Farne Islands Blog

There coming...

2012-01-29T18:22:00.003Z

'Bridled' and 'non-bridled' Guillemots together

Sunday 29th January comments: The first signs of spring has reached the islands as the up to 100 Guillemots have been seen around the Farnes this weekend. Although not many compared to our thriving population of 50,000, it's still a great indication that the seasons are changing. The mild weather continues and birds are returning to Farne waters and it won't be long before we have them back on the cliff tops. And then the Puffins will follow...

All quiet on the western front

2012-01-26T15:54:00.003Z

It's all quiet on Inner Farne

Thursday 26th January comments: All is quiet on the islands with very little happening. Good numbers of Fulmar are on the cliff ledges whilst the resident Shags remain scattered across the rocky outcrops. We're still six weeks away from the first returning Puffins and the Terns...well they'll still be sunning themselves in the southern hemisphere.

Behind the scenes it's still all go, as preparation work continues. Projects to improve the toilets and staff accommodation are keeping me busy whilst reports are being complete and various items purchased. The month of February will fly-by and we'll soon be embarking on another Farnes season and I can't wait.

The Giant Awakes

2012-01-23T20:47:00.005Z

Coming soon...

Inner Farne from the nearby West Wideopens

Brownsman cottage

Monday 23rd January comments: It's slowly and surely awakening. The sleeping giant is stirring and it won't be long before its alive and well. It's mid-January and the islands remain dormant, with very little life and very little to report. However behind the scenes its all go, as the preparation for another Farnes season is being planned, discussed and implemented and its nearly time to go.

One change that has occurred is a name change! In the 1950's-60's, we were known as 'watchers' and from the early 1970's we became wardens. It's now time for a refresh and this year we'll be known as 'Farne Island rangers'. Regardless of the name change, we'll still be working hard for the seabirds and greeting thousands of welcome visitors this year and I hope you can make it, come and say hello.

So the Puffins will be thinking about it, the Terns will be winging it and the rangers will be dreaming of it. Its welcome back to planet Farnes. I hope you can join me on the journey. Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T13:37:00.003Z

Farne Islands Team 2011

From all the Farne Islands team, wishing everyone who reads and follows the blog a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I hope everyone has a great festive period and see you ion the New Year ready for another crazy season on the Farne Islands. Keep on following us!

A look back at the season...

2011-12-18T17:06:00.008Z

Dusk on Brownsman with Arctic Terns

Numbers up this year - nesting Eider

1,800 pairs of Arctic Terns

A poor year for Sandwich Terns

Taking over - nearly 50,000 Guiillemots

Record numbers of Razorbill nesting

Fulmars approaching 300 pairs

One of the birds of the year - Black-headed Bunting

And we're off!

2011-12-08T12:09:00.009Z

Last but not least - final day Seal pup (Ciaran Hatsell)

Kitchen looking clean for the winter (David Steel)

Bedroom all sorted (David Steel)

Closing time on Brownsman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Everything but the kitchen sink leaving (David Steel)

Boat being packed

Goodbye Brownsman (David Steel)

The team celebrate in the pub!

Thursday 8th December comments: We've made it. Sunday was an epic day as the Farne Island wardens eventually departed west to the mainland for the winter. Following an early start, the cottage was scrubbed clean, hovered and eventually locked down as the boat arrived to take the Seal team away. Eventually we docked in Seahouses and that was that, we had returned to the mainland and the Farnes season was over.

As usual, the team celebrated into the small hours of Sunday morning and following a slow start (a few sore heads), everyone departed for home, from Oxfordshire to Lancashire and beyond. It's been a brilliant year, the team have been outstanding and they have achieved so much. Over the next few weeks, I'll bring you some of those highlights and look back at some of the great Farne moments from 2011 but until then, enjoy our final day photos. Thank-you for following.

The Final Count Down

2011-12-03T20:27:00.007Z

Bathroom surprise...a second coat pup back in the house (Ciaran Hatsell)

Yellow hands - its not just the pups with yellow dye on them (Anne Wilson)

Cleaning almost complete

Head warden totting up totals (Ciaran Hatsell)

Saturday 3rd December comments: Will we or won't we? Our final full day on the islands was another busy one, as we completed the Seal counts on Brownsman and Staple Island to finish the seal work for another year (full round-up soon!). The rest of the day was made up of cleaning the cottage as we give it the annual scrub down, ready for the winter. However as the windows rattled, it reminded us that not everything might go according to plan..

The wind was blowing stiffly from the north-west and with further predictions of strong winds, we may not be escaping for the mainland tomorrow. It's been a while since we've been to Seahouses and we're all looking forward to some home comforts and Christmas. However fingers crossed for a safe escape and I'll let you know if we make it... role on Sunday morning.

The Angel of the North

2011-11-29T22:31:00.007Z

First of the year...a nice Glaucous Gull flyby (Jamie Coleman)

A northern angel (Jamie Coleman)

Our new postman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Happy Birthday Bobby Pearson

Tuesday 29th November comments: Its been another windy day (the wind picked up to gale force by late afternoon) and with the combination of rain, it wasn't a pleasant day on the Farnes. However this place can even surprise me after all these years and a first-winter Glaucous Gull, five Little Auks, a juvenile Pomarine Skua and a late Black Redstart were real highlights at this late stage.

Speaking of late stage, we are starting to pack the islands down as we hope to leave for the winter this weekend, but the weather may have another say, with gales forecast for several more days yet. However if it continues to bring birds, we're not going to complain.

On a final note, top boatman Bobby Pearson celebrated another birthday (21 again) and although he may support the 'wrong' football team, we'll let him off - have a pint on us Bobby. Happy Birthday.

Storm continues...

2011-11-27T21:37:00.005Z

Longstone at midnight..the storm rages (Graeme Duncan)

Today, an epic sea (Graeme Duncan)

Staple Island battered (Graeme Duncan)

Sunday 27th November comments: The storm continues and what a 24 hours. Following a very sleepless night (eventually got some shut-eye sometime after 4am) the storm continued to rage across the islands throughout the day and into another night. The cottage has gone unscathed, the boats and island equipment is fine but we still don't know the outcome for our Seals.

It appears many have scrambled clear up onto the islands, although inevitably we will have had some losses. Their plight was not helped by a storm surge late afternoon, where at least one colony, Northern Hares, was being washed over. It'll be a few days before we gain access to the colonies, and it may not be for the faint hearted. The trials and tribulations of the Farne Islands. Its never dull.

Bed time

2011-11-27T01:37:00.003Z

Sunday 26th November comments: This is no ordinary blog post, but then again this is no ordinary place. The clock has just ticked past 01:39 during the early hours of Sunday morning and I'm wide awake, unable to sleep. I'm in Brownsman cottage, a building which has been here since the turn of the 19th Century and am I pleased they knew how to build things to last back then.

The wind is smashing the islands. It's not just a brisk wind, it's not even a gale, it's gone beyond that. This could be classified as 'severe storm force' and I suspect it is possibly now touching 70mph with nothing stopping it in its tracks. On the mainland, hills and woodlands, buildings and trees help reduce the force of the wind, but not out here, nothing.

Out here, its just brutal. We've living in a former lighthouse keepers cottage, standing on a cliff top, being battered, smashed and pounded from all directions. The main bedroom is built into the attic and we can hear every tile, as they are being almost ripped from their holdings. If I'll get any sleep tonight, I may be lucky and the cottage may be lucky if it escapes without any damage. This is one beast of a storm. I've experienced some big storms in my time out here, but this is up there with the best of them. Mother Nature is certainly dealing us a heavy blow tonight.

However forget my sleepless worries, the cottage will survive (maybe only just) and the islands boats are well tethered down, but our attention should focus elsewhere. This storm may not bring us problems but for one island resident, it could be really bad news. The bad news could be for our Grey Seals, as the pupping season is almost over and with the backing of big tides (currently over 5m in height out here - which is big), the pups could be in trouble. However we'll not know until dawn breaks. Fingers crossed this isn't bad. Oh boy.

Time for sleep...maybe.

Recent photos

2011-11-23T21:02:00.010Z

Colour varies - second coat pup on Brownsman (John Walton)

Second coaters gather at veg cage (Ciaran Hatsell)

Staple Island Seal colony looking healthy

Ciaran marking a pup (John Walton)

Seal count on Staple Island (John Walton)

Head warden being interviewed by BBC Open Country

Barnacle Goose meets Bull seal (Ciaran Hatsell)

Ladies and gentlemen, start your bidding!

2011-11-21T14:13:00.005Z

This Tuesday (22 November) the National Trust are opening up bids for an auction to offer you the opportunity to buy a once in a lifetime experience at one of the Trust’s remarkable places. The Trust, who not only look after built heritage but some of the worlds most significant sites for nature conservation, have put together a number of amazing experiences in order to raise funds for their cause, and to offer people the chance to give their loved ones a really special gift this Christmas.

Simon Lee is a Property Manager for the National Trust and is heading up the initiative, he told us: “This is a chance for people to make somebody’s Christmas! We have some fantastic one-off experiences on offer including the chance to host your own Georgian dinner party at Seaton Delaval Hall. The Hall is an 18^th century mansion house designed by Sir John Vanbrugh who also designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, so you could say this is a real chance to step back in time and have your own ‘Downton Abbey’ moment.”

The auction goes live on Tuesday 22 November and has something on offer for all tastes. From romantic gestures including a wedding ceremony at the ancestral home of George Washington or dinner at the top of the first lighthouse in the world to be lit by electricity, to wildlife experiences including a day with the deer warden at Fountains Abbey or an exclusive tour of the seabird and grey seal colonies of the Farne Islands.

The auction is raising funds for the Yorkshire and North East region of the National Trust – the UK’s largest conservation charity - an area rich in diverse landscapes from the Northumberland Coast to the Yorkshire Dales, and including some of the country’s most iconic landmarks including Hadrian’s’ Wall, Fountains Abbey and Lindisfarne Castle.

Start your bidding here!

Behind the scenes

2011-11-18T15:18:00.008Z

Home for the final few months...Brownsman cottage

View from the kitchen window - a bull seal on the prowl

Post arrives... (Ciaran Hatsell)

Communal cooking for the team - Ciaran cooking

April and Graeme seawatching

The team at work - gravel collection for Tern 'terrace'

Inner Farne closed down for the winter

Friday 18th November comments: The Farnes is a wonderful place, with some spectacular wildlife and amazing sights. However one aspect I don't often cover on this blog, is island life behind the scenes. The team have been living out on the islands since mid-March and have seen and done it all. We've counted over 80,000 pairs of seabirds, welcomed 45,000 visitors and counted over 1,200 seal pups and where still going.

The island team is now down to five members for the final few months and during this time we'll live on Brownsman in the 19th century former lighthouse keepers cottage. The cottage was once home to the Darling family before they moved to the Longstone on the completion of the lighthouse in 1826. However the cottage is now 'home' to the wardens, complete with gas lighting (yes we still use gas mantles) and no running water. The 21st century is gradually catching up with us as we now have the addition of photovoltaic's but otherwise, life is fairly basic.

Brownsman is not for the faint hearted as once darkness falls after 4pm we rarely venture outside as Bull seals rampage across the island tops...a dangerous place to be if you can't see! Its strange to be sharing your back garden with Grey Seals, but we accept it as the 'norm' and just get on with daily life. Work can vary from day-to-day, as the weather dictates our movements but there is plenty to keep us occupied; painting and decorating appear to be the 'in-thing' at this moment.

Otherwise the team of five will continue to live and work out here until early December and then, like everything else on the islands, we'll leave for pastures new. However the season isn't over yet (not by any stretch) but already our thoughts are drifting to next March, when we'll be back, to do it all over again....

The long and the short of it!

2011-11-17T20:05:00.002Z

Looking at me...Long-eared Owl in Veg garden (Jamie Coleman)

Short-eared Owl on north rocks (Jamie Coleman)

Thursday 17th November comments: Migration is starting to wind down on the Farnes as the last of the summer migrants have all but gone (the only hint of summer was a lingering Blackcap) whilst winter residents are now well and truly settled, with a scattering of Thrushes and the occasional Robin present.

On the sea things are just as quiet with the only noticeable highlight being a Black Guillemot near Inner Farne last weekend. However we still produce a surprise or two even at this late stage and both have come in the form of Owls. Both Long-eared and Short-eared Owls are currently resident and both have found unusual roosting sites - the long-eared decided a disused Kittiwake nest was to its liking whilst the Short-eared chose the north rocks!

We enjoyed the sights of these fantastic Owls on the island although the local Rock Pipit population were less keen on their new residents. So maybe I'll take it back, it's never dull on the Farnes even in mid-November.

Count continues

2011-11-15T20:55:00.002Z

Seal pup on Brownsman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Tuesday 15th November comments: Just a quick update as it's been a long day on the islands as the team have been involved in the latest round of counting and spraying of the Seal pups on the islands. Since our last visit we have had 167 new pups born bringing our island total to a very healthy 1,234 pups this autumn!! With three weeks to go, we'll be pushing close to last season's total of 1,499.

It wasn't just the seals which captured our attention as we've had a few birds, including a stunning Long-eared Owl, which perched nicely for all to view. We also discovered our first Waxwing of the autumn, a lone bird flying west, calling low over the islands which is a part of a national influx.

