Wade a minute...

Turnstone showing in good numbers (Ciaran Hatsell)

Doing well - two of our resident ringed plover chicks (Ciaran Hatsell)

Dunlin with a difference - any suggestions of where this beauty has come from?

Friday 27th July comments: So, as the breeding season slowly but surely comes to an end (still several species feeding young including Puffins, but hurry up!), our attentions turn elsewhere as we look at other wild and wonderful things surrounding the Farne Islands.

At this time of year we start to notice a big increase in the number of wading birds around the islands, with huge congregations of birds like Golden Plover, Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone becoming regular fixtures on our rocky coastline. Some of these birds are returning from breeding as far north as Greenland and even Arctic Canada, some epic over-sea migrations see them finally touch down on the mighty Farnes. In the last week we have seen several species such as Curlew, Whimbrel, Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Redshank, Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper (Phew!). All these birds are specially adapted to exploit different food sources, waders really are a diverse and fascinating family of birds!

It’s also getting into the best time to see that rare British breeder the Roseate Tern, as family parties start to congregate in the Tern roosts by the jetty; ask a Ranger and we’ll do our best to pick one out for you! With Butterfly numbers building, a great variety of moths on show and a tank full of marine creepy crawlies from Hermit Crabs to Starfish, it really is a great time to visit the Farnes!

This weekend the island are also taking part in the country-wide Seawatch event this Saturday and Sunday, so why not come out and see what you can spot with us?! Will it be a Minke Whale? A Porpoise? Or even a pod of Dolphins? Ladies and Gentlemen, grab your telescopes, let the seawatch begin!