The approach to the Farnes...Inner Farne lighthouse 
View from Inner Farne looking towards outer group
Bare cliffs with a few Shags scattered across them
Quiet - Inner Farne mid-winterTuesday 7th February comments: What a day. I decided to take full advantage of the glorious (and unseasonable weather) as I made another out-of-season visit to the Farne Islands. It was almost disbelieving, as the North Sea was flat, the sun was shining and everything was perfect. I just had to remind myself that it is still only 7th February and not the 7th June. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
All appeared in good shape and Fulmars were scattered across the islands on their favoured ledges. Small numbers of Shags were on the cliff tops whilst the nearby sea held small numbers of Guillemots. It's still some time before we'll have huge numbers of seabirds, but it's a start. Even the Eider ducks were busy displaying - I was almost expecting a peck from an Arctic Tern.
The islands at this time of year remain quiet although a few Blackbirds, Robins and the odd Song Thrush and Woodcock indicated that spring passage has started. It won't be long before we are back for the summer and then the real work will begin. Bring it on.
Fascinating to see the contrast in weather conditions compared with the frozen snow here in Lincolnshire.
ReplyDeleteWhat a day. I decided to take full advantage of the glorious (and unseasonable weather) as I made another out-of-season visit to the Fare Islands. It was almost disbelieving, as the North Sea was flat, the sun was shining and everything was perfect. I just had to remind myself that it is still only 7th February and not the 7th June. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
ReplyDeleteAll appeared in good shape and Fulmars were scattered across the islands on their favored ledges. Small numbers of Shags were on the cliff tops whilst the nearby sea held small numbers of Guillemots. It's still some time before we'll have huge numbers of seabirds, but it's a start. Even the Eider ducks were busy displaying - I was almost expecting a peck from an Arctic Tern.
The islands at this time of year remain quiet although a few Blackbirds, Robins and the odd Song Thrush and Woodcock indicated that spring passage has started. It won't be long before we are back for the summer and then the real work will begin. Bring it on.