Today's highlights: Purple Sandpiper 90, Short-eared Owl 2, Long-eared Owl 1, Woodcock 4, Black Redstart, Waxwing 1 west, Blackcap 2 and Snow Bunting 3.

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-13T22:06:00.003Z

Mudfight. Two bull seals have a tussle in Brownsman Pool (Graeme Duncan)

A second coat 'weaner' pup has a break before heading into the water

Hiya! Another of our weaner pups plump and happy

Stunnner. A White-fronted Goose passes by Brownsman (Jamie Coleman)

Sunday 13^th November comments: It’s been a great weekend as everything went with plenty of highlights, except one thing; the weather. With south-easterly winds blowing across the islands with rain on Sunday, it wasn’t the best time to be out visiting the Farne Islands. Despite this, the resident warden team enjoyed every minute of it as we had some great birds, plenty of seal action and the FA Cup first round wasn’t bad for one north-east team…

The Seal colonies have been as active as ever with plenty of new pups being born and bull seals battling for island supremacy. On the bird front we’ve has some noticeable highlights including 19 White-fronted Geese with a good haul of Little Gulls moving south whilst a Water Rail in the gas cage was a bit novel. On a personal note, one of my footy teams; Gateshead, made it into round two of the FA Cup, so well done lads and keep it going…

Highlights: White-fronted Goose 19 in total (3 west at 09:40, one landed on Staple Island on 10:02 and then fifteen west on 11:00), Pink-footed Goose 1 west, Pochard male south, Velvet Scoter 2S, Common Scoter 57N, Red-breasted Merganser 2, Water Rail 1 in the gas cage on Brownsman! Little Auk 13 lingering, Little Gull 116 south (peak count of the year), Short-eared Owl single west, Skylark 11, Black Redstart male lingering, Blackbird 127, Redwing 28, Fieldfare 38, Snow Bunting 4 south and Reed Bunting 2.

Fight night

2011-11-11T22:17:00.002Z

It’s fight night on Brownsman. The Grey Seal colonies on the Farnes are buzzing with activity as more and more pups are being born by the day and attentive mothers are protecting the young from the worst of the elements. However it’s not all peaceful as the Bulls have moved in…

Adult male Grey Seals, known as bulls, can weigh up to 50 stone and have only one thing on their mind. The biggest and strongest protect the best sites on the colonies, keeping a harem of cow seals, which they will mate with once the pupping season is over. However to protect the sites, bulls will fight and fight hard. Big battles can ensue and some bulls will fight to the death. Thankfully in most cases, the smaller of the two animals usually retreats to the sea and all ends well without blood being spilt (as shown in Graeme’s excellent video above).

However the team witnessed a horrific event today on Brownsman which will live long in the memory. A young pup managed to get tangled up in such a confrontation between two rival bulls and the result was fatal. As the two bulls squared up to each other, one decided to show strength and grab a two week old seal pup and throw the animal around as if it was a rag doll. The event took seconds, the bulls retreated, but for this young Seal pup, its life had been ended in a brutal way. It’s never dull out and this really is life on the edge and nature in rawest form.

The Final Frontier

2011-11-10T21:40:00.007Z

Not the best photo but its a White-front! (Graeme Duncan)

First since 1997 - White-fronted Goose over the islands (Graeme Duncan)

Get out of my patch - Merlin dive bombs Sparrowhawk (Graeme Duncan)

Bye bye Sparrohawk (its a big bird!) Graeme Duncan

Thursday 10th November comments: It's been another busy period as we've spent the entire day out on the seal colonies, counting and marking more pups, just before our next storm moves in. The Seal colonies have been full of activity in the past few days, as we've seen an increase in young pups making it to independence, as well as more youngsters born. Alongside this, mating has started between parents whilst we've seen some epic battles between rival bulls and at times, this is better than Eastenders!! Our latest count brings the overall autumn tally to a very healthy 1,067 pups.

On a completely different note, for those of you who have been watching the brilliant (it really is mind-blowing) Frozen Planet, the Farnes team loved the dive bombing Arctic Terns last night - hitting and drawing blood on a polar bear. No one messes with an Arctic Tern! (remember that when you visit next summer).

On the bird front on the islands, yesterday produced a stunning discovery - a White-fronted Goose. The lone bird flew low over Brownsman and Staple Island and brought great delight, as it remains a very rare bird out here, with just four previous sightings, this was the first since 1997. Other highlights included an influx of Woodcock along with the usual Thrushes. Little Auks remain resident with up to 14 yesterday lingering in Staple Sound and a scattering of other birds including a large Sparrowhawk which was seen off by a resident Merlin. With another storm on its way, anything is possible over the next few days, but maybe not a Polar bear. Then again...

In coming...

2011-11-08T20:42:00.005Z

Mealy Redpoll showing well (Graeme Duncan)

Woodock on the rocks (Graeme Duncan)

A stunner, male Black Redstart (Graeme Duncan)

Stunner in flight, Black Redstart (Graeme DUncan)

Tuesday 8th November comments: The weather has changed (again) as a south-easterly weather front has moved in, bringing rain and brisk winds (as well as a few birds along the way). The team have been stranded on Brownsman although with plenty of birds dropping in, we've not been bored.

Good numbers of Thrushes have been moving over (especially Fieldfare), whilst migrants like Woodcock have been seen in good numbers (in double figures) with plenty of Blackcaps, Robins and Goldcrest arriving. Other highlights included a very tame (down to just a metre!) Mealy Redpoll whilst two Black Redstarts including an impressive male. With further south-east winds forecast, we may have a few more birds to report tomorrow...

The Seal of approval

2011-11-06T21:43:00.003Z

A cracking day over Longstone

I'm watching...we'll keep clear of Bull seals

Saying hello, Seals galore

Sunday 6th November comments: It was another cracking day on the islands, as the sun was shining and the team were once again back on the seal colonies, counting the latest round of pups. Birding was a bit quieter than yesterday although 15 Snow Buntings are now lingering, whilst the partial summer-plumage Great Northern Diver was seen again. The final day total for seal pups was just under 200, bringing our overall autumn total to an impressive 902. A good day's work by the team and they deserve a beer or two tonight.

Let it snow

2011-11-05T18:39:00.004Z

A stunner on Brownsman; a Twite shows well (Graeme Duncan)

A party of Snow Buntings drops in (Graeme Duncan)

Resident warden Ciaran Hatsell searching for birds

Saturday 5th November comments: Its been a very pleasant, crisp dry day on the islands, as the team enjoyed a rare day-off from the usual island activities. Despite the free-time, the team took full advantage of the settled weather and seawatched for the majority of the day, as well as searching for the odd migrant or two.

Highlights included 13 Snow Buntings (including 12 together), 2 Twite, 3 Woodcock, and a Short-eared Owl migrating west towards the mainland. Sea passage produced a scattering of Divers (including Great Northern), a double figure count of Little Gulls whilst lingering Little Auks peaked at ten. On the majestic front, two herds of Whooper Swans moved south totalling twenty-four whilst five Long-tailed Ducks were also recorded.

In general it was a very pleasant day but its back to the grind tomorrow and another Seal count. Wamses here we come...

Long time in coming

2011-11-03T20:36:00.006Z

Not a care in the world, a Staple seal pup (David Steel)

It's my path now, a sleeping pup (Ciaran Hatsell)

Seal team in action

Peregrine with a Song Thrush 'kill' (Graeme Duncan)

Birding on the Farnes (Graeme Duncan)

Thursday 3rd November comments: It's been a while since the last update although it relects the busy times on the islands at this moment. We eventually said goodbye to our last visitors of the year on Monday as Inner Farne closed until 1st April 2012. It really doesn't seem that long ago that we were opening up the islands back in the spring and where has time gone!?

Following the closure we've been packing down Inner Farne as St.Cuthbert's chapel windows were boarded up for the winter (with protective shutters), the boundary ropes were taken down and the benches stored inside for the winter months ahead. Eventually after cleaning the Pele Tower from top to toe, the final five wardens moved onto Brownsman for our last month on the Farnes.

We've also managed another count of the Grey Seal pups, as we marked pups with red dye - we now have blue, yellow and red marked pups. The colonies appear to be doing well as we have now reached 704 pups - a very healthy total for the time of year.

As well as pups, a few birds have dropped in, with highlights of Water rail, Long-eared Owl, two Black Redstarts and daily sightings of Little Auks (with a peak of eight today). A partial summer-plumage Great Northern Diver is lingering whilst Black Guillemots have returned to winter with a lone individual recorded on two dates. However if you were a passerine, Brownsman was not the place to be today, as we entertained two Peregrines, a Merlin and a Sparrowhawk. Those migrating Thrushes were keeping their heads down.

Total so far...

2011-10-29T15:52:00.002+01:00

Mother and pup
South Wamses Seal colony

Saturday 29th October comments: The latest Seal pup count is complete and numbers are looking very healthy on the islands. A total of seven islands now boast pups with over 400 born. The job took two days (due to weather and visitor opening hours), but we're happy and can rest in the knowledge that all is well with the Seals on the Farnes. Just to let you know, the Farne Islands seal pups will feature on tomorrow's evening Countryfile on BBC, so don't forget to watch!

Latest colony counts:

South Wamses 157

North Wamses 133

Staple Island 92

Northern Hares 16

Brownsman 26

West Wideopens 1

Little Harcar 1

Total: 426

Spray Day

2011-10-27T20:28:00.007+01:00

Seal pup up close (Ciaran Hatsell)

Our first 'second coater' of the year (David Steel)

Seal team in action (David Steel)

Beach pickings (David Steel)

Great Northern Diver in the kettle off Inner Farne (Ciaran Hatsell)

Thursday 27th October comments: The winds (and sea!) finally eased allowing a return to 'normality' on the Farnes. I'm not sure if the Farnes will ever be classified as 'normal', but it was as normal as we could have wished. The team were active from the start, as we headed to the seal colonies to continue our work counting and marking the pups. Due to visitor work (it was a busy day) we completed two island counts and will finish the operation tomorrow morning.

It was a good day with 115 born on the South Wamses since our last visit and I suspect we'll have over 300 pups on the islands, but will bring you a full account tomorrow. On the bird front, we had a lingering Stock Dove (a rarity out here - first record since 2008), a vocal Richard's Pipit (our second this year) and a very showy Great Northern Diver just off Inner Farne. Otherwise all well on the islands and tomorrow will be just as busy. North Wamses here we come.

Storm force

2011-10-25T22:09:00.006+01:00

Staple Island not open for business (Ciaran Hatsell)

The storm from Brownsman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Great Grey Shrike dinner - a Brambling speared ready to eat (Ciaran Hatsell)

Oblivious to the storm, a pup suckles (Ciaran Hatsell)

Tuesday 25th October comments: The storm raged for a second day, bringing with it huge seas, heavy rain and strong south-easterly wind. Despite the carnage, the Grey Seals got on with business as usual, with mothers protecting young pups from the might of the North Sea. On the bird front, the weather appeared to block any serious movement, with very few 'new' arrivals across the islands although the Great Grey Shrike remained for second day.

However with forecasts suggesting a drop in wind strength tomorrow could be a better day. As we head to bed tonight, the wardens are sharing the rooms with roosting Starlings, a Brambling and even a male Black Redstart which is roosting in the toilet. Welcome to planet Farnes, it really is a strange and wonderful place.

Today's highlights: Merlin 2, Woodcock 7, Moorhen 1 adult, Pomarine Skua 1 juv, Great Skua 4N, Little Auk 2S, Short-eared Owl, Great Grey Shrike present for second day and killed another Brambling, Black Redstart 4, Blackcap 12, Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler and Brambling 11.

Empire Shrikes Back!

2011-10-24T22:22:00.006+01:00

Great Grey Shrike on Brownsman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Brambling's beware (Ciaran Hatsell)

Its a stunner; Black Redstart caught in visitor centre (Graeme Duncan)

Pause for thought: Fieldfare on Inner Farne (Graeme Duncan)

Hammer time - Yes, that really is our jetty

Monday 24th October comments: The Farnes is back in action. Following a very quiet autumn period, the winds have finally switched to the south-east and with it, a plethora of good birds have arrived. The weekend brought a variety of highlights including six Grey Phalaropes and Corncrake amongst others.

Today more birds poured into the islands, with some noticeable highlights including a stunning adult Great Grey Shrike which was observed killing a hapless Brambling. The sea has been monstrous, the islands battered but the warden team are happy. What tomorrow will bring is anyone's guess, but hopefully we will have more great birds to shout about. This place is rockin.

Today highlights: Moorhen (!) adult on Inner Farne - less than annual out here, Arctic Skua 7N, Great Skua 4N, Little Gull adult, Little Auk 1S, Short-eared Owl 3, Black Redstart 2 including one caught on Inner Farne, Great Grey Shrike adult on Brownsman, Lapland Bunting and Reed Bunting 5.

It's coming...

2011-10-23T21:37:00.002+01:00

Ring Ouzel - surprisingly our first this year! (Ciaran Hatsell)

It may not look much, but it's stormy! (Ciaran Hatsell)

Sunday 23rd October comments: It's been another blustery day on the islands as the winds have increased and gradually switched to the south-east. The birders on the islands are starting to get excited (these winds could bring in some very interesting migrant birds) although its not so good from the visitor point of view (probably no boats sailing until Wednesday).

Following yesterdays seawatching highlights, today followed suite with another Grey Phalarope, the lingering Sabine's Gull and two Little Auks all in Inner Sound. Although a scattering of migrants tried to steal the show including Black Redstart and Ring Ouzel, the real winner was a Corncrake, which exploded under the feet of an observer on Brownsman - our second of the year, but the first living specimen following the discovery of a raptor kill back in September. What tomorrow will bring is any one's guess, but its probably going to be good. Here goes, wish us luck.

Todays Highlights: Corncrake 1 flushed on Brownsman, Grey Phalarope 1 on sea, Sabine's Gull juvenile north Inner Sound, Pomarine Skua one juv north, Great Skua 2N, Arctic Skua 3N, Little Auk 2N, Skylark 11W, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird 106W, Redwing 81W, Fiedlafre 43W, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 1 eastern race individual and Starling 196W (and four roosting in Brownsman cottage)

Little Grey's of Sunshine

2011-10-22T21:17:00.006+01:00

WHAT a day for Grey Phalaropes on the Farnes

'Neil the Seal' sticking his tongue out (Ciaran Hatsell)

That's better, Neil doing well (Ciaran Hatsell)

The boys enjoying the seawatching and Grey Phalarope spectacular

Saturday 22nd October comments: It's been an enthralling day on the islands as we've seen it all. The day began with a southerly breeze and a rush of excitement as resident warden Ciaran broke the silence with the shout of "TWO GREY PHALAROPES SITTING ON THE SEA!" Moments later I joined him to enjoy this stunning sight, as the birds were feeding just 20 metres offshore from Brownsman, not a bad way to start the day!

However as we watched, the two took flight and decided to track north which wasn't such a good idea as one of our resident Merlin's decided to try its' luck. Astonishingly the Merlin pursued its quarry over the sea and in a bold attempt to escape, the Phalarope gained height and when we lost the pair, both were specs way above Brownsman. The outcome of the chase was not known but minutes later, we did see a Merlin return empty taloned. That was one lucky Phalarope.

Seawatching throughout the day was very productive as we recorded all four Skua species, a juvenile Sabine's Gull, a very late Arctic Tern, and two lovely Little Auks. It was all go on the islands. The excitement didn't finish there as mid-afternoon a total of six (YES SIX) Grey Phalaropes were seen on the sea together, all in the same field of view. The birds were feeding together and this represents a new Farnes record count and an incredible sight in British waters. Six of the best!

On the Seal front, Brownsman now boasts six pups (each day brings more and more) and our first, now named 'Neil the Seal' is doing well, being cared for by its attentive mother. During the process of checking the Seals, we came across a pup being born, a truly amazing sight rarely seen on the islands (I've only ever seen this on a handful of occassions in eleven years). What a day, roll on tomorrow.

Highlights: Grey Heron, Teal 27, Wigeon 6, Knot 2, GREY PHALAROPE 6 (SIX) on the sea together (Farnes record), Little Gull adult north, Great Skua 27N, Arctic Skua 6M, Long-tailed Skua juvenile north at 10:10, Pomarine Skua juvenile north at 15:13, Sabine's Gull juvenile north, Arctic Tern adult north, Little Auk 2N, Puffin, 3, Fieldfare 24, Brambling and Snow Bunting.

Brownsman babes

2011-10-18T21:59:00.003+01:00

Brownsman's first Seal pup (Ciaran Hatsell)

Saying hello (Jamie Coleman)

Doing well; pup and mother (Ciaran Hatsell)

Tuesday 18th October comments: We were talking about it yesterday, but wasn't expecting it for another week, but Brownsman has its first Grey Seal pup. Born mid-afternoon, the new born is doing well with mother in attendance and its a cracking start to the Seal season. Where asking people to name it, so any suggestions would be most welcome. However for the time being, the first pup of Brownsman will be spending its first night on the island - welcome to the Farnes.

It wasn't just Brownsman getting in on the act, as Staple Island now has four (the first was born only yesterday) so the Seal season is well and truly upon us. Where hoping for the wind to ease by Thursday and then we'll be on our first mission to all the colonies and will bring you even further news. A great day with many more to follow.

Staple First Born

2011-10-17T22:03:00.003+01:00

Monday 17th October comments: You can tell Seal season is upon us. The team are living on Brownsman, there are a scattering of Seal pups across the colonies and we've got storms, raging westerly storms battering us. Business as usual then.

The westerly gales have cranked up a notch today and as darkness fell over the islands, the wind was battering Brownsman and the tiles on the 18th century cottage are rattling tonight. On the bird front it was quiet (as expected) as the Bluethroat has moved on although a Merlin kept us entertained mid-afternoon.

On the Grey Seal front, Staple Island welcomed its first pup of the autumn (we've now got them on three islands) and next week we should welcome our first on Brownsman. However that's where you all step in - we would like to name it, so any suggestions would be great! We'll keep you informed of the first pups progress as well as the entire colony throughout November, so don't go anywhere. Keep reading.

Boy its coming

2011-10-17T12:01:00.002+01:00

Monday 17th October - just a quick midday update - another storm due and wasn't expecting it! However the Shipping Forecast has just crackled across the airwaves...

South-west; force 8 imminent increasing to Storm force 10 soon.

That will do it!

Wonder from the Wood

2011-10-16T21:17:00.002+01:00

Speckled Wood butterfly (Ciaran Hatsell)

A cheeky migrant Chaffinch (Ciaran Hatsell)

Sunday 16th October comments: Its been a stunning day on the Farnes as unseasonal weather brought mild, warm conditions. The mild weather encouraged birds to depart the islands as the number of common migrants declined. Even the lingering Richard's Pipit was noted flying west towards the mainland early in the day although the Bluethroat remained resident on Brownsman.

The most noticeable highlight of day was in the form of a Speckled Wood butterfly, a rarity for the Farnes. The weather encouraged other butterflies to the wing as we also recorded small numbers of 'White's', Red Admiral's and Small Tortoiseshell's. It almost felt like summer but without Arctic Terns attacking our heads...oh how I don't miss that!

Blue is the Colour

2011-10-15T21:45:00.003+01:00

The Richard's Pipit takes flight once again (Jamie Coleman)

Hey there Mr Blue... (Jamie Coleman)

Bluethroat shows well on Brownsman (Graeme Duncan)

Saturday 15th October comments: The Farnes never fails to disappoint! After the jubilation of yesterday’s Richard’s Pipit, the team were yet again jumping for joy after the discovery of another Farnes speciality: a Bluethroat! A stunning bird was found in the morning on Brownsman, briefly showing well but becoming very elusive at times! The Farnes has become one of the best places in Britain to see this Scandinavian stunner, especially during the autumn as of later years; today’s sighting marking the sixth consecutive year in which it has been recorded.

Inner Farne’s Richard’s Pipit was spotted briefly again today, sticking close to the species’ famously annoying behaviour of refusing to perch or pose on the ground for cameras.

With just a few other common migrants, these two birds really were the star of the show. The warden team are hoping that one or two more surprises will appear shortly to add to the birding bonanza that is the Farne Islands.

Spotted Dick

2011-10-14T22:15:00.006+01:00

Richard's Pipit on the islands (Jamie Coleman)

Special flight - Richard's Pipit in flight (Jamie Coleman)

Classic Farnes; Yellow-browed Warbler on Longstone Lighthouse (Graeme Duncan)

Good numbers of Short-eared Owls (Graeme Duncan)

Friday 14th October comments: Its been a terrific few days on the Farnes as the winds have switched to the south-east and brought a deluge of common migrants with it (along with a few rarities). The boys returned from Fair Isle on Thursday morning, just in time to enjoy the bird bonanza.

Today produced a Richard's Pipit on Brownsman (the Farnes 21st record) which was enjoyed by a lone observer before it took flight and (thankfully) was relocated minutes later as it was watched landing on Inner Farne (and enjoyed by all wardens and visitors present). A flighty Yellow-browed Warbler lingered for two days on Brownsman whilst another was discovered pottering around the complex of the Longstone Lighthouse - great views in a concrete jungle and classic Farne Island birding.

Other highlights included a Farnes day record count of eight Short-eared Owls which included five together (a cracking sight), good movement of Thrushes (Blackbirds, Redwings and Fieldfare), Jack Snipe, 4 Snow Buntings and a scattering of other migrants as well as wildfowl passage including four Long-tailed Ducks. All in all, a good few days.

On the seal colonies, things have started promisingly well, as we now have sixteen pups which are all doing well. Yesterday BBC Countryfile were filming on the islands, so watch out for our Seal pups on TV come the 30th October....

News at Ten

2011-10-11T16:22:00.005+01:00

A pregnant female patiently waits on the Wamses (Ciaran Hatsell)

Our second seal pup, a little muddy but still doing well! (Graeme Duncan)

Only a couple of days old and already curious (Ciaran Hatsell)

Three lingering Long-tailed Ducks (Graeme Duncan)

Tuesday 11th October comments: And we’re off. The seal pups are starting to appear in greater numbers now, with ten having been born as of yesterday’s count. This means a total of seven have arrived since our last count only 3 days earlier, a sure sign that we’ll soon be right in the middle of pupping season and knee deep in the cute fur-balls! South Wamses is the bigger colony at the moment with six pups, four of which can be easily viewed resting on the shingle beach.

Our first pup is still doing very well, and now at 14 days old it will most likely be under a week before he moults into his adult coat and will be able to take to the water for the first time! Pups two and three are growing well and all three now have very attentive and protective mothers keeping an eye out for them.

In non-seal news, the islands have continued to have good wildfowl passage, with an adult Whooper Swan flying low over Inner Farne today, along with 213 Pink-footed Geese. Sunday’s moderate winds brought good movement of ducks, with large numbers of Wigeon, Teal and Scoter recorded flying across the sea, along with 23 Red-throated Divers. Three Long-tailed Ducks, a male a juvenile and female, showed well in the kettle on the 10th.

Sunday 9^th October highlights: Wigeon 651, Teal 304, Red-throated Diver 23, Great Northern Diver 3, Brent Goose 58, Barnacle Goose 82, Common Scoter 104, Velvet Scoter 2, Red-breasted Merganser 1.

Tuesday 11th October totals: Pink-footed Goose 213, Whooper Swan 2, Redwing 5, Song Thrush 3, Blackbird 1, Skylark 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Wren 1, Goldcrest 1, Siskin 1, Peregrine 1.

Just like the Farnes...

2011-10-10T15:16:00.002+01:00

Fair Isle Bird Observatory

Monday 10th October comments: A quick update from the northern isles. We've (Steely and Jamie) have now been on Fair Isle for a week and its been tough going. The winds have generally been gale force from the west, with occasional switches to the south-west; In other words, not very good for migrant birds! Despite this, highlights have included the islands first ever Lesser Scaup, along with Short-toed Lark, Rose-coloured Starling and a smattering of migrants. However not all is lost, with six ex-Farne Island wardens present, were finding plenty of time to catch-up.

Otherwise it's just like the Farnes except bigger in all ways - a fantastic observatory (with some great staff!), a brilliant island and a real sense of wilderness (with the odd good bird thrown in) - I recommend everyone to visit at some stage. The only thing it lacks is a successful seabird colony. It's been another desperate year for Fair Isle seabirds, as numbers of certain species have dropped and the number of young fledged almost non-existent. It's heartbreaking to hear just how depressing seabird seasons are becoming in the northern isles and will we ever see a reverse in fortunes? I suspect sadly not and it just shows the importance of places like the Farne Islands in a national context to seabirds. Long may our breeding seasons continue to be successful and Fair Isle to have a change of fortune, sooner rather than later.

A Farne-acle Goose Barnanza!

2011-10-08T21:16:00.002+01:00

Barnacle Geese pass by the pele tower (Andy Denton)

A Long-tailed duck lingers in the kettle (Andy Denton)

Our first seal pup has a kip under the watch of his mum (Ciaran Hatsell)

A passing skein of Barnacle Geese fly over Inner Farne (Ciaran Hatsell)

Saturday 8th October comments: It’s been lovely weather...for ducks (and geese). Whilst the overcast, damp climate may not be so good for the human denizens of the islands, the migrating wildfowl have been enjoying it greatly.

The wardens recorded the highest ever number of Barnacle Geese on the Farnes, with 1405 of these winter wanderers passing over the islands today. Having finished breeding in their northern territories such as Svalbard, they are now heading south-west to overwinter on the Solway Firth. One skein of 70 also included a first winter Whooper Swan cygnet, tagging along for the ride! 6 pale-bellied Brent Geese were also recorded flying north over Inner Farne.

The day brought in good numbers of ducks as well, with three long-tailed ducks recorded, including a female and beautifully long-tailed male showing well in the kettle. Seawatching also produced 17 Mallard, 7 Pintail, 43 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter and 2 Velvet Scoter, not a bad haul indeed!

As if not wanting to be bested by the wildfowl, the Islands also produced good records of divers, with 27 Red Throated, 3 Black Throated and 2 Great Northern Divers spotted by the team. A much admired Slavonian Grebe winged its way northwards along the Inner Sound, the first of the year, a cracking winter plumaged adult. Keeping with the firsts of the year, a winter plumage Black Guillemot or “Teisty” briefly landed on the Inner Sound before heading northwards, whilst the first Twite of the autumn was spotted flying amongst Inner Farne’s lingering flock of Linnet. Three late Sandwich Terns were also seen around the islands, possibly the last to be seen before they return to breed next April!

