Help Monitor Kittiwakes in Newcastle & Beyond
“Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) are gentle-looking, medium-sized gulls with a small yellow bill and a dark eye. They have a grey back with white underneath. Their legs are long and black. In flight, the black wing-tips show no white, unlike other gulls, and look as if they have been 'dipped in ink'.” (RSPB, 2025)
📸 Share Your Sightings
Simply upload your images using the button below and help us build a collective record of these remarkable birds. All contributors retain full copyright of their images, while allowing us permission to use them for research and public engagement purposes. The study has been approved by the Northumbria University Ethics Committee with Ref: 2025-10253-1167.
🗺️ Explore Kittiwake Sightings on the Map
Curious about where kittiwakes have been observed? Explore real-time sightings on the interactive map below.
🌍 Why Your Participation Matters
Kittiwake populations are experiencing significant declines, and the species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Urban colonies in Newcastle offer a rare opportunity to study and support these birds in non-traditional habitats. Through our Navigating Urban Ecologies project, we invite wider public participation to help deepen understanding, foster care, and contribute to the long-term survival of this remarkable species. Please read more information from the project website.