Farne Islands - June 2011
"Rocky islands, once
home to saints, soldiers and famous lighthouse keepers, now a sanctuary for
seabirds and seals" is what the UK National Trust says about the Farne
Islands, on their
website. Situated on the east coast of Northumberland, almost at the
Scottish border, the Farnes are small but exceedingly interesting. We went
there for a week, on a trip organized and led by
Han Bouwmeester. Weather
conditions were variable, as one would expect in northern England, but there
was some good light every day and birds were plentiful. We came prepared to
see Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Guillemots and Shags, but
the numbers astounded us. The Farnes are breeding colonies and the birds did
not seem to be very shy - though the Arctic Terns were more easily disturbed
and then became very aggressive. The National Trust wardens, who kept
everyone on the paths and outside the nesting areas, suffered though all
this with a smile and with their hats covered with white droppings.
One day, when conditions were very rainy and foggy, we took a trip across
the border to Scotland to find Grouse and a young Curlew.
Weather and sea conditions did not permit a planned trip to
Bass Rock, home to a very large colony of Gannets. We did see them ,
flying low in formation over the sea, but they were too far away for us to
take pictures. We may be back one day to try again.
All in all a very enjoyable and successfull trip, skilfully led by Han.