Opening begins

Winter shutters off St.Cuthbert's chapel are removed

Visitor centre information boards put up

Cleaning continues

Lesser Celandine blooming on Inner Farne

Late afternoon flyover - Whooper Swans

Sunday 25th March comments: Another day and another day of sorting and cleaning. The opening up process of sorting Inner Farne continues as we get ready for our grand opening on 1st April. St.Cuthbert’s Chapel was opened and cleaned (the winter shutters were removed) and the visitor centre was sorted. We’ve still got plenty to complete before next Sunday including boardwalk repairs and jetty scrubbing but that will wait for another day.

Although seabirds were very few (no sign of any Guillemots and very few Puffins) but the foggy conditions brought in a good array of migrants including our first Wheatear and Chiffchaffs of the year.

Highlights: Whooper Swan 18N, Canada Goose, Goldeneye female, Common Scoter 15, Gadwall 2, Shoveler 2, Wigeon 6, Merlin 2, Sparrowhawk 2, Mediterranean Gull 1st summer, Sandwich Tern 8, Wood Pigeon, Grey Wagtail 1 west, Black Redstart female, Song Thrush, Wheatear female (first of the year), Hooded Crow 1 over Brownsman, Jackdaw 2, Chiffchaff 4 (first of the year), Goldcrest 10, Linnet 2, Siskin 13W, Brambling and Greenfinch

Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell 2 – first of the year