Thursday 15 August 2013

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.

Sandwich tern with prey (David Kinchin-smith)

Fulmars now with large chicks  (David Kinchin-smith)

Roseate Terns on the move

1, 2, 3....over 100 Roseate Terns

Pot of gold? The Farne Islands

Thursday 15th August comments: So we are heading into mid-August and the Farnes is still full of life and well worth a visit. With the delay to the seabird breeding season (remember that shocking cold spell in late March?), we still have plenty of seabirds present. In a ‘normal’ season, the majority of our seabirds start departing from late July but with the majority of nesting birds delayed by at least two weeks, the season has been extended and birds are still here.

Small numbers of Puffins can still be seen feeding hungry young, Arctic Tern families are still actively feeding (but head pecking has stopped!) whilst large crèche’s of Sandwich Terns are present on the beach of Inner Farne; a loud and exciting welcome for all visitors!

As well as the breeding seabirds, if you’re lucky you’ll also see the rare Roseate Tern as good numbers are present daily as they are moving through from nearby breeding grounds. An impressive 116 were counted last night and if anyone wants to see a Roseate Tern I would advise visiting! However time is ticking and if you don't want to miss out, visit now as the last of these birds will soon be gone - you have been warned!

1 comment:

Ipin said...

Are you getting any ring numbers off the Rosies?