Ooh thanks for this. My partner's mum lives not far from Lowestoft but, despite having seen the 'hotels' I've never really noticed them much in the town. I'll keep more of an eye out next time I'm there. Newcastle/Gateshead have been my favourite kittiwake watching spots so far!
This is such a fascinating read. I loved it. I never knew there were such things as a kittiwake hotel! I live down on the coast (after a recent move from London back to my hometown) and our town could also be called an old fishing village although the fishing thrives to some extent. As I watch the birds cruise across the sea in the morning I do wonder how the increased urbanisation and tourism of the area is affecting the balance. Really loved this, thank you!
Splendid read! I didn't know Lowestoft was such a Kittiwake (the best named Gull by a country mile!) stronghold. And it is wonderful to see the compensation/offsetting measures though I am glad you caveated this: "It does need to be treated with caution though. Does it send a signal that anything can be destroyed if we simply prop up an artificial replica nearby? We can’t relocate the orangutan into a block of flats once we’ve levelled every tree in Borneo."
Excellent post. It's great to see the attempts to help the kittiwakes (such lovely birds), I hope that is successful. I hope even more that we can change our mindsets in time to truly value the natural world.
This is a lovely post :) I have visited the Newcastle Kittiwakes and I must admit I felt a pang of conflict regarding what it must be like for a shop-owner or resident but netting and spikes seem a pointless and barbaric measure to prevent these birds from following their natural instincts. And a Kittiwake Officer! - what a fabulous job...
A fascinating article and a great read Thomas. I live on the Suffolk Coast and love seeing the kittiwakes nesting on the rigs just off Sizewell Beach. When I go there to photograph the sunrise in the summer they are such a joy to see and hear. The Kitiwake hotels are a lovely addition to the coast and I hope they help alleviate some of the issues in Lowestoft.
Ooh thanks for this. My partner's mum lives not far from Lowestoft but, despite having seen the 'hotels' I've never really noticed them much in the town. I'll keep more of an eye out next time I'm there. Newcastle/Gateshead have been my favourite kittiwake watching spots so far!
That’s great! I saw loads on the Farne islands this week too. Will keep an eye out for them in Newcastle!
Lucky you! I am desperate to visit the Farne Islands after seeing them from the train!
This is such a fascinating read. I loved it. I never knew there were such things as a kittiwake hotel! I live down on the coast (after a recent move from London back to my hometown) and our town could also be called an old fishing village although the fishing thrives to some extent. As I watch the birds cruise across the sea in the morning I do wonder how the increased urbanisation and tourism of the area is affecting the balance. Really loved this, thank you!
Splendid read! I didn't know Lowestoft was such a Kittiwake (the best named Gull by a country mile!) stronghold. And it is wonderful to see the compensation/offsetting measures though I am glad you caveated this: "It does need to be treated with caution though. Does it send a signal that anything can be destroyed if we simply prop up an artificial replica nearby? We can’t relocate the orangutan into a block of flats once we’ve levelled every tree in Borneo."
Thanks very much for taking the time to read!
Excellent post. It's great to see the attempts to help the kittiwakes (such lovely birds), I hope that is successful. I hope even more that we can change our mindsets in time to truly value the natural world.
They are great birds aren’t they!
This is a lovely post :) I have visited the Newcastle Kittiwakes and I must admit I felt a pang of conflict regarding what it must be like for a shop-owner or resident but netting and spikes seem a pointless and barbaric measure to prevent these birds from following their natural instincts. And a Kittiwake Officer! - what a fabulous job...
Thanks! Tell me about it, what a title for the CV!
A fascinating article and a great read Thomas. I live on the Suffolk Coast and love seeing the kittiwakes nesting on the rigs just off Sizewell Beach. When I go there to photograph the sunrise in the summer they are such a joy to see and hear. The Kitiwake hotels are a lovely addition to the coast and I hope they help alleviate some of the issues in Lowestoft.
Thanks so much for reading, they’re fab aren’t they! I look forward to enjoying your brilliant Suffolk photography