Since mid-September 2008, Broady Whipper has regularly been recorded at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

He was not seen again until 2009 when he successfully fledged one chick, not tagged, with WT60 at a new site in Rowlands Gill.

The following year, in Spring 2010, it was confirmed Broady Whipper had split from WT60 (now partnered with WT C1 at Gibside), and he attempted to breed with an unidentified kite, that failed in the early stages.

He was not seen for a year, but then identified in May 2011 flying over a new territory to the south of Rowlands Gill, the nest was not located, therefore the outcome remains uncertain.

Latest Sighting:

May 2011 - south of Rowlands Gill, Gateshead - flying over a new territory

Kite No:

78

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Orange

Kite Name:

Cedars Cyclone

Born:

2005 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

The Cedars School, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Cedars Cyclone originally fledged naturally from her nest in the Chilterns in July 2005. Unfortunately, she was found within a few days on the ground, underweight and requiring rehabilitation (it was thought she had been mobbed by crows and was brought down to the ground). She was transferred to the Northern Kites Project, but soon after her release to the wild in August was brought back into captivity. Over a period of month's, attempts were made to exercise her to help build up her flight muscles. She flew off for a week of freedom in February 2006 but was soon back in captivity. Unfortunately, during her exercise in late May 2006, she was mobbed by crows once again, grounding her and eventually killing her. Sadly, this is nature's way of birds defending territories and filtering out the weak so the strongest survive.

Latest Sighting:

May 2006 - lower Derwent Valley, Gateshead - deceased, mobbed and killed by crows

Kite No:

79

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Mulberry

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Brandling Primary School, Felling, Gateshead

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Mulberry is regularly detected at his usual haunts in Gateshead.

During the winter months Mulberry has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In spring 2008, Mulberry and WT33 (Storm) were seen displaying 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.

On 15th September 2008, Mulberry was seen flying with four other kites over Rowlands Gill in Gateshead.

On 2nd April 2009, Mulberry was seen at Snipes Dene in Gibside National Trust estate, Gateshead, and in the November he was identified flying over High Thornley, near Rowlands Gill.

In January 2010, Mulberry was identified at the winter roost at Snipes Dene, and then in March at a possible new territory with his partner WT33, near High Thornley. Three days later, the pair were identified at Hollinside Manor. Their nest was never located, but it is possible they were an unidentified pair that successfully fledged two chicks (tagged D4 & D5) at a new territory in Gateshead's Derwent Park in 2010.

During winter 2010/2011 Mulberry was a regular visitor at the pre-roost at Hollinside Manor.

In spring of 2011 Mulberry and his partner, WT33 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-April 2011.

Latest Sighting:

Recorded at pre roost near Hollinside Manor on the 21st November 2011.

Kite No:

80

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Sky Diver

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

New Hartley First School, Cramlington, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Sky Diver is regularly seen flying in the Barlow area.

In spring 2007 he was seen building a nest with WT34 (Parochial Poppy), however, they did not breed successfully.

During the winter months Sky Diver has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

In Spring 2008, Sky Diver and WT34 paired up again, however, they did not successfully raise any chicks.

On 15th September 2008, Sky Diver was seen at the red kite winter roost near Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. He was also recorded at the roost on 16th October 2008.

On 23rd March 2009, Sky Diver's partner, WT34, was seen foraging in field of winter cereal in High Spen, Gateshead, with WTA3 trying to woo her! 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. This pair were seen on territory in the Barlow Burn, but no nest was found.

In March 2010 Sky Diver was seen in the company of WT43 Swift, who was confirmed as his new partner, as they successfully fledged one chick, tagged E2, in the Blaydon Burn.

Sky Diver was then seen at the winter roost at Snipes Dene in January 2011. He has not been seen since, and his partner WT43 Swift, then successfully paired up with WT15 Red Philip.

Latest Sighting:

January 2011 - Snipes Dene, Gibside, Gateshead - identified at the winter roost

Kite No:

81

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Scorcher

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

Warkworth C of E (Aided) First School, Warkworth, Northumberland

Brief Summary:

For the first few weeks after release, WT81 was detected in the lower Derwent valley. However, in mid-August he was found undernourished and struggling to fly. He was taken back into the pens for feeding and was released after gaining weight in late August. Scorcher is regularly detected in the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn area.

In spring 2007, Scorcher was seen displaying with WT32, they set up a territory but did not nest. In mid-June, following several days of heavy rain, the staff at Gibside National Trust estate found Scorcher on the ground soaked through and underweight. Scorcher was taken into rehabilitation and following several weeks of special care and attention he has made a full recovery. He was released back into the Derwent valley in late-July.

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

During the winter months Scorcher has regularly been recorded at the Gibside winter roost.

Scorcher was last detected in Gateshead in April 2008.

Latest Sighting:

April 2008 - Gateshead

Kite No:

82

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

No name given

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Female

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School:

St. John's Chapel, Weardale, Co Durham

Brief Summary:

Since release this kite, like so many of the other kites released in 2006, has spent its first summer exploring the lower Derwent valley and Barlow Burn looking for food (carrion and beetles) and socialising with each other and kites released in previous years. Unfortunately in mid September, WT82's body was found in Gateshead next to a wooden electricity pylon. Following post mortem, it was deemed that her death was caused by electrocution; she must have made contact with the cables.

Latest Sighting:

September 2006 - Gateshead - deceased, probable electrocution

Kite No:

83

Wing Tag Left/Right:

Pink / Green

Kite Name:

Red Saint

Born:

2006 Chilterns

Male/Female:

Male

Parents:

Unknown

Adopt a Kite School: