tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9130343297394947982024-03-18T13:57:46.449+00:00Farne Islands UncoveredComments about the Farnes from an ex-Head Warden who proudly served the islands for fourteen yearsFarneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.comBlogger857125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-33539104959727295632016-07-29T20:59:00.002+01:002016-07-29T20:59:36.154+01:00Farnes Reunion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ecTEtUtfU/V5u0VDQ10zI/AAAAAAAAJSo/ES9CKWTLqkA6MqpR7E3mqNdvkmvmqODMgCLcB/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ecTEtUtfU/V5u0VDQ10zI/AAAAAAAAJSo/ES9CKWTLqkA6MqpR7E3mqNdvkmvmqODMgCLcB/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex-wardens from the 1990's and 2000's (Stef McElwee)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFetMHjhNhM/V5u0XEF_dMI/AAAAAAAAJSs/TziOJKFhPwkALrWPBlBY50CIZ7K-TVLLQCLcB/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFetMHjhNhM/V5u0XEF_dMI/AAAAAAAAJSs/TziOJKFhPwkALrWPBlBY50CIZ7K-TVLLQCLcB/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan pointing the way with boat Skipper Bobby looking on (Stef McElwee)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oqgHRYA37A/V5u0XlmBjJI/AAAAAAAAJSw/FkeiiYdbg9EfnObnKvmFMch90zWqeyVrgCLcB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oqgHRYA37A/V5u0XlmBjJI/AAAAAAAAJSw/FkeiiYdbg9EfnObnKvmFMch90zWqeyVrgCLcB/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Moss talking about the finer points of seabird management (David Steel)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWqAkHF7sHk/V5u0XqvPzqI/AAAAAAAAJS0/7k1l6w6XHbwfGCSgkSc_zcdd16OwulmBACLcB/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWqAkHF7sHk/V5u0XqvPzqI/AAAAAAAAJS0/7k1l6w6XHbwfGCSgkSc_zcdd16OwulmBACLcB/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the od days...the boys in the pub (Wez Smith)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dBj5Uwe9g4/V5u0Ya9AiFI/AAAAAAAAJS4/JvpVYQ0rhN4L40bfsdXTG4ql4cdZez0FwCLcB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dBj5Uwe9g4/V5u0Ya9AiFI/AAAAAAAAJS4/JvpVYQ0rhN4L40bfsdXTG4ql4cdZez0FwCLcB/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old habits die hard; Steely on Staple talking to new staff member Tom (Wez Smith)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Tj5-Tfwws/V5u0Y1PSxfI/AAAAAAAAJS8/raDGePC3-988mnyATsX-G98u4YBJ1wgdACLcB/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_Tj5-Tfwws/V5u0Y1PSxfI/AAAAAAAAJS8/raDGePC3-988mnyATsX-G98u4YBJ1wgdACLcB/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inner Farne (Wez Smith)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LpE8s3exOs/V5u0ZbCGm6I/AAAAAAAAJTA/_tE3NjwTDMgTaBQVTj0TM0nDaeZQLPGmwCLcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0LpE8s3exOs/V5u0ZbCGm6I/AAAAAAAAJTA/_tE3NjwTDMgTaBQVTj0TM0nDaeZQLPGmwCLcB/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staple Island looking towards Brownsman (Wez Smith)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friday 29</span><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">
July comments</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: Last weekend a number of ex-Farne wardens met up in
Seahouses for a long anticipated reunion. A number of ex-staff had travelled
from far and wide to meet up in Seahouses and catch up over old times. From Shetland
to Skomer (Wales) to Isle of May (Scotland) and even the south coast of England,
eleven ex-wardens stayed in Seahouses for the weekend, reliving their days on
the famous islands. </span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">On Saturday the team visited the islands spending a few
hours on both Staple and Inner Farne and as you would expect there was a lot of
chat about seabirds and island management (especially considering the expertise
amongst the group). There were certainly discussion points about the current
Tern management on the islands especially from a vegetation point of view, but
we’ll leave that for another blog post. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">The weekend was a huge success, as the team met up with old
friends from Bobby and Archie to William, Micky and Craig amongst many others.
A repeat is already being planned for next year and we are looking at expanding
numbers to even more ex-wardens. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Thanks to everyone who made the journey to Seahouses and
thanks to Stef and Juan for organising the first of many reunions! Thanks to Wez and Stef for the photos and also thanks
to William Shiel (</span><a href="http://www.farne-islands.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">http://www.farne-islands.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">)
for giving us a free lift out to the islands; a great day and evening was had
by all (and a few sore heads as well). </span></div>
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<br />Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-15341978451106602622016-06-13T20:01:00.000+01:002016-06-13T20:01:11.633+01:00Amazing Arctic Terns<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCKnFFD5geI/V18CBTJb6LI/AAAAAAAAJRk/H025PaBuf8EUUY3IoLCkZgbXHqhoE8KgACLcB/s1600/Arctic%2Btern%2B182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCKnFFD5geI/V18CBTJb6LI/AAAAAAAAJRk/H025PaBuf8EUUY3IoLCkZgbXHqhoE8KgACLcB/s400/Arctic%2Btern%2B182.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive adult Arctic Tern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXpE68E2w_A/V18CDEO1AHI/AAAAAAAAJRo/BhKblkqEXas77DfNQ0FoPV5oO8rPXGxkwCLcB/s1600/A%2Btern%2Bhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXpE68E2w_A/V18CDEO1AHI/AAAAAAAAJRo/BhKblkqEXas77DfNQ0FoPV5oO8rPXGxkwCLcB/s400/A%2Btern%2Bhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the head mate! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D0WCOsuop0/V18CFXNxjsI/AAAAAAAAJRw/3nlpnv3t0-ofG2NYEdZPnswSIS1f_HYVgCLcB/s1600/Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5D0WCOsuop0/V18CFXNxjsI/AAAAAAAAJRw/3nlpnv3t0-ofG2NYEdZPnswSIS1f_HYVgCLcB/s400/Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A track from one of the birds off the farnes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr Chris Redfern in action </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqyyCP1UO3U/V18CH0kAVGI/AAAAAAAAJR8/qp5BTJNQJTg-_tiJnEXI2aj1vB9J34rPQCLcB/s1600/2%2BChris%2Bredfern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqyyCP1UO3U/V18CH0kAVGI/AAAAAAAAJR8/qp5BTJNQJTg-_tiJnEXI2aj1vB9J34rPQCLcB/s400/2%2BChris%2Bredfern.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr Chris Redfern - the man behind the success<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Welcome back old friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monday 13</span><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">
June comments</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: Over the last two weeks the BBC Springwatch team have been
bringing you some excellent footage from the Farne Islands from Shag project
work to the (almost) unbelievable story of the Arctic Terns.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">During the late summer last year, up to seventeen adult
Arctic Terns were fitted with geo-locators, devises which allow movements of
birds to be tracked during the winter. These devises would remain on the birds
throughout the autumn, winter and early spring until (hopefully) they would be
recaught (as these birds are site faithful) and the data downloaded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">This spring seventeen were recaught and the information
processed. The results were staggering as the various media outlets reported:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">BBC News</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-36466763"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-36466763</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Newcastle Evening
Chronicle</span></b><span style="font-size: small;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/arctic-tern-farne-islands-record-11435193"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/arctic-tern-farne-islands-record-11435193</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">However this didn’t just happen overnight as it has been
three years in the planning. First with me but the real hard work was carried
out by Dr Chris Redfern. Over the last two years, Chris has applied
(successfully) for funding and the permits required to carry out the work, then
purchase the trackers before capturing the birds to put them on. Chris was then
successful in finding and removing these devises this spring, so the real congratulations
should be to the man behind the scenes; Chris Redfern.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Wildlife still continues to amaze even the hardest of scientist
and don’t you just love it?</span></div>
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<br />Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-1184266027806060972015-02-07T11:29:00.006+00:002015-02-07T11:29:58.714+00:00Thank you Seahouses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCtHSm_NJUs/VNX0_SWEVrI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/ObOa1R-5FHM/s1600/Bobby%2Band%2BBilly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCtHSm_NJUs/VNX0_SWEVrI/AAAAAAAAJJ4/ObOa1R-5FHM/s1600/Bobby%2Band%2BBilly.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad Tidings One legends; Bobby (left) and the late Billy (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LphgD1GhiTM/VNX1H19-f_I/AAAAAAAAJKA/97u9xy-7nxQ/s1600/Ian%2Band%2BArchie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LphgD1GhiTM/VNX1H19-f_I/AAAAAAAAJKA/97u9xy-7nxQ/s1600/Ian%2Band%2BArchie.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archie and Ian</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William with his son Oliver</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMuor86BttM/VNX1bpgqDII/AAAAAAAAJKQ/B8zDM345wyo/s1600/Lads%2Bworking%2Bhard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMuor86BttM/VNX1bpgqDII/AAAAAAAAJKQ/B8zDM345wyo/s1600/Lads%2Bworking%2Bhard.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lads working hard; (from left to right) Micky, Craig and James</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtzBG04srNg/VNX1pZDxb3I/AAAAAAAAJKY/pEmCG3Es5IQ/s1600/John%2BFindus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtzBG04srNg/VNX1pZDxb3I/AAAAAAAAJKY/pEmCG3Es5IQ/s1600/John%2BFindus.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John 'Findus' </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1oA1-AWm5U/VNX1wpTt6SI/AAAAAAAAJKg/ooqxD7fCExA/s1600/peter%2Band%2Bginger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1oA1-AWm5U/VNX1wpTt6SI/AAAAAAAAJKg/ooqxD7fCExA/s1600/peter%2Band%2Bginger.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Adam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHdLD4gUFh0/VNX17OH2rII/AAAAAAAAJKo/qc85ca0e8G8/s1600/Steely%2Bbobby%2Band%2BBill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHdLD4gUFh0/VNX17OH2rII/AAAAAAAAJKo/qc85ca0e8G8/s1600/Steely%2Bbobby%2Band%2BBill.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy times; Bobby, Steely and Billy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_1HgOJsutg/VNX19dQOFpI/AAAAAAAAJKw/q7Fg7rxshDY/s1600/Billy%2BShiel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_1HgOJsutg/VNX19dQOFpI/AAAAAAAAJKw/q7Fg7rxshDY/s1600/Billy%2BShiel.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late Billy Shiel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Saturday 7<sup>th</sup>
February comments</b>: As I continue to say goodbye to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Farne</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
I’m reflecting on the 14 years I have spent living and breathing ‘Planet
Farnes’. During that period many people have helped and supported myself and
the teams and this is the start of the many thanks I owe to the people
involved. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Seahouses is the gateway to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Farne</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and for me it’s the people of the village which make it. Without the close
friendship and loyalty of the boatmen, the job would not have been the same. In
there own unique way, they made me feel part of community as I got to know the
lads and their families very well over the years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The boatmen have been the real stars of the show as they
have educated and showed me the ‘ways of the sea’ whilst helping in many ways
from lifts in rough seas to bringing out post and water when needed most. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>Glad Tidings </i>fleet, run by the late Billy Shiel and then
his son William have been supportive over the years and it was his crews which
made life on the islands that bit more enjoyable. Whether it was Bobby talking
footy (he still remains a hardened Newcastle United fan despite my best efforts
to convert) or the late Billy chatting about his latest camera woes, it was all
good crack. Craig (<i>GT6 skipper</i>) and Micky (<i>GT 7 skipper</i>) have been there with
me throughout the 14 years and I’ve enjoyed the banter throughout and we’ve had
a good few Wardens vs Boatmen footy matches over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Archie the ‘grumpiest’ well loved boatmen of them all is a
real character of the village whilst his son Ian skippered <i>Glad Tidings 4</i> with
great crewman Martin. Others to mention include Robert (<i>St.Cuthberts</i> Skipper)
with his top class commentary, Andy (<i>Serenity</i> Skipper) with all his wildlife
sightings and enthusiasm and George (<i>Golden Gate </i>Skipper) who attended the
lighthouses on behalf of Trinity House. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Other thanks go to Marta in the harbour booking offices,
Gloria, Jade and Keith in the National Trust shop, all the girls at the Co-op,
the guys at the Fruit and Veg shop, the good crack at the The Ship (and to the
wonderful Jane who works there) and the Bamburgh Inn. I can’t mention Seahouses
without their fish and chip shops or all the others who have offered friendship
over the years from the RNLI team to the local fisherman. I thank each and
every one of you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s been a great pleasure to know all these people and many
more and I thank you all. I’ll not be a stranger to the place as I hope to
extend my friendships for many more years to come. Seahouses thank you for
being a part of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Farne</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place> success story and
thank you for letting me be a part of you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Next stop ….time to thank the rangers over the last 14
years!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-17471837095034887032015-02-06T08:27:00.001+00:002015-02-06T08:27:36.410+00:00Twitter Storm<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Friday 6th february comments</strong>: Yesterday I broke the news that I was leaving the Farne Island after 14 years and I was overwhelmed by the support and kind words which were sent over the course of the day. Thank you to everyone who sent messages and with over 190 direct messages received on twitter alone, here is a flavour of them: </div>
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</div>
<br />
<strong>Garry McWilliams</strong>: absolute legend, enthusiasm, exuberance, energy, a great legacy though, best of luck David, cheers<br />
<br />
<strong>Stef McElwee</strong>: So the irrepressible Steely is calling it a day after 14 years. A man who opened the fab Farnes to many. Miss you mate #Farnes legend <br />
<strong>Aletta</strong>: oh my goodness has the NT fallen? You leaving the Farnes is like the Ravens leaving the Tower of London!<br />
<br />
<strong>Northumberland Coast AONB</strong>: Best of luck David, you will be greatly missed by everyone associated with wildlife and tourism on the Northumberland coast <br />
<br />
<strong>Robson Green</strong>: End of an era! Wishing TV star and all-round great bloke David Steel the best of luck with his new island adventures<br />
<br />
<strong>Tales From Northumberland</strong>: Great memories of our Farnes odyssey in 2013 “I couldn’t think of a better place to get a bad night’s sleep!” <br />
<br />
<strong>John Aitchison</strong>: It’s the end of an era: after 14 years David Steel is leaving the Farne Islands. Few have done so much. Thank you. <br />
<br />
<strong>Mike Dilger</strong>: We salute you Steely! Bon voyage and see you on the May #island legend<br />
<br />
<strong>Laura Shearer</strong>: Today's support for @NTsteely shows how important he has been for @nationaltrust the Farnes and local businesses. Huge loss for the region!<br />
<br />
<strong>Richard Taylor-Jones</strong>: Some of the most memorable TV has been down to Steely, respect. See you on the next lump of rock<br />
<br />
<strong>Danny Savage</strong>: I hope your replacement is as good at PR as you. The place wont be the same without you! Good luck <br />
<br /><strong>Victoria Gill</strong>: All the very very best David. Well done on the wonderful work over the years. Must be an emotional time.<br />
<br />
<strong>North Northumberland:</strong> Thanks for all you’ve done on this coast over many years. Always been a great ambassador. You’re a loss to tourism and wildlife<br />
<br />
<strong>Andrew Durham</strong>: Best of luck on the Isle of May mate. Working with you over the years has been a genuine pleasure. All the Glad Tidings crews will miss you.<br />
<br />
<strong>Dean Wilkinson</strong>: On behalf of @HeartofNland many thanks for all your hard work which has helped boost tourism across our region.<br />
<br />
<strong>Samanthha Bell</strong>: What the HELL!? You're leaving?! NO! Who authorised this...?! <br />
<br />
<strong>Doddington Dairy</strong>: Sending you our best wishes for your new job! You have represented the region so well, & will be missed!<br />
<br />
<strong>Cottages In Northumberland</strong>: we wish you all the best in your new job. You will be a big miss on the Farne Islands<br />
<br />
<strong>Bevan</strong>: Good luck with your new adventure the Farnes loss is the Isle of Mays gain Thanks for making the Farnes a welcoming place to visit<br />
<br />
<strong>Julie Aiston</strong>: not liking what I'm reading tonight. You'll be a great miss in Seahouses and on the Farnes. Good luck in your new post. <br />
<br />
<strong>Hail to the King</strong>: you've done a hell of a job there both conservation wise and in raising the profile of the Farnes and the NT! <br />
<br />
<strong>Carolyn Todd:</strong> Isle of May has seriously lucked out! Hope you'll Tweet from up there. As for the Farnes, your successor has very big boots to fill.<br />
<br />
<strong>J Cook</strong>: You let Mr Steel leave the Farne Islands? But who will take care of all the birds and seals??<br />
<br />
<strong>Alan Tilmouth</strong>: Nooooo, that's like salt without vinegar or Morecambe and no Wise<br />
<br />
<strong>Save Druridge</strong>: All the people from @SaveDruridge would like to wish Mr Steel all the best in his new role in #Scotland GoodLuck! #YOU WILL BE MISSED<br />
<br />
<strong>Ben Burville</strong>: Gentleman, leader & my buddy @NTsteely A sad loss for @nationaltrust but a great gain for Scottish Natural Heritage <br />
<br />
<strong>Teresa Weatherall</strong>: Good luck in your new role. You are a legend and leave a fantastic legacy on The Farnes. Gone but not forgotten<br />
<br />
<strong>Jo Horsley</strong>: hope you still tweet & blog, you have really brought the #Farnes to life for me & many others #goodluck<br />
<br />
<strong>Jamie coleman</strong>: Very sad news, you should be proud of everything you've achieved on the Farnes <br />
<br />
<strong>St.Cuthburts House</strong>: We join those in thanking you for all you’ve done on the coast and wishing you well in the next chapter. Come back often…<br />
<br />
<strong>Carole Ratcliffe</strong>: sorry to hear you are leaving the Farnes after 14 years. You have done a brilliant job. Wishing you well in your new venture <br />
<br />
<strong>Liz Fenn</strong>: His name is synonymous with the Farne Islands, never think of one without the other. Good luck on May!<br />
<br />
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-41338034114088160912015-02-05T08:47:00.002+00:002015-02-05T08:47:33.442+00:00Goodbye Planet Farnes<div style="text-align: justify;">
After fourteen years living and working on the wonderful Farne Islands National Nature Reserve, its time to say goodbye.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />The Farne Islands are an incredible place; arguably the best seabird reserve in the UK not just for the sights, sounds and smells but also the intensity of the place with so much wildlife crammed into one small area. Over 85,000 pairs of birds, 6,000 Grey Seals and a lot more besides share those 18 islands totalling only 80 acres and don’t I know it! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel I’ve achieved a lot on the Farnes ensuring it remains an important national nature reserve for some of Britain’s rarest wildlife whilst also making it a great place to visit and work. In my time I’ve raised the islands profile, improved living conditions tremendously and improved the day-to-day job immeasurably, something which I am very proud of. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However my own and the Farnes success could not have been achieved without the teams who supported me over the years; from the wardens and rangers on the islands to my wider colleagues in the National Trust, not forgetting the local community and all those others who have been involved over the course of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a truly remarkable fourteen years, each one as different as the last and it is a life experience I will never forget. Living and working on the Farne Islands has been a privilege and I have worked and lived with some fantastic people during that time. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I salute you Planet Farnes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However it’s not over yet as I’ll be bringing you lots of highlights and photographs from those years on the blog over the next few days…you have been warned.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And on a final note, it’s not all sad news…could I really live without an island or Puffins to work with? Of course not! I’m moving up the coast to the ‘Jewel of the Forth’; the impressive Isle of May to become the islands new Reserve Manager which boasts even more Puffins and Seals than the Farnes so I’m not finished yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bring on the Puffins.</div>
<br />
David Steel, Farne Islands 2001-2014Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-41853102142713067772015-01-15T16:35:00.000+00:002015-01-15T16:35:19.562+00:00Happy New Year!Its been a slow start to the New Year although over the next week or two I'll be bringing you all the highlights from the 2014 Farnes season (just to get you in the mood for 2015!). There is plenty to tell so watch this space....Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-70393248824467382772014-12-23T16:27:00.000+00:002014-12-23T16:27:17.563+00:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn0EoBFjuAA/VJmXsEkf5qI/AAAAAAAAJGs/Sth5JksIRJA/s1600/christmaspuffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_576138="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn0EoBFjuAA/VJmXsEkf5qI/AAAAAAAAJGs/Sth5JksIRJA/s1600/christmaspuffin.jpg" gta="true" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Just a quick word to wish everyone a very..... <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
MERRY CHRISTMAS </div>
<br />
....and hope everyone enjoys the festive period. Thank-you to all those who read, follow and comment on the blog; you inspire us to write as we know it brings a little bit of the Farnes magic to all those who read it.<br />
<br />
Best wishes from me and all the Farnes team! Merry ChristmasFarneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-38802612790156291802014-12-11T15:19:00.004+00:002014-12-11T15:19:57.489+00:00Seal season!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha038vNIrXA/VIm01JWFTBI/AAAAAAAAJF0/iTH8K9gazx4/s1600/Bye%2Bbye%2BSteely.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha038vNIrXA/VIm01JWFTBI/AAAAAAAAJF0/iTH8K9gazx4/s1600/Bye%2Bbye%2BSteely.JPG" gta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye bye Farnes team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5xct1JlbK4/VIm042LyIyI/AAAAAAAAJF8/7EIzJ0rbKCk/s1600/second%2Bcoat%2Bpup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5xct1JlbK4/VIm042LyIyI/AAAAAAAAJF8/7EIzJ0rbKCk/s1600/second%2Bcoat%2Bpup.JPG" gta="true" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second coat pup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0mhhLBZXA/VIm07W5yqiI/AAAAAAAAJGE/jv7al5vuaQE/s1600/Staple%2Bcolony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0mhhLBZXA/VIm07W5yqiI/AAAAAAAAJGE/jv7al5vuaQE/s1600/Staple%2Bcolony.JPG" gta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staple Island colony now the biggest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rm54eveV_c/VIm092ilx0I/AAAAAAAAJGM/90jTIvCCy5M/s1600/bman%2Bseal%2Bcolony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rm54eveV_c/VIm092ilx0I/AAAAAAAAJGM/90jTIvCCy5M/s1600/bman%2Bseal%2Bcolony.JPG" gta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownsman seal family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qs59WeYfBY/VIm1BDD4t1I/AAAAAAAAJGU/7QceQResOcU/s1600/mating%2Bseals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qs59WeYfBY/VIm1BDD4t1I/AAAAAAAAJGU/7QceQResOcU/s1600/mating%2Bseals.JPG" gta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating season!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rF2yLohNxhU/VIm1ER1XhoI/AAAAAAAAJGc/6-S6fX-6e-8/s1600/bull%2Bseal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_950296="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rF2yLohNxhU/VIm1ER1XhoI/AAAAAAAAJGc/6-S6fX-6e-8/s1600/bull%2Bseal.JPG" gta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And fighting season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Thursday 11th December comments</strong>: The dust has settled and we are off the islands! The team made a successful escape last Saturday and celebrated another successful season on Planet Farnes. However more of that to follow…</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to the islands and we said goodbye to the Grey Seal colonies of the islands for one last time. It’s been a very productive autumn with an even more impressive total as the islands boasted 1,651 seal pups; the highest pup total since 1971! However it’s not just the Farnes as other east coast seal colonies are reporting record numbers as Blakeney Point (Norfolk) have a staggering 2,126 pups and Donna Nook (Lincolnshire) have 1,760 pups. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Interestingly there has been a huge shift in recent years in the Farne colonies as Staple Island has become ‘number one’ nursery whilst Brownsman claimed second spot this year for the first in the modern era. The top island pup totals include;</div>
<br />
Staple Island 492<br />
Brownsman 408<br />
South Wamses 389<br />
North Wamses 227<br />
West Wideopens 51<br />
Northern Hares 39<br />
Knoxes Reef 32<br />
<br />
Over the next few weeks I’ll be bringing you a round-up of the season, from seabirds to escaping the island and much, much more so keep checking the blog!Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-9586397160621392982014-12-03T21:15:00.005+00:002014-12-03T21:15:45.498+00:00Tis the Seal-son to be Jolly!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLxBRPvBrxQ/VH98t-cMKdI/AAAAAAAAJEY/9bxQi1cRIZY/s1600/Reflections.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLxBRPvBrxQ/VH98t-cMKdI/AAAAAAAAJEY/9bxQi1cRIZY/s1600/Reflections.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflecting on seals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZbP9QB6pIM/VH98x6kc2nI/AAAAAAAAJEg/Ahnh6HCLSJw/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B89.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZbP9QB6pIM/VH98x6kc2nI/AAAAAAAAJEg/Ahnh6HCLSJw/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B89.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young pup on the Farne Islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95FHfC3Ua6c/VH980Q4qXmI/AAAAAAAAJEo/FjTBeWdq4rk/s1600/Second%2Bcoat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95FHfC3Ua6c/VH980Q4qXmI/AAAAAAAAJEo/FjTBeWdq4rk/s1600/Second%2Bcoat.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Second coat' pup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dth8GhPC0A/VH982NPooCI/AAAAAAAAJEw/iad0DrGabEM/s1600/Spray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dth8GhPC0A/VH982NPooCI/AAAAAAAAJEw/iad0DrGabEM/s1600/Spray.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The important seal kit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yoz_vVFABg/VH983rS_FVI/AAAAAAAAJE4/laeu0nyvnnk/s1600/Empty%2Bcolonies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yoz_vVFABg/VH983rS_FVI/AAAAAAAAJE4/laeu0nyvnnk/s1600/Empty%2Bcolonies.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonies looking empty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Wednesday 3<sup>rd</sup> December comments</b>: Another day and