In other news, it appears three is the magic number, as our third grey seal pup has been born on the islands. Found on the North Wamses on the 7th October not too far from pup number 2, he should be in good company as he grows up! Large gatherings of females are now appearing on the rocks and tops of the islands, with only one purpose in mind, it won’t be long until the outer group of islands is speckled white!

Saturday 8th October totals: Whooper Swan 1, Barnacle Goose 1405, Pale-bellied Brent Goose 6, Mallard 17, Pintail 7, Wigeon 43, Teal 41, Tufted Duck 1, Common Scoter 13, Velvet Scoter 2, Long-tailed duck 3, Red Throated Diver 27, Black Throated Diver 3, Great Northern Diver 2, Slavonian Grebe 1, Peregrine 1, Oystercatcher 60+ in roost, Golden Plover 2, Great Skua 2, Arctic Skua 3, Sandwich Tern 3, Black Guillemot 1, Dunnock 1, Wheatear 2, Song Thrush 1, Redwing 2, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 2, Wren 2, Brambling 1, Linnet 8, Twite 1.

Fair Isle update

2011-10-04T20:06:00.004+01:00

Flying to Fair Isle (in a gale!)

Not exactly Heathrow - Fair Isle airport

Tuesday 4th October: A quick update from the northern Isles as myself (David Steel) and assistant warden Jamie Coleman are visiting Fair Isle for the week. Its been an interesting start as Jamie touched down on Fair Isle on Saturday but I was delayed on Shetland until Monday. However between that period, the wind had notched up a level and I eventually departed Shetland for Fair Isle in southerly gales on Monday morning. As I'm not the best of fliers, this certainly went down as an 'experience' I'll never forget...

Now on Fair Isle the birding has been generally quiet (due to westerly winds) although it's been great to catch up with lots of friends. Ex-Farne Islands warden David Parnaby is now the main warden of Fair Isle whilst Jason Moss works alongside him as assistant. Other Farne Island connections included visiting ex-wardens Chris Dodd, Micky Mahar and Matthew Smith, so we're not short of topics to discuss. I'll keep you updated from the northern isles but keep tuned into the Farne Islands and more news about our Grey Seals.

Here we go again...

2011-10-04T11:45:00.003+01:00

The Yellow-browed warbler sits in the Brownsman vegetation (Ciaran Hatsell)

Yellow-browed Warbler showing well (Graeme Duncan)

A Redwing takes shelter on Inner Farne (Andrew Denton)

Our first grey seal pup doing well! (Ciaran Hatsell)

Tuesday 4th October comments: Old man westerly has awoken once more, with forecasts showing at least a week of strong winds from our least favourite direction! The change in direction has quashed any hopes of further rare migrants for the time being, and will put a stop to the passage of Scandinavian migrants such as Redwing and Song Thrush, as they get pushed into the European Continent.

Monday, however, brought another Siberian surprise to Brownsman island, as yet another Yellow-browed Warbler was found by the pond. This tame individual was viewed well by the two resident wardens. Inner Farne played host to the first Jack Snipe of the autumn, and a lingering Yellow-browed Warbler from the previous day.

A welcome addition was a second seal pup, discovered on the North Wamses, and most likely one day old. Our first seal pup is still going strong on the South Wamses, and has put on quite a bit of weight; he can often be seen being suckled by his attentive mother on the shingle beach. With many pregnant mothers now congregating on the islands, and bull seals hauling themselves onto the rocks keeping an eye out for potential opportunities, it won’t be long until the seal breeding season is well underway.

By this morning, most of the birds have gone from the islands, though a few Brambling and thrushes remain, along with Wheatear and Willow Warblers. The warden team is hoping that the westerly winds will break sooner rather than later, bringing an opportunity both for viewing migrant birds and for getting supplies and showers on the mainland!

Hopefully the strong westerly winds bring our head warden David, Jamie and all the Fair Isle team some rare American vagrants...

Monday 3th October totals: Redwing 13, Song Thrush 12, Brambling 2, Goldfinch 2, Redpoll 3, Linnet 23, Siskin 2, Blackcap 2, Whitethroat 1, Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 7, Yellow-browed Warbler 1, Goldcrest 9, Pied Flycatcher 1, Skylark 4, Wheatear 10, Pied Wagtail 2, Meadow Pipit 23W, Tree Pipit 1, Reed Bunting 2, Jack Snipe 1, Dunlin 9, Manx Shearwater 1N, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1.

A Smattering of Siberians

2011-10-02T20:46:00.004+01:00

Redwings heading south (Will Scott)

A Song Thrush takes a rest (Ciaran Hatsell)

Female Blackcap rescued from inside Brownsman cottage by warden Ciaran

A Yellow-browed Warber sits amongst the vegetation (Ciaran Hatsell)

The female Hen Harrier shows well (Graeme Duncan)

Sunday 2nd October comments: Well, what a weekend we’ve had. Light easterly(ish) winds and damp misty conditions gave the islands perfect weather for a fall of migrants and it didn’t disappoint!

The Saturday morning sunrise dawned on our resident Kestrel roosting on the Brownsman sticks, surrounded by a plethora of migrant passerines including two male Blackcaps and 11 Brambling, whilst the ever-present female Peregrine watched from the south end of the island. It wasn’t long before the Kestrel was off hunting for butterflies and snatched a red admiral out of the air 5 meters away from the Brownsman team, an awesome sight!

As the (human) visitors arrived on Inner Farne, thrushes in their hundreds began to pour over the island, with over 700 Redwing and over 120 Song Thrush recorded both flying overhead and resting on the ground. The sight was a welcome bonus for the visiting public, who enjoyed the spectacle, a true Farnes experience! It truly was a sight to behold, a full-on demonstration of migration in action.

Then, as the team gave the island a proper walk-around after visitors left, a call went out on the radio. Not one, but three Yellow-browed Warblers had been found in the Lighthouse garden on Inner Farne! These tiny Siberian sprites were contentedly feeding around the dock stalks, providing excellent views to the admiring warden team. The team were relieved to finally get a fall of these beautiful birds after jealously watching them crop up on the Northumberland coast all autumn!

As if this wasn’t enough, a pipit was discovered on top meadow. After brief views led to the initial assumption of Tree Pipit, further glimpses allowed the team to confirm that it was in fact the fourth ever Olive-backed Pipit to be seen on the Farnes! The bird gave brief but good views, allowing all present to appreciate the finer points of its identification. Breeding in Siberia and wintering in south Asia, a few of these birds fly the wrong way due to winds and inexperience and end up on our coastline.

Sunday brought in more surprises, with Brownsman playing host to a variety of birds of prey. Two Kestrels, a Peregrine and two Short-eared Owls graced the skies above the outer group of islands, playing havoc with the passerines. The real star of the show, however, was the female Hen Harrier. This upland wanderer quartered above both Staple and Brownsman for most of the day, providing spectacular viewing, before finally heading west (once the mist had briefly cleared) over Inner Farne and on to the mainland. Later on in the day, although the Olive-backed Pipit was no longer present, the Yellow-browed Warbler count on Inner Farne increased to four. Cracking stuff!

Saturday 1^st October totals: Redwing 768, Song Thrush 129, Blackbird 16, Brambling 53, Redpoll 4, Snow Bunting 1, Reed Bunting 4, Tree Pipit 2, Olive-backed Pipit 1, Yellow-browed Warbler 3, Blackcap 2, Goldcrest 2, Red-throated diver 11, Velvet Scoter 1, Black Tern 1, Peregrine 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 2, Great Skua 3.

Sunday 2^nd October totals: Redwing 92, Song Thrush 71, Blackbird 10, Brambling 21, Redpoll 11, Chaffinch 6, Linnet 4, Siskin 2, Reed Bunting 5, Tree Pipit 7, Meadow Pipit 125, Dunnock 4, Yellow-browed Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 4, Willow Warbler 6, Blackcap 6, Goldcrest 8, Robin 2, Skylark 8, Swallow 2, Wheatear 6, Lapwing 2, Black-tailed Godwit 1, Hen Harrier 1, Short-eared Owl 3, Kestrel 2, Great Northern Diver 1.

Shetland Day One

2011-10-01T20:24:00.002+01:00

Shetland update: Saturday 1st October comments: Its Shetland time! The Farne Islands blog is now in the capable hands of Graeme Duncan and the team on the Farnes Islands as head warden, David Steel and assistant warden Jamie Coleman have travelled up to the northern isles.

The pair will bring news and views from Fair Isle, as they are staying in the world famous Fair Isle Bird Observatory. For those who are not aware, the bird observatory is now being run by ex-Farne Islands warden David Parnaby and his wife Susannah, whilst another ex-Farne Island warden Jason Moss is also employed there. The week will also see at least three other ex-Farne Islands wardens present on the island, so its rather a 'bus mans' holiday for Mr Steel and Coleman. We'll bring you the news of any wildlife sightings, seal pup births and how the northern isles compared as a seabird breeding against the Farnes this season this year. Its exciting times and keep reading....

A Scattering of Scandinavians

2011-09-30T21:43:00.007+01:00

A passing Kestrel on its way west (Graeme Duncan)

Female Wigeon takes a break on Inner Farne pond (Graeme Duncan)

A Song Thrush on Brownsman Jetty (Graeme Duncan)

A visiting Redwing lingers on Inner Farne (Will Scott)

Friday 30th September comments: Our glorious leader and head warden David Steel left the islands today at 11am to visit Fair Isle for two weeks, in the company of several ex Farne wardens (his holiday blog posts to follow!) No sooner had he left than the islands sprung to life with visiting birds (as usual). Easterly-flavoured winds brought several passage thrushes and finches to the islands from Scandinavia.

Inner Farne's good autumn duck records continued, with a male Pintail passing west over the island, and a female Wigeon lingering on the pond, accompanying the resident female mallard and her newly born late brood of ducklings!

The islands also experienced their first real fall of Bramblings this autumn, with 11 of these cracking birds recorded across the islands, calling confidently and showing well to admiring wardens. 10 Redwing were recorded on the Farnes along with 3 Song Thrushes, hopefully a good sign of things to come. It won't be long until the Farnes hopefully experiences another year of busy thrush passage, as thousands of these birds come over the islands to spend the winter in Britain!

Today's Sightings: Pintail 1, Long-tailed Skua 1, Brambling 11, Linnet 14, Redpoll 2, Redwing 10, Song Thrush 3, Whinchat 1, Wheatear 3, Blackcap 2, Garden Warbler 1, Chiffchaff1, Willow Warbler 1, Skylark 3, Black Tern 1, Grey Plover 1, Kestrel 2, Peregrine 2, Sparrowhawk 1.

Its a boy!

2011-09-29T13:25:00.004+01:00

Alive and well, out first Seal pup (Graeme Duncan)

A boy! (Graeme Duncan)

First of many (Graeme Duncan)

Thursday 29th September comments: The first Grey Seal pup of the Farnes is a boy and is doing well on the South Wamses. Its mother (a Cow seal) has visited on several occasions and with fine weather predicted, everything seems well in the world. This will be the first of many born across the islands over the next few months and as usual, I'll bring you all the news, views and photos from the island colonies.

Seal or no Seal

2011-09-28T20:48:00.005+01:00

Sweet dreams - a distance shot of our first Seal pup (sleeping)

I'll post close-up photos tomorrow (Graeme Duncan)

Yesterday's male Redstart (Ciaran Hatsell)

Sunny day brought out the butterflies (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wednesday 28th September comments: Its been a cracking day on the islands as the weather has improved and we've experienced some unseasonal sunny weather. The southerly based wind has brought lots of Silver-Y moths and plenty of butterflies as well as a few birds. Highlights included lingering Merlin, a fly-past Black-throated Diver and a flushed Short-eared Owl amongst others.

However our attention is turning to the Seals as the first pup was born the previous day on the South Wamses. When dawn broke across the islands this morning, there appeared to be no sign of the youngster and we feared the worst. With large autumn tides, we thought it may have been washed off the shingle bank and lost to the cruel mistress that is the North Sea.

However, our worst fears were dispelled later in the day, as the pup was discovered, with mother, back on the shingle bank. The little tinker must have been hiding during the early morning round, but at least it was fine and well. We're hoping to get across to check its health tomorrow and bring you some close-ups of our first Grey Seal pup. Its never dull on the Farne Islands.

Breaking news...

2011-09-27T09:45:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update from this morning (Tuesday 27th September). Our first Grey Seal pup of the autumn has been born, discovered on the South Wamses. Now just 1,498 to go.....

Skeins of glory

2011-09-26T22:15:00.002+01:00

Welcome back - Pink-footed Geese heading to the mainland (Jamie Coleman)

Pink's heading over (Jamie Coleman)

Monday 26th September comments: Autumn has arrived. Today the wind eased and bird migration kicked in as 651 Pink-footed Geese moved west over the islands (in numerous skeins) heading towards wintering grounds further south, most likely ending up along the Norfolk coastline. Wave after wave crossed the north-sea, flying over the islands and onwards with their journey. It was great to see and hear them again and it reminded us all, that autumn is well and truly here.

However summer hasn't completely gone as nine Swallows, two Sandwich Terns and even a late Swift reminded us that it really is the cross-over of seasons. Other highlights today included the lingering Icterine Warbler, present for its second day on Brownsman, whilst Whitethroat, two Chiffchaffs and two Tree Pipit added some spice.

On the Seal front, we still await our first pup of the autumn, but surely it is any day now, isn't it...

Heart-crake

2011-09-25T21:34:00.006+01:00

Icterine Warbler on the Brownsman (Graeme Duncan)

Pied Flycatcher saying hello to the Icterine (Graeme Duncan)

One full Peregrine - remains of a Corncrake discovered (Graeme Duncan)

First Brambling of the autumn (Jamie Coleman)

Spotted Flycatcher (Jamie Coleman)

Sunday 25th September comments: WHAT a day. It's been a quiet spell for the islands (despite the Curlew Sand and Long-tailed Skua's trying their best to cheer us up), as the westerly dominated winds have prevented very little migration though the islands. However today produced a flurry of birds with some noticeable highlights.

The morning had produced a reasonable movement of wildfowl past the islands whilst the first autumn Brambling dropped into Inner Farne. However, Brownsman was the place to be mid-afternoon, as the seasons first Icterine Warbler was discovered near the pond and remained until dusk, showing well to all the warden team.

However the day didn't all go according to plan, as the remains of a Peregrine 'kill' were discovered on the south end of Brownsman which proved to be a Corncrake. The 'kill' was very fresh and the bird must have arrived earlier in the day but sadly succumbed to the the resident raptor. Despite the disappointment of not seeing the bird alive, the wardens couldn't complain as it had proved to be a cracking day as the totals will show;

Today's sightings: Red-throated Diver 13N, Breant Goose 2N, Pink-footed Goose 93W, Shoveler 7N, Tufted Duck 4N, Wigeon 33N, Teal 68, Common Scoter 13N, Corncrake - 1 found dead - raptor kill on Brownsman, Wheatear 6, Whinchat 3, Robin 2, Icterine Warbler 1 on Brownsman, Blackcap, Chiffchaff 4, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling 2 and Lesser Redpoll.

Lone piper

2011-09-23T20:59:00.003+01:00

Curlew Sandpiper remains (Graeme Duncan)

23rd September comments: The islands remain quiet and not much to report from today's observations. The most noticeable highlight was two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, north, and it appears to be turning into a bit of a purple patch for them. The first autumn Pink-footed Geese moved west over the islands whilst the Curlew Sandpiper remains on Brownsman.

The team took on a full sweep of the outer group for Seal pups, but sadly no sign and we still await our first pup of the year. It won't be long before we have hundreds of the little white pups, but for now, nothing.

Sand Bagged

2011-09-22T21:47:00.005+01:00

Curlew Sandpiper back on Brownsman (Graeme Duncan)

Showing well, the juvenile Curlew Sand (Graeme Duncan)

Bathing time (Graeme Duncan)

The team view it from the Brownsman veg garden wall (Wez Smith)

Thursday 22nd September comments: It was back (almost) to normal as the wind decrease as quickly as it had increased yesterday. Visitor boats returned to normal sailing and the team went about their business as normal (from painting to construction of a Tern terrace).

Although birding has been generally disappointing throughout September due to westerly dominated winds, we've still had a few noticeable highlights. Today the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper returned to Brownsman pond, having not been seen since the weekend, allowing the entire warden team to successfully twitch it (it was the first since 2003 after all). Otherwise we still await our first Grey Seal pup of the autumn (surely its just a matter of time) and life on the islands continues.

Telling Tails

2011-09-21T22:01:00.005+01:00

Lapland Bunting, the first of the autumn

Rainbow team - another mixed weather day on the islands

Wednesday 21st September comments: Its been a quiet start to the week as westerly winds have continued to dominate (nothing new there then!) bringing very few migrant birds. However the Farnes being the Farnes, we still have produced some highlights including two Lapland Buntings over on Monday, the first records of the year. Following last seasons impressive haul (unprecedented numbers across the UK), we're hoping this is a sign of another good year.

Today brought a major highlight as (unexpectedly) seawatching produced a stunning seven Long-tailed Skua's, the islands highest day total since 1995. The birds were seen within a two hour period (just after midday) and the passage all involved juveniles all heading north. The birds were split between Staple Sound and the south end of the islands, although one bird decided to fly over the Big Harcar, close to the observers on Brownsman. A cracking find on an otherwise uneventful day...

I mention uneventful day, the wind has once again kicked in and we're cut off from the outside world (which has been common place in recent weeks). It's hurricane season and don't we know it. Bring on some settled weather.

A good weekend

2011-09-18T20:55:00.007+01:00

A cracker and our first since 2003; Curlew Sandpiper (Andy Denton)

First of the autumn; Short-eared Owl (Graeme Duncan)

We can see you (Andy Denton)

Back for the winter; a Snow Bunting (Andy Denton)

Pied Flycatcher on the move (Andy Denton)

Sunday 18th September comments: It's been a good weekend on the islands as the wind (at long last) switched to the east and produced a good scattering of migrants. Pick of the crop was a Curlew Sandpiper which was discovered on Brownsman pond - amazingly the first island record since September 2003 (remember that Ashy?). Why the species is so scarce on the Farnes is any one's guess as they remain an annual in the local area and were regular on the Farnes until 2003. However it was a welcome return and hopefully we'll have a few more to shout about by the end of the season.

Our first autumn Redwing (welcome back!) and Snow Bunting brought a distinct winter feel about it, whilst other highlights included a majestic Short-eared Owl and a scattering of migrants including Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchats and common warblers. Just outside the recording area, a Minke Whale and Grey Phalarope were recorded by a visitor boat, so the the islands still have plenty of potential.

Grim day

2011-09-16T22:35:00.004+01:00

Sunset over Inner Farne lighthouse (Andy Denton)

Oystercatcher flock on Inner Farne (Andy Denton)

Shag having a wash (Andy Denton)

Friday 16th September comments: Its been a grim day today on the islands as a south-easterly wind increased preventing boats from sailing. It was in complete contrast to the previous day and by mid-afternoon, heavy rain had descended across the islands. Work was mainly confined to the buildings although occasional birding sorties were made, but with very little reward. The conditions made viewing difficult and very little had arrived but as always on the islands, there is tomorrow and the potential for migrants. Bring it on...

Flaring up!

2011-09-14T22:45:00.003+01:00

Lifeboat flares (Jack Ibbotson)

Safely into the sea (Jack Ibbotson)

Lesser Redpoll caught on dock bank (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wednesday 14th September comments: We welcomed visitors back to the Farnes today, although the wind was still breezy from the west and the islands remained fairly quiet for birdlife. The major highlight involved the capture of one of yesterdays Lesser Repoll's on the dock bank before being released unharmed. A few raptors moved through with Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Kestrel all recorded whilst the first Skylark of the autumn was noted.

The evening brought the unusual sight of the local Seahouses RNLI lifeboat firing flares from their boat, the Grace Darling. The practice session was impressive as a number of flares were fired, much to the entertainment of the warden team. Other than that, the team are looking forward to a quiet spell of weather and getting island life back to normality.

Storm troopers

2011-09-13T14:09:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 13th September latest...

Check out the above video compiled by resident warden Graeme Duncan during yesterday's storm. Its a bit mental and that is just the wardens in it! As you can also see, the blog has had a much needed 'make-over' and I owe a big thanks to Fiona Whitworth and Graeme Duncan for the support and help.

Keep following us and enjoy the blog!

No let up

2011-09-13T12:50:00.001+01:00

Hammer time...

We can see you...the mainland

It goes on...

Tuesday midday update. The wind has decreased but its still windy, very windy...gale force in fact! Here is some more piccis...

Rock and roll

2011-09-12T17:37:00.000+01:00

Wind swept Inner Farne (Graeme Duncan)

Mainland in the distance (Graeme Duncan)

Hard-core seawatching (Graeme Duncan)

Latest update (16:30) The storm continues to rage and there is no sign of relenting as the shipping forecast is just in....

"Forth, Tyne, Dogger: south-west severe gale 9, occasionally storm 10"

That's that then. Bring it on.

Aye, we'll give it a go!

2011-09-12T13:54:00.001+01:00

Latest storm pictures (2pm)...

Island visit anyone? (Jack Ibbotson)

Boat in a storm (Jack Ibbotson)

Heading home (Jack Ibbotson)

Over the bench (Ciaran Hatsell)

Latest update; the wind had notched up another level and unbelievably we noted a dive boat heading back to Seahouses at 13:30. WHAT a journey that must have been. More photos to follow later.

Farnes lock-down

2011-09-12T12:25:00.000+01:00

Blow out (photos taken today at midday) (Jack Ibbotson)

Smashing the islands (Jack Ibbotson)

Hello Bamburgh (David Steel)

Monday 12th September comments: Its started, the wind is now smashing the islands and its only midday - we're still some time away from the peak wind strength. With high-tide not forecast until 17:00 this evening, its going to be fun. More news and photos to follow.

The quest for the holy Quail

2011-09-11T23:49:00.000+01:00

The quest for the holy Quail

The team seawatching

Ready for s torm - boat tied down

Sunday 11th September comments: It was a quiet day on the islands today as we prepare for the tail end of a hurricane which will cut us off from the mainland for the next three days at least. We're fully stocked and ready for this, so we'll watch Mother Nature hammer the islands and pick up the pieces at the end of it all. Its going to be interesting and I'm just so pleased I'm not reporting this during the breeding season.

On the islands, a Quail was discovered running across the main baordwalk on Inner Farne today, only several feet from the observers. What a sight! Although almost annual on the Farnes, this was only the second ever autumn record for this scarce summer visitor. Despite the best efforts of the team, we could not relocate this little gem.

Now hold onto your hats, there's a storm brewing....

Double celebration

2011-09-09T16:28:00.000+01:00

Bobby with granddaughter Grace

Friday 9th September comments: There was double celebration in Seahouses recently as two well known boatmen had plenty to cheer. Mad keen Newcastle United supporter Bobby Person celebrated becoming a Grandad as his daughter, Becky, gave birth to a healthy baby girl; Grace, two weeks ago. As you can see, it hasn't taken Bobby long to get Grace kitted out in a Newcastle shirt, much to the disgust of this Sunderland supporting head warden!

Even more great news followed on Tuesday, as William and Rachel Shiel welcomed their second child, a baby daughter, Matilda Rose. I'm sure a few sleepless nights are expected but everyone connected with the Farnes wishes them all well.

Ear today, gone tomorrow

2011-09-08T21:39:00.000+01:00

Little Egret once again on the Longstone (Andy Denton)

Wheatears on the move

Over 71 today on the islands

Thursday 8th September comments: Its been a slow period for passage as westerly winds have dominated (up to gale force at times). However today brought a decrease in wind strength. allowing a small movement of birds through the islands.

The juvenile Little Egret returned to Longstone, once again, as it fed happily in rocks pools on the far eastern outcrop of the Farne Islands. A total of 71 Wheatears were counted across the islands (the highest ever day total) whilst 4 Whitethroats reminded us that there is autumn passage on. Throw in a female Sparrowhawk, a lingering Peregrine and a Kestrel, it hasn't bee a bad day on the islands. However the wind is due to increase once again, so here we go again...

2011-09-06T14:47:00.000+01:00

The world of social media has reached the Farne Islands as we've branched out to the world of Twitter. For those who 'tweet', you can follow the daily movements of head warden David Steel on the islands throughout the autumn (with plenty of updates about our Grey Seals) on @NTsteely.

Although this is fairly new (to me) we already have other unofficial twitters on the islands. resident warden Wez Smith can be followed on @FarnesWardenWez (well worth a look, he's been tweeting all season) as well as local boatman Andy Douglas on @thefarnes.

Therefore if you're bored and want to follow the daily lives of Farne Islands wardens, get tweeting...

lined Gannet

2011-09-03T10:53:00.000+01:00

Gannet up close and personal (Bex Outram)

Cutting line (Bex Outram)

Nearly free (Bex Outram)

Ready for release (Bex Outram)

Saturday 3rd September comments: Its been a quiet spell on the islands as the prevailing wind has prevented any major migration passage although the first autumn Brent Geese moved through yesterday whilst small numbers of wildfowl are now on the move.

The hazards of discarded fishing gear raised its ugly head again recently as the team had to rescue two immature Gannets off Brownsman, which had entangled themselves together with fishing line. Amazingly the birds had managed to twist fishing line around their beaks and no other part of their bodies, so it was time to send in the wardens to the rescue...

The birds were soon caught and the line removed and thankfully no harm had been done to either bird, so they were released unharmed to fight another day. To have these large, powerful birds in the hand was such a privilege but at the end of the day, it was just another day for Farne Island warden team. Role on tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Will!

2011-08-30T11:23:00.000+01:00

25 today...Will Scott

Tuesday 30th August comments: An early blog post as we are celebrating yet another birthday on the islands, this time Will Scott is 25 today. The boy from the Isles of Scilly (he's a long way from home!) has enjoyed his first season on the islands as an Inner Farne warden and I suspect it won't be his last.

On a bird front, seawatching has continued this morning with 162 Manx Shearwaters, 18 Sooty Shearwaters and 8 Great Skuas all heading north before 10am today. Happy days!

Eyes to the sea

2011-08-29T21:48:00.000+01:00

Manx Shearwater in full flow

Monday 29th August comments. The strong north-west winds resulted in a second day without boats but all eyes were trained to the sea as seawatching produced some reasonable totals.

Today's totals: Sooty Shearwater 33N, Manx Shearwater 357N, Great Skua 15N 9S, Arctic Skua 3N 15S and Storm Petrel 2N.

