They're coming...

'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

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

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.