another count. We’ve been on the Seal colonies again today across the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Farne</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and some big news! <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Staple</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> has maintained
itself as the number one colony but for the first time in several decades,
Brownsman has now become the second largest Grey Seal colony on the Farnes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Staple</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> now boasts 489
pups whilst adjacent Brownsman has 398 pups. Overall the Farnes total has
reached 1,625 pups and that’s already fifty above last years total and we’re
not finished.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Its now back to the packing as we enter the final few days
on the Farnes and plenty still to do…<o:p></o:p></div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-3159914312798049412014-12-02T19:21:00.000+00:002014-12-02T19:21:14.643+00:00Mainland bound...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQalT0SDT8/VH4QlZ_LPDI/AAAAAAAAJD4/weVOvrWtauM/s1600/Empty%2Bbuildings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_214287="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQalT0SDT8/VH4QlZ_LPDI/AAAAAAAAJD4/weVOvrWtauM/s1600/Empty%2Bbuildings.JPG" eta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buildings on lock-down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-breAcWYmMhM/VH4QqPaFJ1I/AAAAAAAAJEA/akCJaEsi8_Y/s1600/CHapel%2Bshutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_214287="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-breAcWYmMhM/VH4QqPaFJ1I/AAAAAAAAJEA/akCJaEsi8_Y/s1600/CHapel%2Bshutter.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St.Cuthburt's Chapel shutters up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4vOEWoknhg/VH4QvwjOJkI/AAAAAAAAJEI/Aj4qSVZxF5c/s1600/Seal%2Bdoor%2Bstep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_214287="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4vOEWoknhg/VH4QvwjOJkI/AAAAAAAAJEI/Aj4qSVZxF5c/s1600/Seal%2Bdoor%2Bstep.JPG" eta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That time of year again! Grey Seal pups at the door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong>Tuesday 2nd December comments</strong>: Its early December, it’s that time of year again as we’re getting ready to leave. The Farnes have been home to the ranger team since mid-March and we’ve seen and experienced it all. However as we approach Christmas, its time we departed for the luxury and comforts of the real world.<br />
<br />
<br />
On Saturday we’ll say goodbye to the islands for another season as we’ve started to pack down and lock up the buildings on the Farnes. It’s going to be an intense few days as we’ve still got more Seals to count but also plenty of other work to keep us busy.<br />
<br />
I’ll try keep the blog updated nightly to keep you all informed of the latest news, but lets hope for some kind weather and a good finish to the season. Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-25265819920450197572014-11-29T18:53:00.002+00:002014-11-29T18:53:30.114+00:00Count Down<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHmKHRjUCv0/VHoVUTJqI5I/AAAAAAAAJDY/DyzvSF0htSs/s1600/Cute%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_820021="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PHmKHRjUCv0/VHoVUTJqI5I/AAAAAAAAJDY/DyzvSF0htSs/s1600/Cute%2Bpup.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is it? hiya its me! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0xMgNw_AiA/VHoVXBDcu5I/AAAAAAAAJDg/ge1d4DxkqE8/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bon%2Bsand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_820021="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0xMgNw_AiA/VHoVXBDcu5I/AAAAAAAAJDg/ge1d4DxkqE8/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bon%2Bsand.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colony on the beach doing well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDLecUXQyzU/VHoVdCXcQNI/AAAAAAAAJDo/yETDXpb24JQ/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_820021="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDLecUXQyzU/VHoVdCXcQNI/AAAAAAAAJDo/yETDXpb24JQ/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B2.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farne Island Grey Seal pup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Saturday 29th November comments</strong>: The colonies are starting to show signs of slowing down as the number of pups born between visits has decreased. Some of the nurseries are starting to show big gaps as successful mothers and pups have departed for the open sea and it won’t be long before it’s all over. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The total number of pups born has reached 1,507 (about 100 up on this time last year) and the ‘pup boom’ elsewhere down the English east coast is showing no sign of relenting as tonight’s latest figures reveal;</div>
<br />
Donna Nook: 1,541<br />
Farne Islands 1,507<br />
Blakeney Point 1,420<br />
<br />
It’s an impressive number of Grey Seal pups but we haven’t stopped yet…..keep on counting! <br />
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-1308176314595561852014-11-23T19:09:00.002+00:002014-11-23T19:09:38.210+00:00Carry On Counting!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI9S5O4OA_s/VHIwMH922tI/AAAAAAAAJCw/0FQzr9Wor84/s1600/Pup%2B2%2Bteam%2Bcount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_314556="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI9S5O4OA_s/VHIwMH922tI/AAAAAAAAJCw/0FQzr9Wor84/s1600/Pup%2B2%2Bteam%2Bcount.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team on the seal pup colonies...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyvHMuyZA0/VHIwPWCKiDI/AAAAAAAAJC4/abfHVcoEneo/s1600/Pup%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_314556="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SyvHMuyZA0/VHIwPWCKiDI/AAAAAAAAJC4/abfHVcoEneo/s1600/Pup%2B1.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and count me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjXBvCeRD40/VHIwSYHQJrI/AAAAAAAAJDA/i3Dj8DSmS0M/s1600/pup%2B3%2BMoley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_314556="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LjXBvCeRD40/VHIwSYHQJrI/AAAAAAAAJDA/i3Dj8DSmS0M/s1600/pup%2B3%2BMoley.jpg" eta="true" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying hello to an old friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45soGjxJqWo/VHIwb2Q0LzI/AAAAAAAAJDI/JCCqmKwgZPs/s1600/Pup%2B4%2BLazy%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_314556="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45soGjxJqWo/VHIwb2Q0LzI/AAAAAAAAJDI/JCCqmKwgZPs/s1600/Pup%2B4%2BLazy%2Bpup.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forget counting..too tired.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Sunday 23rd November comments</strong>: Another busy weekend as the weather allowed us access back onto our favourite place; the Grey Seal nurseries! The team were once again active spraying, counting, weighing, and tagging all the young pups across the Farne Islands and the end result was that we’ve now got an impressive 1,366 pups.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The colonies are now action packed with Bulls fighting, young pups been born, Cow seals protecting youngsters and some pups heading off into the world of independence. The four major seal nurseries on the Farnes include: Staple 425 pups, South Wamses 353 pups, Brownsman 309 pups and North Wamses 213 pups. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Overall we’ve peaked on the Farnes although over the next four to six weeks, we’ll still have another 200 born although it appears to be a bumper year elsewhere so we’ll see what happens. The three major English Grey Seal colonies are now reporting figures of:</div>
<br />
Farne Islands (Northumberland) 1,366<br />
Donna Nook (Lincs) 1,220<br />
Blakeney Point (Norfolk) 877<br />
<br />
Onwards and upwards, more counting, more seal pups, it’s never dull….Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-37070730839834878242014-11-22T18:45:00.002+00:002014-11-22T18:45:21.810+00:00Counting Weekend
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8wxA4ViARQ/VHDY_8Q_A5I/AAAAAAAAJCg/k6yjc3SzNfU/s1600/Hiya%2BSteely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_610488="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8wxA4ViARQ/VHDY_8Q_A5I/AAAAAAAAJCg/k6yjc3SzNfU/s1600/Hiya%2BSteely.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Count me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>Saturday 22nd November comments</strong>: We've been back on the seal colonies over the last few days we'll finish counting tomorrow and then I'll bring you a full round up of all the latest Farne Island Grey Seal pup news tomorrow evening on the blog!<br />
<br />
Eyes down...<br />
