For Puffins, either Skomer or Farnes are good locations. Skomer is probably better in my opinion as you can get a bit closer to the Puffins along the cliff edges.
Farnes is better for sheer variety of species (Kittiwake, Shag, Razorbill, Guillimot, Puffin, Terns, Eider).
If you are going for a few days I would do Farnes as once you get bored with the Puffins you can do the other birds.
Skomer is best if you are a full on Puffin man and only have a day to spare.
But if you are flexible check the weather forecast as well as to the likely best location. Sometimes the boats don't sail if the sea is rough. Also the boat trip to Skomer didn't run on a Monday's, double check Dale sailings to confirm if you plan a Monday visit.
Skomer also has Black Backed Gulls (lots and lots!) some choughs, some razorbills, and others but not always that easy to photograph. Puffins are a doddle.....
I've been to the Farne Islands a few times (most recently last weekend) and Skomer once (about 10 years ago).
From my experience, I would recommend the Farne Islands. I'm not sure how close Sean considers close, but at the weekend I was shooting Puffins that were less than 2 metres away, shags that were 2 feet away, terns that were literally no distance away (they were pecking my head!), and razorbills, kittewakes and guillemots all within 2 or 3 metres. Eider ducks were about 6 or 7 metres away, and seals were about 20 metres away (both from the boat). We also had a few gannets flying over the boat.
If you're interested in a few landscape shots too you can head to Dunstanburgh or Bamburgh Castles for sunset pics, and Lindisfarne/Holy Island is about a 12-15 mile drive to the north.
P.S. If you choose to go to the Farne Islands and you're after somewhere to stay I can recommend a self-catering house in Seahouses. It's a modern semi-detached house, fully kitted out with large kitchen facilities and widescreen TVs etc. Contact Katie at Kickass Images if you're interested: contact details can be found here: http://www.kickass-images.co.uk/contact.htm
Discussion
4 repliesI can't decide between Farne or Skomer.
Can anyone who has been to both recommend the best/easiest location?? Or is there a better place??
Thanks
Barry
For Puffins, either Skomer or Farnes are good locations. Skomer is probably better in my opinion as you can get a bit closer to the Puffins along the cliff edges.
Farnes is better for sheer variety of species (Kittiwake, Shag, Razorbill, Guillimot, Puffin, Terns, Eider).
If you are going for a few days I would do Farnes as once you get bored with the Puffins you can do the other birds.
Skomer is best if you are a full on Puffin man and only have a day to spare.
But if you are flexible check the weather forecast as well as to the likely best location. Sometimes the boats don't sail if the sea is rough. Also the boat trip to Skomer didn't run on a Monday's, double check Dale sailings to confirm if you plan a Monday visit.
Skomer also has Black Backed Gulls (lots and lots!) some choughs, some razorbills, and others but not always that easy to photograph. Puffins are a doddle.....
Hope that helps
cheers
Sean
From my experience, I would recommend the Farne Islands. I'm not sure how close Sean considers close, but at the weekend I was shooting Puffins that were less than 2 metres away, shags that were 2 feet away, terns that were literally no distance away (they were pecking my head!), and razorbills, kittewakes and guillemots all within 2 or 3 metres. Eider ducks were about 6 or 7 metres away, and seals were about 20 metres away (both from the boat). We also had a few gannets flying over the boat.
If you're interested in a few landscape shots too you can head to Dunstanburgh or Bamburgh Castles for sunset pics, and Lindisfarne/Holy Island is about a 12-15 mile drive to the north.
Have fun wherever you decide to go.
Michael S
Michael S
I think I will try a few days on Farne. If I get anything special I will try and post it.
Cheers
Barry