Not a bad result with a few waders noted included Greenshank, Whimbrel 2 and Common Sandpiper. It'll be interesting to see what tomorrow brings.

Never mess with a Fulmar...

2011-08-27T10:54:00.000+01:00

A Fulmar chick ready to fledge (Ciaran Hatsell)

Fulmar saved by warden Will Scott (Anne Wilson)

Saturday 27th August comments: After the last few days excitement, the islands have gone quiet again, as the winds have switched to the north-west and yesterday's Wrynecks have moved on. However we've still got plenty to do and that includes helping our birds.

The Fulmar population is at record levels (almost 300 pairs nesting on here) and their chicks are now just fledging (yes, it takes a long time for them to fledge!). Yesterday the team spotted one such newly fledged bird, struggling out at sea and soon the bedraggled bird was rescued and placed in a box to allow it to dry. Although it never really thanked us for this act (it just tried to oil us), the bird was soon recovering and was returned to its nesting area, to try again. This time, try not get waterlogged Mr Fulmar!

New A-wry-vals

2011-08-26T21:18:00.001+01:00

Little Egret on Longstone (Graeme Duncan)

3rd for the Farnes (Graeme Duncan)

Stunning in flight (Graeme Duncan)

Inner Farne's Wryneck (Andy Denton)

Friday 26th August comments: The Farnes…it’s a crazy place. The seabirds have gone, the islands are quiet but a switch in wind direction at this time of year can result in an arrival of migrant birds. The last 24hours has been no different, as the wind has blown from the east and sure enough, the islands have not disappointed.

First the radios crackled as the team had discovered a Little Egret below the lighthouse on Longstone. Little Egrets have gone though an amazing change in the past decade on a national scale, as good numbers now breed throughout the UK, but on the Farnes, they remain rare. Soon after the news broke, all nine wardens were assembled on the Longstone and were enjoying the Farnes third ever Little Egret and the first since 2003.

More was to follow today as two stunning Wrynecks arrived, as individuals performed well on Inner Farne and Brownsman, with a light scattering of common migrants. It’s been a good spell and hopefully this is just the start of things to come…

August continues

2011-08-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

A nice surprise - a Wood Warbler (Ciaran Hatsell)

Shag family ready to go (Andy Denton)

Last of the Puffins (Andy Denton)

Suneet over Inner Farne (Andy Denton)

Sunday 21st August comments: Late August is a quiet time on the Farnes as the majority of our breeding seabirds have gone and only a handful remain. The last few breeding Puffins can be seen daily although as they are feeding hungry chicks, they spend one a brief moment on the islands before disappearing in search for more food. I did wonder whether these late besters enjoy having the place to themselves, after all, the waters around the Farnes have plenty of fish but with less competition!

The warden team are busy working on various management aspects of the islands including plenty of vegetation work alongside some ground preparation for next year. Small numbers of migrants are filtering through the islands including a stunning Wood Warbler recently, but any switch in wind direction to the east will bring a lot more birds. Watch this space, the forecast next week looks very very interesting….

Beneath the waves

2011-08-16T16:42:00.001+01:00

A beautiful nudibranch or "sea-slug"

A sand mason worm sits inside its grainy shelter

Brittlestars can be found aplenty on the shores

Sunday 14^th August comments: Continuing the theme of having a look at the sometimes overlooked aspects of the Farnes, today’s blog looks at the islands’ non mammalian sea and shorelife.

The seas around the Farne Islands are incredibly rich in nutrients, which allow the water to support a vast number and diversity of animals (and plants!) The most obvious and numerous of these is the sand-eel, the plankton-eating fish which supports an entire population of breeding seabirds and seals, but there are many more critters to be found in Farnes waters. In the summer months, huge swarms of common or “moon” jellyfish come to the warming seas, accompanied by the purple Cyanea lamarkii and red lion’s mane jellyfish, the only stinging locally British jelly.

Amongst the rocks and boulders of the shoreline, swimming, shore and edible crabs await their next meals alongside the plentiful lobster and smaller squat lobsters. There are however many more weird, and wonderful small creatures here. Tiny but beautiful nudibranchs or sea-slugs (not a very attractive name for something so nice!) can be found amongst the rocks, sand mason worms build peculiar tubular homes from the ground around them and young fish hide in crevices from any would-be predators.

The Farnes wardens, along with a team from Natural England, perform surveys on the islands’ rocky shores to keep an eye on the sea’s general state. Much like the butterflies and moths, as well as being incredibly interesting to look at, the small shoreline creatures with their fast reproduction and short lifespans provide a very up-to-date view on the water’s health. A change in the populations of these shoreline beasts could be a warning of changes to come in the much longer-lived breeding seabirds, allowing the wardens to take action on a problem before it is too late.

Autumn arrives

2011-08-12T14:42:00.001+01:00

A Reed Warbler flicks out of the Longstone grass and onto a rock

A Whitethroat takes shelter on Staple island

A pied flycatcher arrives in the rain

The birthday boy of the day...

Friday 12th August comments: Well, our first sample of ‘rare’ weather this autumn – easterly flavoured winds and rain – occurred yesterday and has brought in quite a haul. With visitor boats stranded for the day due to the high swell, wardens were able to thoroughly check the islands for any migrants that dropped in throughout the day, and did they ever! Although the fall didn’t produce any big rares, the sheer number of other migrants made the day enjoyable for all, as Whitethroats and Pied Flycatchers showed well for onlookers. Two Grasshopper Warblers were found skulking in the orache fields of Staple Island, staying true to form and flushing at very close range before heading deep into the vegetation again for another run. Hopefully this marks the beginnings of a good autumn migration season for the Farnes...

And on another note, a happy birthday today to our glorious leader and head warden David Steel, currently enjoying his 11^th year on the Farnes, his knowledge and experience keeps the whole place running smoothly and the Farnes has definitely improved significantly under his reign. Best wishes from the whole team here on the Farnes!

11th August highlights: Pied Flycatcher 4 lingering on both Inner Farne and outer group islands, Sedge Warbler 2, 1 Reed Warbler managed to find the only grassy area on Longstone, Garden Warbler 4, Whitethroat 3, Grasshopper Warbler 2 on Staple, Whinchat 3, Wheatear 5, Spotted Flycatcher 1 showing on Inner Farne, Lapwing 2 settled on Inner Farne’s north rocks and a flyover of a Greenshank and Green Sandpiper.

Lepidoptera madness!

2011-08-10T17:04:00.000+01:00

Two hummingbird hawkmoths sun themselves on the pele tower roof (Will Scott)

The stunningly iridescent burnished brass moth

The beautiful garden tiger moth

A wall butterfly on Inner Farne (Will Scott)

A painted lady butterfly relaxes on a thistle flower (Will Scott)

Wednesday 10th August comments: The Farnes is well known for its birds, both breeding and migratory, and with these obvious and beautiful creatures constantly reminding us of their presence; it’s often easy to overlook the smaller, but just as beautiful beasts.

The Farnes also plays host to Lepidoptera – butterflies and moths – and this year is rife with them, especially now what we’re into August! On the 5^th and 6^th of August alone, 86 butterflies of 11 species were recorded. These included a Dark Green Fritillary (8^th for the Farnes), Comma (3^rd record), 11 Painted Ladies, and over 30 Red Admiral all on the 5^th.

The night is equally as hectic, as wardens have lured plenty of moths into their traps too. Dark Swordgrass, the migrating Silver Y, the spectacular Garden Tiger, Burnished Brass and Hummingbird Hawkmoths have all been caught, proving the farnes really is the place to be for any beast with wings! Ghost Moths are abundant, their lavae feeding on the island’s dock roots, whilst Dark Arches and Dark Spinach are found in huge numbers. This is by no means an exhaustive list - in total over 2700 moths of 95 different species have been caught so far!

Lepidoptera are useful fast indicators of environmental change, due to their rapid population turnover, so their numbers on the Farnes are closely monitored. And being such spectacular critters to view, it’s not an arduous task at all.

The migrants have landed

2011-08-02T21:30:00.000+01:00

A Black Tern takes a rest on the Inner Farne rocks

A female Black Redstart sunning itself on the Brownsman cottage solar panels

Roseate Terns are still turning up daily on the islands

Tuesday 2nd August comments: It seems that the summer ‘dead zone’ is finally over, and the first migrants are starting to make their way to the Farnes on their journey to their wintering grounds. Large numbers of waders are beginning to gather on the islands’ rocky shores, and the Farnes has boasted flocks of up to 315 Golden Plover, over 200 Turnstone and 280 Knot.

Arctic and Great Skua are being sighted regularly, with some very close views of the former today as one lingered over the Inner Farne jetty.

Smaller birds are also on the move, with a bright young Willow Warbler showing well on Brownsman on 30^th July along with a female Black Redstart. Just to remind us that this wasn’t a one-off early occurrence, we were visited today by a Yellow Wagtail and a moulting adult Black Tern, which showed well for visitors on the rocks to the south of Inner Farne jetty.

Here’s hoping that this is a sign for an oncoming deluge of migrants. We’ll be keeping our eyes to the skies and keeping you all updated!

Its a big 'un

2011-07-27T23:13:00.001+01:00

Leach (left), Storm (right) what a pair (Will Scott)

Wing of a Leach's (Will Scott)

Wednesday 27th July comments: The Farnes never appear to amaze me, even after all these years. Following an unprecedented influx of Storm Petrels – birds were still passing today, so it was decide to try overnight tape luring to ring individuals and try piece together the movements of these small oceanic wanderers.

So as darkness fell on Inner Farne, the nets were erected, the tape lure set up and soon after we were enjoying the delights of the first capture – a ringed bird from another part of the UK. Suddenly a second bird bounced into the net, another ringed individual. It was a great start. The night went on to produce a total of eleven of these amazing birds but the night was not complete.

As we passed 03:15, we decided it was time to call it a night and pack up for some well deserved sleep. However this was shattered as we discovered to our amazement a ‘Big Un’ in the nets. A Leach’s Petrel, the larger relative of the Storm Petrel had been caught the first ever trapped Leach’s in Farnes history.

What bird, what a night. The bird was ringed and processed and eventually released but not before the entire warden team had enjoyed the sight of this monster. It capped a great few days on the Farnes and only knows what the next few months may bring…

Petrels Storm the Farnes

2011-07-24T22:12:00.001+01:00

A Storm Petrel in the hand (from last season) Mark Breaks

Sunday 24th July comments: WHAT a day! Another day of strong northerly winds prevented boats from sailing (for the third consecutive day) but the island team went about business as usual. As well as the usual strimming and pond work, the team’s attention was drawn to the sea for a second day, as Storm Petrels took top billing with another impressive showing.

The strong northerly winds have pushed record numbers down the north-east coast and the Farnes logged an impressive 69 north today (with up to seven lingering). The birds which lingered showed amazingly well as they were observed dip feeding for several hours around the south end of the islands – an amazing sight to an amazing day (at times feeding just off the islands). All team members enjoyed the magic and I’m sure there is much more to follow as the autumn has just begun!

24th July highlights: Storm Petrel 69N plus six lingering throughout the day (record day count from the islands) Sooty Shearwater 12N, Manx Shearwater 153N, Arctic Skua 6N, Great Skua 8N, Velvet Scoter 3 male north.

Out of the Storm

2011-07-23T22:39:00.000+01:00

Puffins chilling on the rocks (Will Scott)

Calm in the storm - a Small Tortoiseshell (Will Scott)

Saturday 23rd July comments: It’s been an impressive day as the north wind has battered the islands and the huge sea prevented boats from sailing for a second day. Many people ask what we get up to when we are cut off from the outside world…well the answer…we work!

The team have taken full advantage of a visitor free period with lots of strimming of vegetation on Inner Farne (and there is a lot to do!) whilst the Brownsman team have been pond digging. However our attention turned to the open sea later in the day and we produced an impressive 27 Storm Petrels, moving north involving some great views – one was even chased by a juvenile Arctic Tern!! Its been an impressive spell and I suspect tomorrow will bring further sightings and no visitors. What has happened to July?

23rd July highlights: Storm Petrel 27N, Sooty Shearwater 3N, Manx Shearwater 13N, Arctic Skua 2N, Great Skua 3N

22nd July highlights: Red-throated Diver 1South, Sooty Shearwater 3N, Manx Shearwater 32N, Arctic Skua 8N, Great Skua 2N, Roseate Tern 4, RB Merganser 1N, Knot 193, Curlew 30, Bar-tailed Godwit 3.

Summer madness

2011-07-20T21:11:00.001+01:00

Not like this today - a nice sunset over the islands

Food galore - adult Puffin with prey (David Andrews)

The harsh realities of island life - a chick lost to a Gull

Wednesday 20th July comments: Where has the summer gone? This week has brought rain, wind and cold temperature and it’s meant to be mid-July, not October! The seabird season is drawing to a close as successful family parties are starting to head off. The Puffins are massing and it won’t be long before they are all gone – so be warned, its your last chance to see them this year!

Other than that, the seawatching season has picked up with a reasonable count of Manx Shearwaters yesterday whilst wader numbers are increasing considerably.

Tuesday 19th July highlights: Manx Shearwater 335 north in evening, Arctic Skua 5N, Shoveler 1N, Black-tailed Godwit 1 on Knoxes Reef, Dunlin 26, Golden Plover 270, Sanderling 2 summer plumage adults, Knot 316, Purple Sandpiper 16 and Turnstone 200.

