Farne Islands

[clydebirder]

The Farne Islands are superb for close encounters with some of our amazing seabirds, the islands are situated between two and five miles off the Northumberland Coast.
There are 28 islands in total, 15 of which can be seen at high tide, with the largest island being Inner Farne.

A 30 minute boat trip, departing from Seahouses takes you out to the islands throughout the year. The most rewarding months being May, June and July when tens of thousands of birds are roosting.

The islands are the summer home of four of the five species of British tern, as well as twelve other species of seabird, including Puffins, Guillemots and Kittiwakes.

Another notable resident of the Farne Islands is the grey seal (also known as the Atlantic grey seal), with between 3000 and 4000 of this rare species on and around the islands.
The colonies here are one of the most important in Europe, and this species of seal is the largest surviving carnivore in the British Isles and resides throughout the year, with the 1000 or so pups being born each year in late October and November.

The islands being in the care of the National Trust are a very popular destination for lovers of wildlife, for nowhere in the British Isles are such a variety of seabirds to be seen in such a small area.

Below are a few of the images I have taken at this magical place:

(Eurasian) Shag

[clydebirder]

Guillemot

(Atlantic) Puffin

[clydebirder]

(Black-legged) Kittiwake)




This female Eider was perfectly calm as I sat beside her, very rewarding and humbling.

[clydebirder]

The welcoming committee, The Arctic Terns will give you very close views, ware a hat


Be warned

[clydebirder]

Hope this has been an interesting insight in to these wonderful islands

cheers, John

[astafjevs]

I'd really like to go, although other than the Eider and the terns we got all of those species on Lundy, we didn't get anything like the numbers on the Farne's.

We went up to the North East last winter and headed for Lindisfarne, but didn't do particularly well for birds. Saw a few species, including my first rock pipit, curlews, and redshank, but overall we mostly just got soaked by a massive shower and spent the rest of the time drying out in the pub. Fascinating island, though, and if you have better luck with the weather (or at least more determination than me!) supposedly a very good birding site too.

Northumberland is a lovely county and well worth a visit!

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by astafjevs

I'd really like to go, although other than the Eider and the terns we got all of those species on Lundy, we didn't get anything like the numbers on the Farne's.

We went up to the North East last winter and headed for Lindisfarne, but didn't do particularly well for birds. Saw a few species, including my first rock pipit, curlews, and redshank, but overall we mostly just got soaked by a massive shower and spent the rest of the time drying out in the pub. Fascinating island, though, and if you have better luck with the weather (or at least more determination than me!) supposedly a very good birding site too.

Northumberland is a lovely county and well worth a visit!

Lindisfarne is a fantastic area for birds, I've seen many memorable birds there over the years including Ortolan Bunting, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Bluethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck and of course the wintering Brent Goose flock which is always a great spectacle to see

cheers, John

[Twitcheruth]

Great images John,the detail of the Shags plumage is incredible! A superb shot of the Sand Eel laden bill of the Puffin too..........love the Arctic Terns as well,thanks for posting!

The Farnes are an amazing day out,we visited 9 years ago and although it was August (we were governed by school holidays in those days1) saw plenty of Puffins (on the water),Gannets,Kittiwakes,Shags,Eiders,A.Seals,A.T erns and my first Roseatte Tern too!

A great birding spot indeed!!

[Little Sparrow]

Wonderful photo's, John! The Farnes is on my 'to visit' list! I am getting nearer after my recent trip to North Wales.lol!!

Thanks for sharing your superb images!:-)