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-65899025356031441912014-11-20T21:01:00.000+00:002014-11-20T21:01:19.915+00:00Winter Wonderland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-408_MHla-po/VG5V4-YwAAI/AAAAAAAAJB4/VHIoXpjTAqY/s1600/GNDIverr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_139611="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-408_MHla-po/VG5V4-YwAAI/AAAAAAAAJB4/VHIoXpjTAqY/s1600/GNDIverr.jpg" eta="true" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feels like winter; winter-plumage Great Northern Diver </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tVpQqeNqPs/VG5V7kbqosI/AAAAAAAAJCA/rtwQzuwvB7s/s1600/Water%2BRail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_139611="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tVpQqeNqPs/VG5V7kbqosI/AAAAAAAAJCA/rtwQzuwvB7s/s1600/Water%2BRail.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Rail caught and ringed...having been found in a cupboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09SLdPQ5lTU/VG5V9krHFoI/AAAAAAAAJCI/LdCraJgioXg/s1600/Black%2BGuuillemot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_139611="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09SLdPQ5lTU/VG5V9krHFoI/AAAAAAAAJCI/LdCraJgioXg/s1600/Black%2BGuuillemot.JPG" eta="true" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up to three Black Guillemots now wintering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT7-sfvyezQ/VG5V_YVx9sI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/S0diEFD974E/s1600/Purple%2BSand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_139611="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dT7-sfvyezQ/VG5V_YVx9sI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/S0diEFD974E/s1600/Purple%2BSand.JPG" eta="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">200+ Purple Sandpipers now wintering across the Farnes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Thursday 20th November comments</strong>: The Farnes is a top place of bird migration as migratory birds use the islands as a safe ‘service station’ stop, to refuel, find food and shelter and escape the majority of predators they face elsewhere. As southern bound migrants pour south, others from the north replace them as they head into the UK for the winter from Scandinavia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last week or so has seen plenty of birds on the move as turbulent weather systems have played havoc with migratory patterns. On Monday we counted an impressive 104 Pomarine Skuas north (second largest ever Farnes count) and 862 Little Auks alone. Since then things have quietened down although winter Thrushes continue to move with the occasional surprise like a Yellowhammer (scarce on here) discovered yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even today more surprise discoveries were made when a Water Rail was found rummaging around our Seal cupboard; not exactly a reed bed and no surprise that it was soon caught, ringed and released unharmed soon after.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Planet Farnes is never dull even when you think it’s starting to settle down…Next stop, back onto our Grey Seal colonies… </div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-2281847931336381082014-11-17T21:20:00.000+00:002014-11-17T21:20:13.673+00:00Goodbye John Walton<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3pn3GilJuk/VGplv4-5HcI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/SUldAzU6ifI/s1600/JW%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_894097="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3pn3GilJuk/VGplv4-5HcI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/SUldAzU6ifI/s1600/JW%2B1.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John as a warden on Brownsman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua_S_bMMcYQ/VGplyXWicaI/AAAAAAAAJBY/8RHEoK6qAtY/s1600/JW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_894097="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua_S_bMMcYQ/VGplyXWicaI/AAAAAAAAJBY/8RHEoK6qAtY/s1600/JW2.jpg" eta="true" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John (far right) in Seahouses during his five year wardening period</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWWx1os8f68/VGpl06Ug93I/AAAAAAAAJBg/y4_mjPEOrRs/s1600/JW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_894097="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWWx1os8f68/VGpl06Ug93I/AAAAAAAAJBg/y4_mjPEOrRs/s1600/JW3.jpg" eta="true" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John (left) Gloria Shop manageress dressed as a Puffin (!) and Maureen (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr_8YmizfHo/VGpl3Rbt5iI/AAAAAAAAJBo/3EhE7DgaGyE/s1600/JW4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_894097="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr_8YmizfHo/VGpl3Rbt5iI/AAAAAAAAJBo/3EhE7DgaGyE/s1600/JW4.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half-man, half-Puffin; Johnalways having a laugh</td></tr>
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<strong>Monday 17th comments</strong>: Gone but certainly won’t be forgotten! Today John Walton has retired having served the Farne Islands and the Northumberland coast since 1990. John spent five years as a warden on the Farnes from 1979-83 before moving on to other seasonal countryside jobs in the UK. In the mid-1980’s John returned to the islands for several seasons to undertake the ‘Seal Contract’. The Farne Islands runs deep in his blood and in 1990 John handed the ‘top job’ as the Farne Islands and Northumberland Coast Property Manager. </div>
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John and his wife Maureen then moved to Seahouses to overlook planet Farnes… and what a mean feat that has been! The Farnes require round the clock attention and often things do not go to plan. The unpredictability of the weather, sea conditions and general island living cannot be stressed enough. Thankfully when things go wrong we remind ourselves of the many stories John could tell and know that no matter what- John had been there and done it before. </div>
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In later years, I took up the day-to-day running of the Farnes whilst he dealt with more managerial work. With his endless knowledge of the Farne Islands and natural history, I could always rely on him for a good chin wag and a few laughs along the way. During one of our infamous calls I interrupted the phone call with a series of expletives that would make even Gordon Ramsey blush; I had just seen a Humpback Whale breach near the islands. As ever John took it with good spirit and just a hint of jealously as we shared another one of those ‘Farnes moments’. During his reign there was certainly many of them! </div>
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Maureen didn’t have the opportunity to escape the wrath of the Farne Islands either as the ‘distinctive smell’ of wardens would linger long after they left John’s home office and with the patience of a saint (and a strong stomach) Maureen provided support to John and the demands that were placed on him as our property manager. </div>
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For me personally, I have always had John as part of my Farnes family. I started as a seasonal warden in March 2001 (what a mistake that was John!) and since then he’s always been there to guide and advise me. Like any boss/employee relationship we had our ‘moments’ but John always had the ability to make me laugh when the chips were down (and for pointing out my numerous grammar mistakes- of which there were many!) </div>
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John departed Seahouses for the final time today after 24 years. The Farnes will not be the same without him it really is the end of an era. John was not only an important figure to the Farne Islands but also to the local community and will be greatly missed. From all of us on the Farnes, we would like to wish John and Maureen all the happiness in the world and we hope you enjoy every minute of your retirement; you deserve it. You can take the boy from the Farnes but you’ll never take the Farnes from the boy. Good luck John!<br />
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David Steel, Monday 17th November 2014. Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-77445349271288141302014-11-16T19:20:00.001+00:002014-11-16T19:20:17.158+00:001,000 and counting!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWf4ylHNHNs/VGj39QyYQOI/AAAAAAAAJAo/7dmtnAheTY8/s1600/Moley!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_884048="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWf4ylHNHNs/VGj39QyYQOI/AAAAAAAAJAo/7dmtnAheTY8/s1600/Moley!.jpg" eta="true" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiya! A 3 week old pup, moulted; into a rare colour!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBib_--CEJs/VGj4C1V19wI/AAAAAAAAJAw/QavJum0AwxY/s1600/Staple%2Bcolony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_884048="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBib_--CEJs/VGj4C1V19wI/AAAAAAAAJAw/QavJum0AwxY/s1600/Staple%2Bcolony.jpg" eta="true" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staple Island looking very busy and full of Seals</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tX-IOaqoRjw/VGj4GtPrW9I/AAAAAAAAJA4/8VEabMbWU2M/s1600/Sweet%2Bdreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_884048="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tX-IOaqoRjw/VGj4GtPrW9I/AAAAAAAAJA4/8VEabMbWU2M/s1600/Sweet%2Bdreams.jpg" eta="true" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleep time....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_UPydi9JlQ/VGj4MRA3ZUI/AAAAAAAAJBA/0DOmjvweu2Q/s1600/Seal%2Bsuckling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_884048="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_UPydi9JlQ/VGj4MRA3ZUI/AAAAAAAAJBA/0DOmjvweu2Q/s1600/Seal%2Bsuckling.jpg" eta="true" height="227" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One fat pup, one skinny female</td></tr>