Life on the Farnes

2011-07-17T19:23:00.001+01:00

Stunning: adult Roseate Tern on Inner Farne (Paul Hackett)

A shag sunning itself (David Andrews)

Life above ground - a Puffin chick (David Andrews)

Nearly there - Pied Wagtail brood at Longstone (David Andrews)

Inner Farne (David Andrews)

Sunday 17th July comments: Some pictures from recent weeks to share.... life on the Farnes and everything that happens. Enjoy the photos.

End game

2011-07-16T15:15:00.000+01:00

First Fulmar chicks have started hatching (Ed Houlcroft)

Young Kittiwake on the wing (Ed Houlcroft)

Arctic Tern chick and fledger (Ed Houlcroft)

Saturday 16th July comments: Where now heading for the 'end game' as the breeding seabirds start preparing for life away from the islands. Hopefully results will support the opinion that the season has been a huge success and it won’t be long before the islands change and the wardens can start various management work in preparation for next year

Recent days has seen a real increase in cetacean sightings, as following the two Risso’s Dolphins, we had six White-beaked Dolphins (through Inner Sound) which performed well just a few days ago. This was backed by a feeding Minke Whale off Brownsman – never a dull moment on the Farnes.

For the avid ‘seawatchers’ amongst the team, the first Sooty Shearwater has been logged whilst Arctic Skuas are now daily. It won’t be long before we welcome back our first migrant passerines and then the excitement will really begin. Role on the autumn.

Update at last!

2011-07-12T14:53:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the world...Puffin chick emerges (Mark Breaks)

I'm out! (Mark Breaks)

A white winger... (Mark Breaks)

Tuesday 12th July comments: I keep saying it, but where has time gone? I’ve been away for just over a week and thought it was time for an update from the Farnes.

The breeding seabird season is almost over as the early nesters have now fledged chicks the the majority of other seabirds are almost done for the season. Although we’ve yet to crunch numbers, it appears to have been a very successful season for all seabirds concerned.

The majority of Arctic Terns have fledged two chicks per nest whilst good numbers of Sandwich tern young are now on the wing. Huge crèches of Shag young can be seen whilst vast numbers of fledged Kittiwakes indicates a brilliant season. The cliff-tops are also boasting great successes as Guillemots and razorbills have long gone (with good numbers of young)

As for the Puffins – despite the patchy weather, it’s been another good year and the number of chicks leaving under the cover of darkness has been staggering. It all indicates that the breeding season is almost at an end and we can all breath a big sigh of relief.

The islands are now starting to produce some interesting sightings and recent highlights included:

Risso's Dolphin – two south through inner Sound at 18:15 on 11th July

Spoonbill – one south over Longstone on 10th July

Roseate Tern – up to three are present daily with family parties expected to arrive over the next week or two

Wader passage is now underway with Green Sandpiper the highlight so far.

On the wing

2011-06-29T19:29:00.001+01:00

Kittiwakes having a bumper season - young have started to fledge

Nearly there - an Arctic Tern youngster

Wednesday 29th June comments: Another glorious day on the islands and the action continued as a few more Kittiwake youngsters took to the wing for the first time. At present, it appears to be another cracking year for Kittiwakes, our third consecutive year we've enjoyed a bumper crop of young (following a ten year decline).

It's not just the cliffs nesters which are reporting a good season as the first Arctic Tern fledger is only days away from flying and within a few weeks, we'll hopefully be reporting another successful year. A quick study yesterday revealed that two youngsters from the same nest were fed sixteen times in ten minutes - now that is rapid foraging!

Wader passage is gradually increasing with over 200 Knot present on Longstone whilst 23 Black-tailed Godwits flew west over the islands yesterday. Soon we'll have return autumn passage migrants and then the fun will really start!

Storm clouds lifting

2011-06-28T11:47:00.001+01:00

Happy family; Arctic Tern brood (Ciaran Hatsell)

Ready to fledge Cormorants (Ciaran Hatsell)

Moth trapping season - a Ghost Moth (Will Scott)

Adult Black Tern in roost (Andy Denton)

A passing Tall ship (Will Scott)

Tuesday 28th June comments: The Farnes is still just recovering from last weeks sad events and for many, the place will just never be the same. Despite the passing of Billy Shiel, his name will be forever be linked with the islands as his boat company continues to bring thousands of visitors to witness the spectacular seabird reserve that is the Farne Islands.

It’s over a week since the last update and so much has happened. We’ve now got Kittiwake, Puffin, Shag and Cormorant fledglings to boast about whilst the first Sandwich and Arctic Tern chicks are ready to take to the wing. The season continues to produce mixed weather but the results of the breeding season appear to indicate a very successful on. At time of writing, Arctic Terns are fledging (on average) two chicks per nest (not an annual occurrence) although predation by large Gulls is still having an effect in some areas. Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills have now gone whilst Eiders have almost completed their breeding season for another year.

The Farnes continues to bring surprise visitors as we discovered another Spoonbill on 15th June whilst an adult Black Tern was seen over several days last week. Roseate Terns have not bred again this year but a pair continue to show well on a daily basis by the main jetties on Inner Farne.

Billy Shiel - a legend in his own time

2011-06-17T18:50:00.000+01:00

Billy Shiel (John Walton)

Friday 17th June comments: Today has been a sad day for the Farne Islands as it has lost one of its own. News broke early this morning that Billy Shiel had passed away in the early hours of this morning and everyone involved with the islands will be saddened by the news.

John Walton, Farnes Property Manager, writes: Today marks the end of an era – with the passing of Billy Shiel, aged 83, a chapter of Farnes history closes. For well over sixty years his name was synonymous with the islands and, for over forty of those years, he was the Trust’s ‘official’ boatman.

I met Billy in 1979 when I arrived for my first season on the islands – little did I realise that our friendship, and professional relationship, was to last for 33 years. Billy’s ‘Glad Tidings’ were (and are) our lifeline – taking all the kit out at the beginning of the season, and carting it all back in December, trips to the mainland, water supplies, food supplies and, this may come as a surprise to today’s wardens, post!. Mobile ‘phones – unheard of, laptops/Face-book – not even thought of!

Memories of Billy, and his team, are myriad but one will suffice. It was early December in the winter of ’83 and he and his brother came out in the old fishing boat ‘G.T.3’ to bring the team off. I was on Brownsman Island with my team and Billy, with a storm brewing, was in a real dash to get us off – the odd swear word may have passed his lips! We got to Inner Farne to pick up that team and, just as we were about to cast off, he muttered the immortal words ‘I think we’d better have the lifejackets’. ‘Old Jack’, his brother, turned to me and said ‘ah divvn’t want to worry you son, but it’s ownly the second time in 40 years he’s asked for a lifejacket’! I’ve never seen a sea like it, before or since, but Billy got us safely home – the same wasn’t true of our breakfasts!!

Billy was not, of course, a saint – he could be cantankerous, tetchy, and there were days when you just left him alone. He was human – like all of us. The messages that have been coming in today from wardens spread over forty years are all genuinely grateful for having known the man. I’ve heard some brilliant stories – he left some great memories. Can anyone be a ‘legend in their own lifetime’? If so, then Billy would be a contender.

John Walton (Property Manager), David Steel (Head Warden) the entire Farnes team together with National Trust staff and volunteers extend there condolences to Joyce Shiel and her family.

Almost finished

2011-06-12T20:59:00.000+01:00

Counting on the outer group with pinnacle in background

1, 2, 3......Ciaran counting

Wez taking notes taken

Sunday 12th June comments: Despite the weather, despite the advanced stages of the breeding season, the counting is almost complete. The cliff counts have been a huge success, the tired team will soon be catching up on sleep and the seabirds of the Farne Islands will have been counted for another year.

Hopefully by the end of this week, we'll have most counts in from the outer islands and then I can start bringing you results. As always wee have some good news and as always, we have some bad....its never dull on a seabird colony and its never dull on the Farne Islands.

Goodbye...

2011-06-11T17:52:00.000+01:00

Guillemot with chick

Guillemot chick - leaving after 21 days

Saturday 11th June comments: I've said it before but I'll say it again....just how quick is the season progressing? On Friday evening we witnessed a true 'Farnes experience' as hundred's of Guiellemots with 'fledged chicks' departed the cliffs for the open sea.

The chicks, only twenty-one days old (or so) are encouraged to jump from the cliff-tops by their parents (usually the father), so they can whisk them away to the safety of Dogger Bank and beyond, where they will grow flight feathers and become independent. The best time to witness this spectacular event is a few hours before dusk and the first real movement of the season occurred yesterday.

Approximately 1,000 'jumplings' departed Staple and Brownsman indicating a very successful breeding season. It'll now be a matter of weeks before the cliff-tops are bare and all 50,000 Guillemots have departed the islands for another season. It'll be a strange (and quieter) place without them but we wish them good luck and hope they return next year to start all over again. Just how quick is this season going.....

Life!

2011-06-09T15:09:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the world...an Arctic Tern chick (Wez Smith)

Hatching everywhere

Adults with food (Joe Cockram)

Thursday 9th June comments: Life! In the last few days we’ve had a mass hatching of Arctic Tern chicks across the islands and soon adults will be busy bringing huge quantities of sand-eels for hungry little mouths. It's the same story across the cliff-tops as adults feed hungry youngsters and we even have our first fledglings to report as Guillemot chicks have already started leaving.

On the work front, the wardens continue to count the cliff tops and we reached the half-way stage early this morning, so things progressing well. We'll soon have a clear indication of how the colonies are doing and I'll bring you the news of all the up's and downs from this year's breeding totals.

Although migrants are few and far between at this time of year, we've had three lingering little Gulls including as adult which is entering the Arctic Tern colony on a regular basis and even displaying to us – it’s an impressive site!

Wardens on tour!

2011-06-07T10:31:00.001+01:00

An eastern gem - White-throated Robin (Andy Denton) Team on a wall

Birding from a ladder...

...and a van!

Tuesday 7th June comments: It was no ordinary day on the Farnes yesterday or should I say off it. The day progressed as normal, with a 6am start, a completed cliff-count and then various island work including welcoming lots of visitors. Even the first Arctic Tern chick hatching could not distract from the main event – the Farne Islands tour.

Last night the Farnes were empty. Ten wardens, two cars and several miles later the team arrived in Hartlepool to experience one of the most bizarre twitchers ever. A White-throated Robin, the first ever English record (and only 2nd for UK – a third has been seen on the Isle of Man) was discovered on Hartlepool headland earlier in the day. The keen birders amongst the warden team were keen to go and soon everyone was mainland bound and heading south.

We arrived to be greeted by ladders and scaffolding erect on a van as the bird was showing very well from inside a walled garden. Soon the team were either on the van or up a ladder enjoying fantastic views of this little eastern gem. What a way to see a bird and what a bird! I must comment and say the locals were very friendly, very helpful (thanks for the ladders) and some were even selling sandwich's to my team. Birding, it really is a crazy hobby.

The triumphant team returned to the islands and this morning we were back into the routine, we’ve got birds to count, and plenty of them.

Nest counts continue

2011-06-05T13:29:00.001+01:00

The count starts on Brownsman

Ciaran and co counting on Brownsman

Sunday 5th June comments:
The weather has changed yet again, despite me thinking that we had turned the corner. The Brownsman team were up early ready for their nest count day but unfortunately unlike the glorious sunshine from the day before, they were greeted by cold northerly winds.

Despite the drop in temperature, the team completed another day's counting and we have yet another set of results. Disappointingly the results were not as good as we had hoped as breeding Arctic Tern numbers have dropped whilst no Sandwich Terns are present. The results of the nest count on Brownsman:

Arctic Tern 658 pairs (down 421 pairs)

Eider 178 (up 17 pairs)

Oystercatcher 10 pairs (up one pair)

Black-headed Gull 5 pairs (down 21 pairs)

Although our nest counts are complete we still have another nine cliff counts, so still plenty to go - June is never dull on the Farnes!

Inner Farne counted!!

2011-06-03T19:47:00.000+01:00

03:50 - dawn over the islands and the counting starts

Counted - a Black-headed Gull nest

The lads at work - counting every inch

Intense Sandwich Tern colony count

A happy but very tired Inner Farne team - job complete!

Friday 3rd June comments: Job done. The Inner Farne team of six were up at 4am today and went on to successfully complete an island count of all ground nesting seabirds. The job took all day, as the team eventually finished just after 6pm and although tired, were delighted to have completed the job in one day.

Every nest was counted and logged over the island, from nesting Eiders to every Arctic Tern. The concentration levels remain high throughout the day as one wrong step can result in disaster for a nest and it's made that bit more difficult by our 'friendly' Arctic Terns. With heads well pecked, I suspect the team will have an early night tonight but I have to congratulate them on a job well done.

The job is a real team effort as the Brownsman wardens cover all visitor work (working both Staple Island and Inner Farne all day) and we have great support from Anne Wilson who helps police the islands during this hectic period. And as for a rest...don't be silly, tomorrow we have to do it all over again on Brownsman...

Today's results from Inner Farne only:

Arctic Tern 1,133 pairs (up 23)

Sandwich Tern 453 pairs (down 308)

Common Tern 100 pairs (down 10)

Black-headed Gull 424 pairs(up 83)

Eider 415 pairs (up 22)

Now I need some sleep and tomorrow role on Brownsman.

Cliff counts begin!

