Farne Islands

[mrcolin2u]

Just thought I would post this on a new thread, another similar post mysteriously disappeared yesterday.

Just looking for suggestions for the best time to visit the Farne Islands to photograph birds.

It was already suggested early to mid June, I'm looking for other opinions too.

Thankyou in advance.

[Derek Polley]

You said it June is best I have visited in July but things are starting to go quiet and many birds have fledged, however you will still get good shots

[Barred Wobbler]

I've found the change-over between June and July to be perfect. Go for last week in June/first week in July. By early August you are pushing it. By mid-August you've missed the show.

[ickle_vicki]

I'm off 16th June for 2 weeks! Can't wait!!! Went last year for the seals end of August and saw some fantastic Gannets flying overhead and diving. So will I be lucky enough to see the Gannets this year in the area at the time I'm going?

[seggs]

i visited last year in the middle of june and found it great.. loads of young birds..you just have to hope the weather is ok...last year the boat was unable to land us on one of the islands because of sea conditions due to the wind..
p.s. take a hat..as the terns attack you and it hurts!!
vicki-- you should get gannets ok this time of the year as we did last year...

[Kerry77]

Hi,
I'm off to the Farne Islands at the start of July and just wondered if anyone could give me a rough idea on how long I'll be on a boat for (I hate them!). We've booked with Billy Sheils (is that correct spelling?).
Thanks!
Kerry

[kinnordyvolunteer]

Hi,
I went over last year and it took about 40mins to get to the islands. It depends on which trip you are doing, because they go around the islands to watch the birds on the rock faces before landing you on one of the islands. I did the half day trip and that takes you to the outer farnes while the whole day trip takes you to both the inner isles and outer.
There is plenty of bird life in the water as you approach the islands so that should take your mind off being in the boat!!
Remember that if you aren't a member of the NWT you have to pay to get onto the islands. I think it was £5.

[Kerry77]

Hi
Thanks for the info. Hopefully the birds will distract me from the up and down boat motion, but 40 mins should just be bearable! I'll have to keep focused on the birds and tell myself it is worth it!

Thanks again,

Kerry

[kinnordyvolunteer]

It is worth it!! Enjoy.

[Alan G]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/england/tyne/6740523.stm

.......bugger.

[Barred Wobbler]

Hi,
I'm off to the Farne Islands at the start of July and just wondered if anyone could give me a rough idea on how long I'll be on a boat for (I hate them!). We've booked with Billy Sheils (is that correct spelling?).
Thanks!
Kerry


If you go on the Inner Farne landing trip, the total journey takes about 2hrs 45 minutes. Using the 1pm trip as an example, the boat leaves at one then heads out to the outer islands, stopping close to the Staple Island guillemot colony in a sheltered inlet for a while before going on to Longstone (seals and Grace Darling), then back via a close pass of Brownsman to arrive at Inner Farne from the north side channel to drop you off on the island. The time is now aboout 2.15. Don't forget your hat, the arctic terns are there at the landing.

An hour looking around the island (arctic, sandwich & common terns, shag, guillemot, kittiwake, puffins etc) has you back for the boat at 3.15, with a further 30 minutes back to Seahouses, ashore around 3.45.

(Times based on yesterday's trip in good sea conditions).

[Kerry77]

If you go on the Inner Farne landing trip, the total journey takes about 2hrs 45 minutes. Using the 1pm trip as an example, the boat leaves at one then heads out to the outer islands, stopping close to the Staple Island guillemot colony in a sheltered inlet for a while before going on to Longstone (seals and Grace Darling), then back via a close pass of Brownsman to arrive at Inner Farne from the north side channel to drop you off on the island. The time is now aboout 2.15. Don't forget your hat, the arctic terns are there at the landing.

An hour looking around the island (arctic, sandwich & common terns, shag, guillemot, kittiwake, puffins etc) has you back for the boat at 3.15, with a further 30 minutes back to Seahouses, ashore around 3.45.

(Times based on yesterday's trip in good sea conditions).


Hi Alan,

Thanks for that info. WHen you say 'good sea conditions' does that mean it was like a mill pond?! That would be good. As for the hat-will a baseball cap be sufficient or do I need something more protective?

Thanks,
Kerry

[Barred Wobbler]

There was a slight northerly swell and no wind to speak of, barely enough to cause any splash-back at all into the boat, a bit more swell and a breeze onto the head of the boat may have made the waterproofs worthwhile, but wouldn't have altered the times.

A baseball cap is fine. I wear a cotton combat hat, very flimsy and it does the trick. You still feel the pecks, but they are like being tapped with a pencil. The olive colour (non-warning-colour) of the hat may have had something to do with the fact that on several occasions I was carrying a tern around sitting on my head.;)

A hard hat is definitely a bad idea - damage to delicate (but sharp!) beaks.

EDIT: The sea state looked precisely like this:

[Kerry77]

Hi,
Well I think I can cope if the sea looks like that when I go-fingers crossed. can't believe you were carrying a tern around on your head!! My cap is a denimy blue colour so maybe I'll miss out on that pleasure (unless I feel the need for a new olive coloured cap).

Thanks for all the info - I can't wait to go!

Kerry

[Barred Wobbler]

Everyone should have one.;) Lady's day at Ascot's up soon isn't it?

Enjoy your trip - I'm sure you will.

[Kerry77]

Excellent photo-you've just convinced me I need a new (tern attracting) hat! Not going to Ladies Day this year so instead of buying the posh hat that I normally do I think I'll redistribute the money towards a birding hat!!