Farne Islands this Spring

[Ruby]

Hi Guys,

I have always wanted to go to the Farne Islands and think that this Spring might finally be the time to so it - primary targets would be to see the Puffins and Arctic Terns.

Living a fair trek away, we would have to go over a weekend and the itinerary would probably go something like :-

Sat am - Travel up
Sat pm - Something else
Sun - Boat trip(s)
Sun evening - Drive home

I've not been before so was after a couple of bits of advice....

1. How late in the year could we go before it is too late?? I think we would struggle to get there much before mid-June. Is that too late?

2. Suggestions from any local birders, as to what 'Something else' might be? For example, a bogie bird for us southerners is Willow Tit, so a good Willow Tit site would go down well (or any other suggestions really...)

3. From what I can gather, it is not necessary to book trips out to the islands. Is this so, and are there recommendations regarding seeing a single island or more that one.


Thanks in advance... Ruby

[hampers]

Mid June would be fine. There are a number of options for boat trips. Google Billy Shiels. You can go to 1 or 2 islands in a day. I've done it a few times and its excellent. Wear a hat though, otherwise the terns will get you. I'd suggets booking just in case, I've just phoned them. Also worth asking if they have any birding groups booked and if you can piggy back onto one of their trips, I did this and had an extra hour on the island. Thinking about it last time they let us stay longer by asking.
I did one of the RSPB boat trips from Bridlington last year on the Saturday, with Bempton Cliffs and then Farne on Sunday. Blacktoft Sands well worth a visit as well.

Its a great trip, you'll enjoy it.


Phil

[Ruby]

Thanks Phil,

I've had a look on Billy's web-site and it looks good...


Rgds... Ruby

[jforgham]

Hi Ruby,
Always a good trip and mid June would do. A little earlier may be just a tad better but I doubt you'd miss much. Check out: http://www.northumberland-coast.co.uk/php/DisplayDBBamburgh.php
for accomodation. Bamburgh, just a few miles up the coast from Seahouses where the boats go from, has loads to offer. Fulmars nesting on the castle ramparts and flying over the cricket pitch, one of the most fantastic beaches for miles around, albeit always blowy when I have been there, good access to Lindisfarne to the north and not too far from the Cheviots for grouse and moorland birds. Also, plenty of history in the town and some good eating and drinking establishments.
Enjoy your trip.
Jono

[Ruby]

Cheers Jono,

I'll have a look at the Bamburgh web-site, as we will need somewhere for an overnight stay...

Any ideas on good sites for the Willow Tits?? - maybe on the way up there, if not nr Alnwick.


Rgds... Ruby

[Helenelizabeth2]

Cheers Jono,

I'll have a look at the Bamburgh web-site, as we will need somewhere for an overnight stay...

Any ideas on good sites for the Willow Tits?? - maybe on the way up there, if not nr Alnwick.


Rgds... Ruby

Potteric Carr if you're coming up the A1 - it's only a few minutes off the road. Have fun on the Farnes - they're very lovely.

[RoyH]

Hi Guys,

I have always wanted to go to the Farne Islands and think that this Spring might finally be the time to so it - primary targets would be to see the Puffins and Arctic Terns.

Living a fair trek away, we would have to go over a weekend and the itinerary would probably go something like :-

Sat am - Travel up
Sat pm - Something else
Sun - Boat trip(s)
Sun evening - Drive home

I've not been before so was after a couple of bits of advice....

1. How late in the year could we go before it is too late?? I think we would struggle to get there much before mid-June. Is that too late?

2. Suggestions from any local birders, as to what 'Something else' might be? For example, a bogie bird for us southerners is Willow Tit, so a good Willow Tit site would go down well (or any other suggestions really...)

3. From what I can gather, it is not necessary to book trips out to the islands. Is this so, and are there recommendations regarding seeing a single island or more that one.


Thanks in advance... Ruby
Hi Ruby,
My wife and I spent a week in a cottage at Seahouses starting May 13 last year. Really wonderful place, first visit to Northumberland. We managed the full day birding trip on the following Tuesday. We were lucky to get out to Staple Island because of the sea swell, in fact they only made it once more that week..Just warning you, even when you have paid for your ticket they will warn you they may not make the landing if its too rough. Farne Is is never a problem I am led to believe. It was a lovely day, we visited both Islands. I would go again but later next time so June would be about right. The sea trip was not rough, its just that they only have a few steps when they land at Staple Is if there is a high swell they regard it as unsafe to land.

I have a few pics of that trip on my site: www.royhowell.co.uk

Highly recommended, you must go. We used Bill Shields for the trip, Full day cost £80 including landing fees. If I go again I would consider the single Island trip now I know the lay on the islands.


Roy.

[Ruby]

Thanks Roy,

Had a look at your blog - some great photos there!

[RoyH]

Thanks Roy,

Had a look at your blog - some great photos there!

Thank you Ruby, It was a most enjoyable week.

Regards

Roy.

[Ruby]

Hi Guys,

Slightly worried about the bad weather that we have been having and the appalling forecast, but decided to give it a go this last weekend anyway - and what a great trip it was!

Weather was fine, dry and sunny with just a bit of light drizzle on the final trip back to the mainland, and we were able to make the intended landings on both Inner Farne and Staple Island.

Here's a couple of Puffin pics and a Guillemot.....


Ruby

PS - Probably WAS a bit of a waste of time taking the scope etc, but it didn't get in the way too much. Most birds are so close that they can be photographed using any old camera with a bit of zoom...

[kinnordyvolunteer]

Wonderful photos. As you say, you can take photos there with most cameras and get good results. Its a great place to go.

[RoyH]

Hi Guys,

Slightly worried about the bad weather that we have been having and the appalling forecast, but decided to give it a go this last weekend anyway - and what a great trip it was!

Weather was fine, dry and sunny with just a bit of light drizzle on the final trip back to the mainland, and we were able to make the intended landings on both Inner Farne and Staple Island.

Here's a couple of Puffin pics and a Guillemot.....


Ruby

PS - Probably WAS a bit of a waste of time taking the scope etc, but it didn't get in the way too much. Most birds are so close that they can be photographed using any old camera with a bit of zoom...

Hi Ruby
Great to hear they were able to land you on Staple...great stuff. I would have loved to have got a puffin with sand eels in its beak but May 13th was a bit early but I will do it again sometime...When I go again I will just take the trip to Inner Farne now I know the lay out. A mate of mine has booked a cottage for the week in Seahouses in September...what a waste the reserve will be closed then.

Regards

Roy.

[seggs]

glad you enjoyed it..
i was there on sunday..the all day 2 island trip..fantasic!..
better than last year as we were unable to land on staple due to the wind.
and yes you can great good pics using a small zoom camera as the artic terns on inner farne are within touching distance ...also close to puffins.razorbills,shags and guillimots. tern chicks running onto the walk ways!.. loads of young birds all over..
all the best
steve egg

[ColinD]

....PS - Probably WAS a bit of a waste of time taking the scope etc, but it didn't get in the way too much. Most birds are so close that they can be photographed using any old camera with a bit of zoom...

Glad you enjoyed them Ruby, the Farnes are a wonderful experience. As you say, you can get good photos with any old camera, but I've also seen a lot of poor photos from there as well (including many of my own). Don't knock your photos, they're amongst the best I've seen, especially the photo of the group of Puffins. Love it!