You can leave your hat on!

'Retern' of the peck

Fulmar's present in good numbers (Ciaran Hatsell)

First nesting Eider on Brownsman (Ciaran Hatsell)

Skylark on passage (Ciaran Hatsell)

Yesterday's weather...another bad day at sea (Ciaran Hatsell)

Thursday 18th April comments: It's been another interesting few days on the Farnes as the weather has had its say (yet again) as strong south-easterly winds closed the islands to visitors yesterday. However calmer conditions returned today bringing some light migrant passage (and visitors) to the islands.

Noticeable highlights included three Blackcaps, two Willow Warblers and our fourth Hooded Crow of the year (our best season for this species since 1995). Other highlights included a Scaup north through Staple Sound, our first Grey Plover of the spring and an immature Mediterranean Gull in the evening roost.

However the day was stolen by the return of one of our most iconic summer visitors - the Arctic Tern. At least four birds were present in Farnes waters this morning and it won't be long before they're pecking heads. We can't wait....