Aren't birds brilliant > Sites > Lowestoft kittiwake colony

This season's highlights

This summer, visitors to the South Pier in Lowestoft were treated to intimate views of kittiwakes nesting on the purpose built 'artificial cliff' on the north side of the harbour.

The colony, although small, provides a much needed success story amid reports of large scale breeding failures in seabird colonies around the country. Around 110 chicks were successfully raised, with almost every inch of the wall occupied with nests.

While we were at times battered by the wind and waves, and struggled to keep our resources tied down; the kittiwake families were not fazed at all - they can expect much worse conditions over the winter.

From the viewpoint on the pier, we watched chicks growing from bundles of fluffy feathers to birds as big as their parents, who are all set for spending the winter out at sea.

Many local residents we spoke to didn't realise they had a colony of proper cliff-nesting seabirds right on their doorstep and were fascinated to hear their story. Others remembered going to discos in the now demolished South Pier Pavilion and hearing the racket the kittiwakes made, and were glad to hear the birds had taken to their new home.

Keep an eye (and an ear) out for the kittiwakes returning next May!

Kitty Brayne, Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer

Kittiwake in flight

Lowestoft kittiwake colony

27 June to 20 July

Binoculars or telescopes available for use RSPB staff on hand to help Refreshments available Toilets

Lowestoft docks are home to the UK's most eastern colony of breeding kittiwakes.

Join us on the South Pier to spy on kittiwake families nesting on a purpose built wall on the North side of the harbour.

Friendly staff will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to get you up-close and personal with the kittiwakes as they go about their daily lives catching fish, squabbling with their neighbours and rearing their young.

You'll also get to hear more about these birds and their history in Lowestoft, and don't forget to look out for other seabirds such as great black-backed gulls and common terns.

Unlike other species, kittiwakes are truly 'sea' gulls, spending the winter months at sea and only coming on land to nest. Even then, they usually stick to sea cliffs, so this is a unique chance to see these amazing gulls in such an accessible location.

Opening times

Friendly staff will be at the viewpoint Friday-Sunday, 10 am-5 pm.

Facilities

There will be three telescopes, and two pairs of binoculars available for you to use. Refreshment facilities are available in the nearby shops and Tourist Information Centre. Nearest toilets are in the public toilet block in front of the Tourist Information Centre (10p charge).

How to get there

By car
Follow A12 into Lowestoft and continue to the right when you reach the seafront. Nearest parking is at Royal Green Car Park (pay-and-display). The viewpoint is on the pier, and is signed from the Tourist Information Centre.

By train
Turn right out of the station onto Denmark Road, then right again onto Station Square. Cross the harbour, turn left towards the Tourist Information Centre then follow signs along pier to viewpoint.

Enquiries

Telephone: Eastern England Regional Office on 01603 660066
E-mail: kitty.brayne@rspb.org.uk

Links to other things on the RSPB website

Minsmere (from our A to Z of Reserves)
Common tern (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Great black-backed gull (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Kittiwake (from our A to Z of UK birds)

Thanks to Waveney District Council for their support of this project.