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<strong>Sunday 15th November comments</strong>: It’s been a strange old week as the weather has dominated yet again and we’ve cut off for the majority of it. However by Saturday morning the wind had eased and we gained access to the Seal colonies for the first time since last weekend. </div>
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The result was pups galore as this is the peak pupping week on the Farnes and after an-all-day count (and a final count of Brownsman this morning) we had produced another 307 pups. This brings the Farnes total for this autumn to 1,137. That’s a lot of cute pups!! </div>
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As for the colonies, Staple Island has become the ‘number one’ nursery with pup totals on the main islands including; <br />
<br />
Staple Island 359<br />
Brownsman 258<br />
North Wamses 183<br />
South Wamses 308<br />
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Elsewhere it’s starting to ‘kick-off’ down the east of England (colonies further south are about five weeks behind the Farnes) with latest totals of:<br />
<br />
Farne Islands: 1,137 <br />
Donna Nook: 813 <br />
Norfolk coast: 436 <br />
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So its all go as we enter mid-November! <br />
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-44470633692714967592014-11-12T19:50:00.000+00:002014-11-12T19:50:00.279+00:00Farnes Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNl-c03M3sQ/VGO4zDzmvpI/AAAAAAAAI_o/jpuqL14yVho/s1600/Stocked%2Bup!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MNl-c03M3sQ/VGO4zDzmvpI/AAAAAAAAI_o/jpuqL14yVho/s320/Stocked%2Bup!.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stocked up on Monday for another storm</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PiJtUbR68U/VGO42HvO_qI/AAAAAAAAI_w/YqjZ4wB0OQY/s1600/Wheelbarrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PiJtUbR68U/VGO42HvO_qI/AAAAAAAAI_w/YqjZ4wB0OQY/s320/Wheelbarrow.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">However getting it to the buildings has its difficulties..</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_GccpP1PnQ/VGO44ZRXOLI/AAAAAAAAI_4/5x4zFI-_RTU/s1600/Gas%2Blights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_GccpP1PnQ/VGO44ZRXOLI/AAAAAAAAI_4/5x4zFI-_RTU/s320/Gas%2Blights.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No electricity so still got gas lights!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiXyT-dkSwA/VGO47wrn-UI/AAAAAAAAJAA/rjenragZ-TM/s1600/Water%2Bsupply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiXyT-dkSwA/VGO47wrn-UI/AAAAAAAAJAA/rjenragZ-TM/s320/Water%2Bsupply.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even drinking water is carried on</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dloJ00N4RD8/VGO4-SsqFEI/AAAAAAAAJAI/ezv7sa2qeyQ/s1600/Boiling%2Bwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dloJ00N4RD8/VGO4-SsqFEI/AAAAAAAAJAI/ezv7sa2qeyQ/s320/Boiling%2Bwater.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No running water, so water boiled to get hot water...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26Rx2OgdlTQ/VGO5BLdeFhI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/KQu9OZ--AU4/s1600/Washing%2BDishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26Rx2OgdlTQ/VGO5BLdeFhI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/KQu9OZ--AU4/s320/Washing%2BDishes.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....to enable us to do dishes...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKODG4r2hro/VGO5HCtBtKI/AAAAAAAAJAY/_3awgzYQNfQ/s1600/Whiskey%2BStocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_511446="null" dta="true" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKODG4r2hro/VGO5HCtBtKI/AAAAAAAAJAY/_3awgzYQNfQ/s320/Whiskey%2BStocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and plenty of the 'vital' supplies in.</td></tr>
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<strong>Wednesday 12th November comments</strong>: ‘It’s life Jim but not as we know it'. <br />
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The Farne Islands; its amazing place for wildlife and an amazing place to visit but what’s it like to live out here? For nine months of the year a small team of rangers live, breath and bleed the Farne Islands and we are now entering our final few weeks of this year’s campaign. </div>
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Life on the Farnes can be amazing but challenging, as our working days and daily life is dictated by one major factor; the weather. At this time of year storms and heavy seas are more frequent and being cut off for several days at a time becomes the ‘norm’. </div>
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This week alone we’ve been stuck since Monday and that came off the back of a six day storm which marooned us last week. So a lot of planning has to go into island life (especially at this time of year) as with no running water on the islands we have to stock up supplies. </div>
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It’s not just water as we need plenty of bottled gas for providing cooking and lights (remember gas lights!?). Add food supplies, fuel for our boats and general work kit and equipment, it takes a lot of organising to ensure everything is sorted and in place for each storm. </div>
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As for the team, we’re very use to these storms and life goes on during these storms, as we’ve got work to do and Seal pups to count! After all, this is Planet Farnes and if Carlsberg made islands….</div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-25370878139198854192014-11-09T20:38:00.003+00:002014-11-09T20:38:53.845+00:00830 and counting...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fxsI0dCwzI/VF_QHcqAJhI/AAAAAAAAI-4/R2zVQW8haPg/s1600/Black%2Bfaced%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_994466="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fxsI0dCwzI/VF_QHcqAJhI/AAAAAAAAI-4/R2zVQW8haPg/s1600/Black%2Bfaced%2Bpup.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello! New born Seal pup on the Farnes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ln0TjsOcFQ/VF_QKG5r-HI/AAAAAAAAI_A/4C0BdFeX1qI/s1600/Upside%2Bdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_994466="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ln0TjsOcFQ/VF_QKG5r-HI/AAAAAAAAI_A/4C0BdFeX1qI/s1600/Upside%2Bdown.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind you...team in action</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61fL7WkIRbQ/VF_QNEJ7xpI/AAAAAAAAI_I/D_cNguRappo/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_994466="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61fL7WkIRbQ/VF_QNEJ7xpI/AAAAAAAAI_I/D_cNguRappo/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2B1.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute isn't the word!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFB0CoNWLvg/VF_QQR9TrOI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/fG1vL_wq4Ds/s1600/Pup%2Bin%2Bpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_994466="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFB0CoNWLvg/VF_QQR9TrOI/AAAAAAAAI_Q/fG1vL_wq4Ds/s1600/Pup%2Bin%2Bpool.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young pup practising..blowing bubbles</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8h0aEw-X23U/VF_QS_SJPvI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/ahtFx7n2RoU/s1600/Second%2Bcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_994466="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8h0aEw-X23U/VF_QS_SJPvI/AAAAAAAAI_Y/ahtFx7n2RoU/s1600/Second%2Bcoat.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pup three weeks old, having moulted and now independent!</td></tr>
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<strong>Sunday 9th November comments</strong>: It’s bee a hectic weekend having spent the majority of it on the Grey Seal colonies of the Farne Islands. A total of 315 new pups were counted and sprayed since our previous visit earlier last week bringing our total of births to 830.</div>
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It’s an impressive number but we’ve still got some way to go; we believe we are about half-way through the counting so plenty to keep us occupied over the next few weeks.</div>
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The top four colonies on the Farnes are now:<br />
<br />
South Wamses 257<br />
Staple Island 254<br />
Brownsman 151<br />
North Wamses 144<br />
