News
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Andy Hay. RSPB Images.
Seaford Kittiwakes @ Splash Point
Kate Whitton, of the RSPB South East, said, "It's great to know we'll be launching the project on such a good note.
"The Kittiwakes' numbers sometimes fluctuate quite drastically, and it's worrying when we see a sharp drop, because they aren't doing well in the UK overall.
"They're suffering from a lack of food, probably caused by climate change and overfishing.
"Although it's relatively small, the colony at Seaford is becoming increasingly significant as Kittiwakes struggle to breed in other sites along the coast of northern England, Scotland and Wales."
Our Date with Nature project will be based at Splash Point on the seafront every day from 10 am to 4.30 pm, between 25 June and 7 August.
Weather permitting! Staff and volunteers will be present to answer questions and help visitors to view the birds using optical equipment such as binoculars and spotting-scopes.
There is no entry charge and use of the equipment is free.
Kate Whitton said, "There were already some fluffy chicks in the nests when we did the survey, and we expect there will be more by Saturday. This is a fantastic time to come and see the new arrivals, and learn about what parenting is like for seabirds!"
The RSPB is asking people across Sussex to help protect Kittiwakes and other declining seabirds by signing a pledge calling on the government to safeguard our seabirds. The pledge can be read and signed at www.rspb.org.uk/steppingup/campaign.
Interesting facts about the Kittiwake.
1. Kittiwakes are a small species of ocean-going gull, smart in appearance being pure white below with black 'dipped in ink' tips to their pale grey wings and black feet.
2. Young Kittiwakes take a long time to mature. Laying eggs and raising young on a precarious narrow cliff ledge in the middle of a bustling colony of hundreds of birds is a skilled job, and many Kittiwakes will not return to breed until they are three, four or even five years old.
3. The Kittiwake suffered prolonged and heavy persecution for food, feathers and sport in the 19th century. Juvenile birds were especially sought-after for their attractively marked wings. They were caught on the nest before they could fly and their wings were hacked off, to be used to adorn women's hats.
4. The Seabird 2000 survey found that Kittiwake numbers had declined by 23% in the U.K. Lack of fish availability was determined to be the most likely cause. Because of concern about this decline the Kittiwake is on the Amber list of UK Birds of Conservation Concern.
Please come along and bring your friends!