[JonC]

Hi,

I'm planning trips to both these Islands this year and wondered what the best time of year was for birding. I've been to the the Farne Islands previously in June/July and the birding was excellent.

I wondered if anyone had experience form say April onwards up to August ?

Any info welcome.

Thanks

[ClarkWGriswold]

Hi Jon. I recall my old man saying that June and July were best for Skomer. The puffins will be there then. It's been a few years since I've been so hopefully somebody with some more recent experience will chip in soon. Please excuse any spellling mistakes but I've just spent a very pleasant afternoon watching the the Wales v Ireland game.

Rich

[martin kitching]

Hi Jon

early to mid-May on the Farnes is a very different experience to the height of the breeding season, with Arctic Terns pairing/displaying and not aggresssive towards human visitors; I took a group of clients across there a couple of years ago and it was a surreal, relaxed trip - particularly if you're familiar with the chaos of June/July with large numbers of visitors to the islands and the constant bombardment by the terns. Once you get beyond mid-July numbers of birds on the islands fall dramatically; it feels sort of empty and abandoned.

cheers
martin

Originally Posted by JonC

Hi,

I'm planning trips to both these Islands this year and wondered what the best time of year was for birding. I've been to the the Farne Islands previously in June/July and the birding was excellent.

I wondered if anyone had experience form say April onwards up to August ?

Any info welcome.

Thanks

[JonC]

Thanks both. I think June/July is best then.

Regards

Jon