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Onwards and upwards, as this week will bring more births and more counting. Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-15835718872814436312014-11-08T18:37:00.001+00:002014-11-08T18:37:15.356+00:00Peaking Pups<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-JsaXCT4Oc/VF5gu3YmJrI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/O2yp9t3B-PM/s1600/Bull.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_800875="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-JsaXCT4Oc/VF5gu3YmJrI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/O2yp9t3B-PM/s1600/Bull.JPG" height="213" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull seals moving in...would you mess?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auRyMzXaOzQ/VF5gxcWEP-I/AAAAAAAAI-g/aTsiewOzWiU/s1600/Angry%2Bfemale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_800875="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auRyMzXaOzQ/VF5gxcWEP-I/AAAAAAAAI-g/aTsiewOzWiU/s1600/Angry%2Bfemale.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the cow seals can be feisty!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFvqH7QDcZU/VF5g0b4nx5I/AAAAAAAAI-o/sFiAw-4bgh4/s1600/Sleeping%2Bpups.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_800875="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFvqH7QDcZU/VF5g0b4nx5I/AAAAAAAAI-o/sFiAw-4bgh4/s1600/Sleeping%2Bpups.JPG" height="320" mua="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whilst the pups just sleep regardless</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Saturday 8th November comments</strong>: It's been an interesting few days as a northerly, then southerly storm lashed the Farne Islands bringing mountainous seas and we were not going anywhere. However with a high pressure weather system dominating the weekend, we'll be out on the Seal colonies once again to see how many pups have been born since we last visited and what affects the storm has had on those present. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It'll be interesting to see how the pups have coped especially on the low lying shingle beaches and I suspect they'll be some casualties... However it won't all be bad news but we'll not know until Sunday evening when the count details are sorted. Fingers crossed for some positive news...</div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-36149896599178180112014-11-05T21:11:00.004+00:002014-11-05T21:11:59.106+00:00Auk-cellent!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3x1pF_JwmM/VFqR9454z8I/AAAAAAAAI-A/qQnOucSmYis/s1600/Little%2BAuk%2Bon%2Bsea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_142293="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3x1pF_JwmM/VFqR9454z8I/AAAAAAAAI-A/qQnOucSmYis/s1600/Little%2BAuk%2Bon%2Bsea.JPG" height="253" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Auk on the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxhWmpaaFHU/VFqSAmkOMwI/AAAAAAAAI-I/Wofde0jCzJc/s1600/Little%2BAuk%2Bin%2Bhand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_142293="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxhWmpaaFHU/VFqSAmkOMwI/AAAAAAAAI-I/Wofde0jCzJc/s1600/Little%2BAuk%2Bin%2Bhand.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One from last year; in the hand!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Wednesday 5th November comments</strong>: Little Auks are brilliant. These birds, a member of the Auk family, are incredible and as the name suggest, are little. These birds are smaller than Puffins and are so small they actually feed on plankton rather than fish! So there you go, fact of the day!</div>
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These small birds don’t breed in Britain but if we get big northerly winds, huge numbers can be pushed down from the high arctic before readjusting and flying back north. Simple! Its at this moment birds are recorded along the east coast and there is no better place for seeing them than the Farne Islands; after all we stick four miles out to sea!</div>
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Today we recorded a plethora of these little fella’s as the day produced a total of 2,921 counted flying north. Other highlights included a good array of wildfowl and an impressive thirteen Pomarine Skua’s (all juveniles).</div>
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The Farnes is an impressive place for wildlife and don’t we just know it! Bring on tomorrow… <br />
<br />
<strong>Today’s highlights:</strong><br />
Sooty Shearwater 1N<br />
Red-throated Diver 26N, 10S<br />
Great Northern Diver 2N, 5S<br />
Brent Goose 5S dark-bellied<br />
Shelduck 1N<br />
Teal 93N<br />Wigeon 34N<br />Common Scoter 27N, 34S<br />
<strong>**Velvet Scoter</strong> 9N, 2S<br />
Goldeneye 23N<br />
Red-breasted Merganser 4N<br />
Long-tailed Duck 1N<br />
Tufted Duck 1N<br />
<strong>**Pomarine Skua 12N 1S</strong><br />
Arctic Skua 3N<br />
Great Skua 10N, 5S<br />
<strong>**Little Auks 2,921 north</strong><br />
<strong>**Black Guillemot 1 lingering </strong><br />
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Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-37659345086327859542014-11-04T18:47:00.003+00:002014-11-04T18:49:05.384+00:00Puppy Love<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwZYKo958vE/VFkerao1nXI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/eg3O-YWYfkY/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Brocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_809347="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwZYKo958vE/VFkerao1nXI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/eg3O-YWYfkY/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Brocks.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Seal pup...they have the cute factor!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xRj0zmXvLA/VFkeuZ08DQI/AAAAAAAAI9g/LufWdH7T1D8/s1600/Opposite%2BBman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_809347="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xRj0zmXvLA/VFkeuZ08DQI/AAAAAAAAI9g/LufWdH7T1D8/s1600/Opposite%2BBman.jpg" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7Fh5hiY0U/VFkewlVYkKI/AAAAAAAAI9o/PELz18r9OPo/s1600/You%2Baint%2Bseen%2Bme%2Bright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_809347="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD7Fh5hiY0U/VFkewlVYkKI/AAAAAAAAI9o/PELz18r9OPo/s1600/You%2Baint%2Bseen%2Bme%2Bright.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You ain't seen me, right!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0BO3xAcywc/VFkezBatrFI/AAAAAAAAI9w/U8C4WoKFMYo/s1600/Mum%2Band%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_809347="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0BO3xAcywc/VFkezBatrFI/AAAAAAAAI9w/U8C4WoKFMYo/s1600/Mum%2Band%2Bpup.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum on guard...</td></tr>
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<strong>Tuesday 4th November comments</strong>: The day’s are short, the nights are long but we’re still out here and we’ve got work to do! Yesterday the team spent the entire day on the Grey Seal colonies of the Farne Islands counting and marking all the newly born pups.</div>
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Overall a total of 252 pups were counted yesterday bringing our total to <strong>518 </strong>born this autumn. However this is just one third of the expected total as over the next four weeks we hope to count another 1,000.</div>
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As for the team, we’ve closed the islands to the public following a very successful summer season but work and island life goes on. We’ll remain out on the Farnes until early December and we’ve got a lot to do before then…counting seal pups for starters! Planet Farnes is alive and well. </div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-3757800321824534462014-11-01T18:02:00.000+00:002014-11-01T18:02:19.581+00:00Seal Success<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHD8JgYw18g/VFUffxqOmOI/AAAAAAAAI8w/yNw-r6ixBEU/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bon%2Bback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_343644="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHD8JgYw18g/VFUffxqOmOI/AAAAAAAAI8w/yNw-r6ixBEU/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bon%2Bback.JPG" height="216" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a hard life...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQj2971fSso/VFUfhoFumcI/AAAAAAAAI84/pa7NWAHGw4Y/s1600/Bath%2Btime!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_343644="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQj2971fSso/VFUfhoFumcI/AAAAAAAAI84/pa7NWAHGw4Y/s1600/Bath%2Btime!.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bath time needed!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da05DvkjSxA/VFUfkCsISuI/AAAAAAAAI9A/2UYQTLkKigg/s1600/Pup%2Bsuckling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_343644="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-da05DvkjSxA/VFUfkCsISuI/AAAAAAAAI9A/2UYQTLkKigg/s1600/Pup%2Bsuckling.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young pup suckling from mum.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jGe8f44ofc/VFUfmajBT-I/AAAAAAAAI9I/fChfjzFMVoY/s1600/Seal%2Btours.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_343644="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jGe8f44ofc/VFUfmajBT-I/AAAAAAAAI9I/fChfjzFMVoY/s1600/Seal%2Btours.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Successful Seal Tours last week</td></tr>
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<strong>Saturday 1st November comments</strong>: It’s cranking up. As we welcome in November we know we’ve got some work to do as over the next few weeks we’ll be in the thick of the action on our Grey Seal colonies.</div>
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Over the next ten days we’ll see the number of pup births peak on the Farnes and we’ll be counting and marking every single one. Our most recent visit to the colonies on Wednesday produced another 142 new pups bringing the autumns total to 266 born to date on the Farnes.</div>
