Kittiwakes

One of the loudest birds on the Farne Islands is the Kittiwake. Smaller and daintier than the similar Common Gull, they have distinctive black legs and narrower, more pointed wings. Their distinctive call of "kitt-ee-wayke" fills the air, particularly on Staple Island, where the birds can be seen nesting on ledges with their chicks.

This first shot is a simple portrait, showing all the main visual characteristics of a Kittiwake.

KittiwakeStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

The next few shots show adult Kittiwakes at their nests, interacting with their chicks.

Kittiwake with chicksStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

Kittiwake with chickStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

Kittiwake with chicksStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

KittiwakesStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

Kittiwake with chicksStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

Kittiwake with chicksStaple Island, Farne islands, Northumberland

More Kittiwake images can be found in the Gulls gallery here.