I'm planning a little trip to the Farnes next week. Has anyone been recently? What are bird numbers like this year and any recommendations about where to go and see? It'll be my fiorst time so any advice would be great thatnks
Went at the weekend,superb although a little bright!
On the all day trip Staple Island is your first port of call if you head inland first follow the path to the right you will have good views of puffin and guillimot static and in flight then come back to the landing area and looking out to sea on the right is a rocky area which can be good for close ups of puffin and great for puffin in flight!
Inner Farne as you land usually has many terns resting to your right then you will deal with the barrage of terns as you walk along the boardwalk,great for terns in flight all along the boardwalk and chicks but watch where you stand! And wear a hat! Take the boardwalk to your left and you will find Shags/Kittiwakes.Guillimots and Razorbills on the cliff edge,very close!!Despite what people say take the biggest opitic you have if you want close ups of puffin,few shots on my website,see below,or do a search for Matt latham who I met up there he has some great shots from the trip!Its worth a two day trip as its difficult to get everything done in a day.
A monopod/tripod strapped to your backpack and extended about a foot above your head will prevent the Terns on Inner Farne pecking your head and drawing blood. It works really well.
Lots of Sand Eels this year for those Puffin shots in particular (went last weekend). The Grey Seals are giving a good show on the way in as well.
Don't forget a landing fee is payable to the National Trust on *both* islands and this is separate from the boat fee (NT staff are doing a very good membership deal on the islands though if you are not a member).
Have a good time
Simon
Posted by Brett Lewis on June 25, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Hi Gavin, you might consider taking your underwater gear as well as it's a great place to swim with/photograph seals.. Other dive friends have been and had their fins chewed by the odd inquisitive seal..
Enjoy, whatever you get up to..
Brett
Posted by Gavin Parsons on June 25, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I already thought of that Brett - thanks though.
And thanks for the info guys. Craig that's just the sort of info I was looking for - many thanks.
Now all I have to hope for is good weather. I may see you there Graham
Discussion
6 repliesWent at the weekend,superb although a little bright!
On the all day trip Staple Island is your first port of call if you head inland first follow the path to the right you will have good views of puffin and guillimot static and in flight then come back to the landing area and looking out to sea on the right is a rocky area which can be good for close ups of puffin and great for puffin in flight!
Inner Farne as you land usually has many terns resting to your right then you will deal with the barrage of terns as you walk along the boardwalk,great for terns in flight all along the boardwalk and chicks but watch where you stand! And wear a hat! Take the boardwalk to your left and you will find Shags/Kittiwakes.Guillimots and Razorbills on the cliff edge,very close!!Despite what people say take the biggest opitic you have if you want close ups of puffin,few shots on my website,see below,or do a search for Matt latham who I met up there he has some great shots from the trip!Its worth a two day trip as its difficult to get everything done in a day.
Hope this helps
Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk
Lots of Sand Eels this year for those Puffin shots in particular (went last weekend). The Grey Seals are giving a good show on the way in as well.
Don't forget a landing fee is payable to the National Trust on *both* islands and this is separate from the boat fee (NT staff are doing a very good membership deal on the islands though if you are not a member).
Have a good time
Simon
Enjoy, whatever you get up to..
Brett
And thanks for the info guys. Craig that's just the sort of info I was looking for - many thanks.
Now all I have to hope for is good weather. I may see you there Graham