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With several weeks still to go, we’ve got a lot more to count and as usual, we’ll bring you all the news from the islands.</div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-5408426945887597682014-10-30T21:16:00.003+00:002014-10-30T21:16:56.610+00:00Thrushed with Success<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJF-THBqnMM/VFKppsUsEYI/AAAAAAAAI8A/9sEM8nJkOtc/s1600/Thrushes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_11159="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJF-THBqnMM/VFKppsUsEYI/AAAAAAAAI8A/9sEM8nJkOtc/s1600/Thrushes.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrushes in their thousands going over (David Kinchin-smith)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJpRtEPxoQk/VFKpsIlTAfI/AAAAAAAAI8I/TrCF0UMXt-U/s1600/Dusky%2BWarbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_11159="null" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJpRtEPxoQk/VFKpsIlTAfI/AAAAAAAAI8I/TrCF0UMXt-U/s1600/Dusky%2BWarbler.jpg" height="229" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusky Warbler caught and ringed (David Kinchin-smith)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-589XL0HV-TQ/VFKpuAsBi8I/AAAAAAAAI8Q/-3whYkbkX9w/s1600/Black%2BRedstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_11159="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-589XL0HV-TQ/VFKpuAsBi8I/AAAAAAAAI8Q/-3whYkbkX9w/s1600/Black%2BRedstart.jpg" height="320" mua="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of five Black Redstarts (David Steel)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxmtMImoJaQ/VFKpzkN-qII/AAAAAAAAI8Y/qJUHsndJnUU/s1600/Yellowhammer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_11159="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxmtMImoJaQ/VFKpzkN-qII/AAAAAAAAI8Y/qJUHsndJnUU/s1600/Yellowhammer.JPG" height="239" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowhammer (David Kinchin-smith)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEtHTk09MCQ/VFKp2SnCarI/AAAAAAAAI8g/-9QoaAGImU8/s1600/Moorhen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_11159="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEtHTk09MCQ/VFKp2SnCarI/AAAAAAAAI8g/-9QoaAGImU8/s1600/Moorhen.JPG" height="240" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farnes rare! Moorhen! (David Kinchin-smith)</td></tr>
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<strong>Thursday 30th October comments</strong>: It’s been some day. Over the last few weeks, dominating westerly winds have held up all the thrushes hoping to leave Scandinavia to head to the UK for the winter…until today. At long last the winds switched, favourable conditions prevailed and the floodgates opened. And the Thrushes took their opportunity in some style.<br />
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From first light until darkness (and even beyond that) huge numbers of Thrushes were counted heading westwards towards the mainland for the winter. This spectacular site is always impressive but even more so today as nearly 20,000 birds were counted flying over the islands (including a Farnes record count for Fieldfare). </div>
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Alongside the Thrushes good numbers of other birds recorded today heading to Britain for the winter included Bramblings and Woodcocks amongst others. As expected for the Farnes we also pulled in a ‘good rarity’ as an elusive <strong>Ducky Warbler</strong> was discovered on Brownsman. This was only the seventh ever record of this rare Siberian visitor to the islands and the first since 2003 and was caught and ringed late on in the day.</div>
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All in all, an impressive day with some birds. What will tomorrow bring… <br />
<br />
<strong>Thrush Passage (all counted flying west):</strong><br />
<br />
Ring Ouzel 1<br />
Blackbird 1,372<br />
Redwing 9,407<br />
Fieldfare 8,245 *New Farnes record*<br />
Song Thrush 200<br />
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<strong>Highlights:</strong><br />
Black-throated Diver 1N through Inner Sound<br />
Water Rail on Inner Farne <br />
Moorhen juvenile on Brownsman (rare on Farnes!)<br />
Short-eared Owl 1 over the outer group<br />
Woodcock 34 (noticeable influx)<br />
<strong>DUSKY WARBLER</strong> 7th record for the Farne Islands but first since 2003 <br />
Yellow-browed Warbler 3<br />
Black Redstart 5<br />
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<strong>Other highlights;</strong> Whooper Swan 3N (adults), Brent Goose 9N (pale-bellied), Wigeon 201N, Teal 40, Goldeneye 4N, Red-breasted Merganser 2N, Goosander 1N, Red-throated Diver 2N 1S, Sparrowhawk 1 west, Peregrine, Golden Plover 2, Ruff 1 west, Lapwing 3 west, Snipe 12, Arctic Skua 1S, Great Skua 2N, Little Gull 40 south, Goldcrest 6, Skylark 12, Blackcap 22, Chiffchaff 3, Robin 22, Dunnock 10, Wheatear (late individual!), Twite 4, Brambling 42, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting 4 and Yellowhammer 2.Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-10689754845946139892014-10-28T18:03:00.001+00:002014-10-28T18:03:15.462+00:00Seal Tour Information<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7qrPwe2xSg/VE_ZUp7XbFI/AAAAAAAAI7o/tJJrGMRp-2g/s1600/Peiople%2Blooking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_434874="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7qrPwe2xSg/VE_ZUp7XbFI/AAAAAAAAI7o/tJJrGMRp-2g/s1600/Peiople%2Blooking.JPG" height="257" mua="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal tours are Go!</td></tr>
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<strong>Tuesday comments</strong>: Seal Tour Information: The weather forecast (and sea state) for tomorrow <strong>Wednesday 29th October and Thursday 30th October </strong>suggests we will get landing boats on Staple Island (hopefully) to view the Grey Seal pups up close and personal. <br />
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Boats will sail from Seahouses daily with allotted times of:<br />
<br />
11:00am<br />
12:00pm<br />
13:00pm<br />
<br />
There are three boat companies sailing at this time (in alphabetical order) <br />
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<strong>Glad Tidings</strong> 01665 720 316 (til 3pm) or 01665 720 308 (after 3pm)<br />
<br /><strong>St.Cuthberts </strong>01665 720 388 (day)<br />
<br /><strong>Serenity</strong> 01665 721 667 (day) or 01665 720 760 (night)<br />
<br />
<br />
Please check availability and book direct with the companies. <br />
<br />
As this is a special National Trust event, the cost of entry is:<br />
<strong>Adult: £10 </strong><br />
<strong>Children: £5</strong><br />
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This applies to all visitors including National Trust members. Throughout the Seal Tours (which occurs on Staple Island), Inner Farne will remain open with normal opening times and prices applying (National Trust members free). </div>
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To ensure the safety of all visitors on an active Grey Seal colony (and to avoid any undue disturbance to the Grey Seals), all visitors will be escorted and given a full briefing on landing. Anyone visiting should be aware of the physical nature of the seal tours as you’ll be walking over unstable terrain and negotiating uneven ground. Sturdy footwear is therefore recommended along with warm clothing. </div>
Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-913034329739494798.post-76501298407523941042014-10-27T18:47:00.003+00:002014-10-27T18:47:35.098+00:00Pups Away!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDsEt5JeWUA/VE6SJstiCXI/AAAAAAAAI7A/a2AIuyscrbE/s1600/Pup%2Bhiding%2Beyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_98951="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDsEt5JeWUA/VE6SJstiCXI/AAAAAAAAI7A/a2AIuyscrbE/s1600/Pup%2Bhiding%2Beyes.jpg" fua="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can everyone be quiet please! Pup sleeping (Robert Hunt)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoukZxuFuR8/VE6SROEwVVI/AAAAAAAAI7I/YbaZbrlV6MU/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bsleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_98951="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoukZxuFuR8/VE6SROEwVVI/AAAAAAAAI7I/YbaZbrlV6MU/s1600/Seal%2Bpup%2Bsleeping.jpg" fua="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thats better...nap time (Robert Hunt)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyLssRLk3OQ/VE6SVyENQWI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/9Z-Wm_X0feI/s1600/Mum%2Band%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_98951="null" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyLssRLk3OQ/VE6SVyENQWI/AAAAAAAAI7Q/9Z-Wm_X0feI/s1600/Mum%2Band%2Bpup.jpg" fua="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pup and cow together (Robert Hunt)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAYHyF5ceCA/VE6SY_gcCZI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/jk7nQS6UD1M/s1600/bulls%2Bfight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_98951="null" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAYHyF5ceCA/VE6SY_gcCZI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/jk7nQS6UD1M/s1600/bulls%2Bfight.jpg" fua="true" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fight club; bulls fighting already (Robert Hunt)</td></tr>
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<strong>Monday 27th October comments</strong>: We are now into the thick of things as the number of Grey Seal pups increases on a daily basis. Our last visit to the nurseries produced 124 pups and if weather allows, we’ll be back in for more counting in the next day or two. </div>
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As for the pups themselves, all appear fine as those youngsters born in recent weeks are being looked after by attentive mothers. It's not just the mothers, but Bull seals have arrived (and have started fighting...boys will be boys) whilst more and more cow seals arrive to give birth. </div>
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It’s never dull in a Farne Islands Seal colony and I’ll bring you more news and pictures in the next few days.Farneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439476632001809170noreply@blogger.com0