2011-06-02T22:34:00.001+01:00

Ed, Ciaran and Jack taking it on (David Steel)

Kittiwakes to count (David Steel)

Thursday 2nd June comments: And so it begins.

Today we started just after 6am for a three hour cliff count across all the islands. The process of counting the entire Farne Islands breeding seabird populations is under way...and we have over 80,000 breeding pairs to count. Add in our busiest day of the year for visitors with some bird ringing and monitoring work, its been another busy, busy day on planet Farnes.

However these busy days are just the beginning as tomorrow we start at 4am on Inner Farne to count all the breeding Terns, Eiders and other ground nesting species. That's just five hours away so best get some sleep. We're going to be tired this time tomorrow evening.

Bring it on.

Start of a new month

2011-06-01T22:51:00.001+01:00

Another photo of yesterday's Black-headed Bunting (Jamie Coleman)

Puffins feeding chicks galore (Andy Denton)

Arctic Tern nesting in good numbers (Graeme Duncan)

Wednesday 1st June comments: The first day of June…where has time gone! It’s a big date in the diary of any Farne warden as we were due to start (or were due to start) our population counts of the cliffs. However the sea state prevented our first of ten counts, although tomorrow’s forecast suggests we’ll be kicking off early Thursday morning. The counts start just after 06:30 and we’ve got lots to count, and I mean lots.

On the bird front, yesterday’s Black-headed Bunting was sadly not seen despite an extensive early morning start. However a Great Skua and several Manx Shearwaters were some consultation on a seawatch.

The month of June is going to be busy and we hope the weather settles and we can enjoy the month ahead. Bring it on and stick with me - we'll bring you all the news.

Flavour of the East

2011-05-31T20:48:00.001+01:00

Black-headed Bunting joy (Ciaran Hatsell)

Showing well (Ciaran Hatsell)

Feeding well on Staple (Ciaran Hatsell)

Tuesday 31st May comments:

What a day.

What is it with me and Buntings on the Farnes?

Several years ago I missed a Black-headed on Inner Farne whilst away on holiday (I haven’t forgotten Mr Parnaby…) whilst a Yellow-breasted escaped us just a few years ago (remember that Mr Moss and Mr Cockram…) and then today happened.

I departed the Farne Islands for the regional National Trust HQ at 08:00 this morning. With poor phone reception, I was out of contact all morning and what a few hours. In that time, I missed over twenty phone calls, hundreds of texts and various other forms of contact as a Black-headed Bunting had been discovered on Staple Island by the team.

The shock discovery was totally unexpected and the team enjoyed great views along with a few visitors. However I was mainland bound and birdless, not been able to enjoy the islands fifth Black-headed (and the Farnes third spring) record of Black-headed Bunting. Regardless the photographs show that it was a cracking bird and well enjoyed by the warden team.

Having suffered a disappointing spring, we’ve now cashed in with Red-breasted Flycatcher, two Spoonbills and now this. Welcome to Planet Farnes. Its brilliant, just brilliant.

Farnes Flicker

2011-05-26T22:47:00.001+01:00

Red-breasted Flycatcher on Brownsman (Graeme Duncan)

Showing well (Graeme Duncan)

Thursday 26th May comments: What a month. The breeding season is in full swing, warden’s work is cranking up by the day and visitors continue to increase by the day. However the main talking point has been the weather. The month of May has produced a mixed bag of weather with a dramatic conclusion on Monday as winds peaked at 70mph.

Amazingly the seabirds appeared to have generally got away with it but next time, they might not be as lucky. Where just hoping for calm weather and a successful few months ahead.

On another note, today produced a big surprise as we produced our first noticeable passerine of the spring – a female/immature Red-breasted Flycatcher on Brownsman! The bird arrived late afternoon and showed well to all admiring wardens. Although almost an annual migrant to the islands, this was only our fourth ever spring bird and the first since 1988!

Highlights: Red-breasted Flycatcher 1 on Brownsman, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and Redstart.

Breeding bird news: Razorbills now on chicks, Sandwich Tern number low – estimated at only 400 pairs (potentially our lowest ever breeding number).

Storm Force 10

2011-05-23T21:43:00.000+01:00

Waves over the East Wideopens (William Scott)

Inner Farne Lighthouse cliff - the storm pounds (William Scott)

Sea spray and waves over the island (Andy Denton)

Monday 23rd May (evening) comments:

Oh dear.

It really has been a shocker, as the wind has been off the scale today as the sea has battered and hammered the life out of the Farnes. Amazingly we may have escaped the worst of it as one crucial factor may have saved many nesting seabirds - the wind direction.

An easterly or northerly wind of this magnitude would have decimated the colonies but as its from the west, we may have escaped. When I say 'escaped', we still have experienced losses - we watched one Kittiwake nest being blown off the cliff side and across the island, taking the contents with it. However it could have been a lot, lot worse.

What we need now is some calm weather, preferably two months of it.

Its here...

2011-05-23T15:18:00.000+01:00

Monday 23rd May, 15:00 update

The shipping forecast is just in…

Southerly gale force 8 imminent veering southwesterly and increasing storm force 10 soon

...and don't we know it. The Farne Islands are being hammered and it's not about to stop...

Its coming....

2011-05-22T22:08:00.000+01:00

Puffins galore - chicks have started hatching (Andy Denton)

Sandwich Tern colony (Andy Denton)

Who are you looking at... (Andy Denton)

Sunday 22nd May comments: Today has brought plenty more activity as our first Kittiwake chicks have hatched whilst a pair of Ringed Plover now have a brood of three chicks to guard against predators. However our attention is now switching to a more serious matter...the weather.

The month of April brought wall-to-wall sunshine and glorious calm flat seas. Then came May. The month has produced a real mixed bag of weather with plenty of rain and unsettled conditions, but now we face another threat – the wind. The forecast over the next few days is severe gale force southerly winds which will bring heavy seas and potentially the loss of many nests on the south facing cliffs. How bad things will be, is any ones guess, but fingers crossed its not as bad as predicted. Here goes...

Farnes action

2011-05-19T23:18:00.000+01:00

Guillemot chicks start hatching (Ciaran Hatsell)

Gas cage (nesting) Eider (Ciaran Hatsell)

Chicks away (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wild or feral - today's Barnacle Goose (Ciaran Hatsell)

Thursday 19th May comments: The crazy period is just around the corner and Farnes action continues as chicks have started hatching and the Arctic Terns have intensified attacks against our visitors (and the wardens!). In recent days we've witnessed...

first Guillemot chicks hatch on Staple and Inner Farme

Puffin chicks found today on Inner Farne

Black-headed Gull chicks discovered in the main colony

On the migration front it was a stunning day yesterday (Wednesday) as the peace and quiet of the islands was shattered by an adult HONEY BUZZARD over (it flew over our heads!) before heading towards the mainland (only the 9th Farnes record although all have occurred since the first on 25 September 2000).

Recent highlights: HONEY BUZZARD, Little Gull first-summer, Roseate Tern 3 adults in summer plumage and Mediterranean Gull (second summer).

Weather takes a 'tern'

2011-05-16T14:19:00.001+01:00

Terns - now on eggs (Jamie Coleman)

A stunner - an adult Mediterranean Gull (Will Scott)

Migrants on the move - a Lesser Whitethroat (Will Scott)

Monday 16th May comments:

The breeding season continues to advance by the day and having been away for a week (hence the lack of updates...), much has changed. The Arctic Terns have now settled in their thousands with the first eggs discovered on 13th May, almost completing the full breeding range of nesting seabirds now on eggs (Common Terns been on eggs since 12th May). More Eider chicks are hatching on a daily basis whilst our first Guillemot chicks will be discovered very soon.

The weather has taken a distinctive turn for the worst with plenty of rain (causing some issues for Puffins) whilst strong wind is making life generally difficult. Staple Island, opened to the public on 1st May but the weather has resulted in almost a daily closure whilst Inner Farne has seen sporadic numbers of visitors. Hopefully everything will settle soon and both the breeding birds and visitors can start enjoying the summer once again.

Whilst away, there were some noticeable highlights on the islands as three different Mediterranean Gulls arrived in the Black-headed Gull colony on the islands and the prospect of potential future breeding has increased. The species only colonised Northumberland a few years ago and maybe the Farnes might be the next step in their UK advancement.

Pick of the days – 8th May highlights:Redstart, Whinchat (5), Sedge Warbler (5), Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler (2), Blackcap (3), Whitethroat (11), Lesser Whitethroat (2), Willow Warbler (25), Chiffchaff (7), Spotted Flycatcher (2) and Pied flycatcher.

Watch your head!

2011-05-10T19:38:00.000+01:00

Coming to a head near you...the Arctic's have landed (Graeme Duncan)

Settled and ready to go (Graeme Duncan)

Up close - a female Eider (Graeme Duncan)

Tuesday 10th May comments: Its been another hectic week on the islands although the weather has finally turned and we've had a few closed days - although plenty of summer migrants arrived with the south-easterly weather front.

On the breeding seabird front, the vast number of Arctic Terns which have been roosting nightly with us have finally settled on the islands and it won't be long before they are laying eggs and doing what Arctic's do best - attacking people! The season seems to be rattling along as the first eider chicks have now hatched and more and more Shag chicks are discovered.

On the migrant front, it has been a busy island as both Spotted and Pied Flycatchers have been seen whilst good numbers of common warblers have been noted including our first Grasshopper Warbler of the year.

Final prep!

2011-05-04T15:57:00.001+01:00

Black-headed Gull (300+ pairs) now on eggs

Scarce Fiddleneck now flowering

Final strimming before Terns nest

Wednesday 4th May comments: The final preparation work is under way as we are less than one week away from Arctic Terns landing and nesting. The final grass cutting and strimming is been done and thereafter its all over to the Arctic Terns. I'm not sure why we encourage these birds, as all our hard work is rewarded with constant attacks and plenty of bird guano covered clothes!

It all go on the islands although following the rush of the Easter break, visitor numbers have reduced but that won't stay that way for long. On the birding front, it remains quiet although four summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits was a nice discovery and the Swallows are nest building on the Longstone lighthouse.

Mighty May

2011-05-02T22:51:00.001+01:00

Sunset over the Farne Islands (Graeme Duncan)

Mallard family on pond (Jamie Coleman)

Little Terns - up to 25 at roost (Jamie Coleman)

Lingering Black Redstart for third day (Jamie Coleman)

Swallows breeding back on Longstone (Jamie Coleman)

Monday 2nd May comments: How quick time fly’s when your having fun! Its crazy to think its now May – it only seems a few weeks ago we returned and here we are ready for the Arctic terns to settle! The season advances by the day and since the last update we’ve celebrated our first Kittiwake eggs and our first Shag chick! Alongside this success the first Sandwich Tern eggs have been found whilst Common and Arctic Terns continue to descend onto the islands daily and it won’t be long before they are settling on eggs themselves. More female Eider ducks are nesting whilst the cliff nesting species are more settled, with the majority of Auks now on eggs. On the visitor front, its been an amazing start as we’ve not lost a single day to bad weather in April whilst one or two ex-wardens have visited to say hello.

First egg dates:

Kittiwake 28th April
Razorbill 25th April

Puffin 15th April

Eider 12th April

Guillemot 10th April
Shag 23rd March

Recent bird highlights
Sun 24th Hooded Crow 1 west, Whitethroat (first of the year), Kestrel male and Pink-footed Goose 298 north in one skein

Tues 26th Sparrowhawk female, MARSH HARRIER female west towards the mainland

Fri 29th Manx Shearwater 5N (first of the year), Sparrowhawk male, Greylag Goose 8S, Whimbrel 2S (first of the year) and Tufted Duck 3N

Sat 30th Yellow Wagtail male, Chiffchaff 2, Willow Warbler 5, Black Redstart, Blackcap 3 and Lesser Whitethroat

Farne Islands Blog

There coming...

All quiet on the western front

The Giant Awakes

Merry Christmas

A look back at the season...

And we're off!

The Final Count Down

The Angel of the North

Storm continues...

Bed time

Recent photos

Ladies and gentlemen, start your bidding!

Behind the scenes

The long and the short of it!

Count continues

Winter Wonderland

Fight night

The Final Frontier

In coming...

The Seal of approval

Let it snow

Long time in coming

Total so far...

Spray Day

Storm force

Empire Shrikes Back!

It's coming...

Little Grey's of Sunshine

Brownsman babes

Staple First Born

Boy its coming

Wonder from the Wood

Blue is the Colour

Spotted Dick

News at Ten

Just like the Farnes...

A Farne-acle Goose Barnanza!

Fair Isle update

Here we go again...

A Smattering of Siberians

Shetland Day One

A Scattering of Scandinavians

Its a boy!

Seal or no Seal

Breaking news...

Skeins of glory

Heart-crake

Lone piper

Sand Bagged

Telling Tails

A good weekend

Grim day

Flaring up!

Storm troopers

No let up

Rock and roll

Aye, we'll give it a go!

Farnes lock-down

The quest for the holy Quail

Double celebration

Ear today, gone tomorrow

Tweet

lined Gannet

Happy Birthday Will!

Eyes to the sea

Never mess with a Fulmar...

New A-wry-vals

August continues

Beneath the waves

Autumn arrives

Lepidoptera madness!

The migrants have landed

Its a big 'un

Petrels Storm the Farnes

Out of the Storm

Summer madness

Life on the Farnes

End game

Update at last!