First Kittiwake eggs (Jamie Coleman) 
Sandwich Terns galore (Jamie Coleman)
Swallows on the move (Jamie Coleman)
Comments about the Farnes from an ex-Head Warden who proudly served the islands for fourteen years
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Some picys...
First Kittiwake eggs (Jamie Coleman) Sandwich Terns galore (Jamie Coleman)Swallows on the move (Jamie Coleman)
Monday, 25 April 2011
Glorious April
Razorbills now on eggs! 
Guillemots galoreMonday 25th April comments:
Its still all go on the islands, as the fine weather continues (we’ve yet to be closed due to poor weather in April!), good numbers of visitors are visiting us and the breeding seabirds are settling day by day.
The month has brought some exceptional weather, with high temperatures and plenty of flat calm seas. However we went through a spell of thick fog late last week, but the sunshine has returned and everyone is happy once again!
On the seabird front, most birds are now on eggs including the latest additions of Razorbill, Black-headed Gull and Ringed Plover. In fact, having had Shags on eggs since 23rd March, we’ll probably be boasting chicks very soon! However, as expected, we’re waiting for the Terns to settle (but not until early May) whilst Kittiwakes have yet to lay (which will probably happen in the next day or two).
On the migration front, we’ve had up to 23 Little Terns (earlier than normal) during the evening roost whilst another Hooded Crow and the lingering Mediterranean Gull have been noticeable highlights.
The month has brought some exceptional weather, with high temperatures and plenty of flat calm seas. However we went through a spell of thick fog late last week, but the sunshine has returned and everyone is happy once again!
On the seabird front, most birds are now on eggs including the latest additions of Razorbill, Black-headed Gull and Ringed Plover. In fact, having had Shags on eggs since 23rd March, we’ll probably be boasting chicks very soon! However, as expected, we’re waiting for the Terns to settle (but not until early May) whilst Kittiwakes have yet to lay (which will probably happen in the next day or two).
On the migration front, we’ve had up to 23 Little Terns (earlier than normal) during the evening roost whilst another Hooded Crow and the lingering Mediterranean Gull have been noticeable highlights.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Bird Report 2010
Birds on the Farne Islands 2010
The latest Farne Islands bird report is now out and for general sale on the islands. The report covers all aspects of the Farnes including full accounts of all 183 species recorded on Farne Islands during the year.
The report contains:
Front cover (Fulmar) produced by dutch illustrator Bas Teunis.
Ten colour photographs of the most noticeable rarities to be seen on the islands.
A full species by species bird account including all nesting seabirds.
Full reports on all moths, butterflies and cetaceans recorded.
A Grey Seal report covering the pupping season of the autumn.
An in depth bird ringing report highlighting all major findings.
To obtain the latest copy, please send cheques payable to the National Trust for £6 (this includes p&p) to:
David Steel
Farne Islands
Seahouses
Northumebrland
NE68 7SR
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Sunny days continue...
Guillemots all on eggs (Graeme Duncan)
Potential new breeders - Canada Geese settled and paired (Graeme Duncan)
Plenty on the islands - over 200 Purple Sandpipers at present (Graeme Duncan)
Strimming for the Terns (Graeme Duncan)Tuesday 19th April comments:
The breeding season continues to gather momentum and each day brings something new. Over the last few days we’ve witnessed an arrival of Arctic Terns whilst huge numbers of displaying Sandwich Terns are now evident over the islands. Although still early, Sandwich Terns have been landing on the main colony of Inner Farne so I suspect an early start for them as well!
On the cliff ledges, Guillemots are well settled, Razorbills are copulating and Shags have been on eggs for three weeks. Elsewhere more and more Eiders inspect nest sites around the islands whilst Puffins are now on eggs! It’s all go and we’ll soon be celebrating a full set of nesting birds, and then the hard work really begins.
On the migrant front, more summer migrants have arrived on the islands including up to thirty Willow Warblers on 15th and our first Tree Pipits on 16th April. Of real note, a Tree Sparrow was on Brownsman on 3rd, two Ospreys over on 2nd and 4th, a Hooded Crow was present on Longstone on 13th, the same day a Greenshank was noted on Knoxes Reef, whilst two different Mediterranean Gulls have been seen in the evening roost.
As for the team, we’ve been working hard, dealing with good numbers of visitors daily whilst preparing the islands for the nesting seabirds. Its early days but we’ve been living on the islands for one month now and as a head warden, the team have had a cracking start and thank-you to each and every one of you – keep it up, you’re doing the Farnes proud.
On the cliff ledges, Guillemots are well settled, Razorbills are copulating and Shags have been on eggs for three weeks. Elsewhere more and more Eiders inspect nest sites around the islands whilst Puffins are now on eggs! It’s all go and we’ll soon be celebrating a full set of nesting birds, and then the hard work really begins.
On the migrant front, more summer migrants have arrived on the islands including up to thirty Willow Warblers on 15th and our first Tree Pipits on 16th April. Of real note, a Tree Sparrow was on Brownsman on 3rd, two Ospreys over on 2nd and 4th, a Hooded Crow was present on Longstone on 13th, the same day a Greenshank was noted on Knoxes Reef, whilst two different Mediterranean Gulls have been seen in the evening roost.
As for the team, we’ve been working hard, dealing with good numbers of visitors daily whilst preparing the islands for the nesting seabirds. Its early days but we’ve been living on the islands for one month now and as a head warden, the team have had a cracking start and thank-you to each and every one of you – keep it up, you’re doing the Farnes proud.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Own-goal nightmare
The warden football team (after the match!) (Wez Smith) Farne Island Wardens 4 – 5 Seahouses Boatmen
Wednesday evening witnessed the first of the football clashes between the warden and Seahouses boatmen and what a clash it was! The first half was a typical tight affair with very little between the two teams before the boatmen broke the deadlock through Mickey Craig. However the wardens replied soon after through the brilliance of new warden Ciaran and with the game ebbing and flowing, it was the boatmen who raced into a 2-1 lead, as Danny P rifled home just before half-time. Half-time Wardens 1-2 Boatmen
The second half witnessed plenty of drama as the game appeared to be escaping the wardens, as a fine strike from Craig Pringle put the Seahouses men 3-1 up. However the goal appeared to galvanise the wardens who soon responded in fine style, smashing three quick goals (including a hat-rick from Ciaran and a fine team goal with Jamie finishing it off, to turn the game on its head at 4-3.
However the final 15 minutes witnessed a warden collapse as the island men scored not one, but two own goals to give the Boatmen a 5-4 lead in a thriller of a match. I won't name the own goal scorers, but the head warden can claim one.... With minutes remaining the wardens rallied for that elusive equaliser and despite intense pressure, could not find the break through. The boatmen hung on for a 5-4 win and everyone enjoyed the first game of the season although maybe not for me, who scored an own goal and was briefly knocked out and minus a tooth by the end of the game. Who said it was a friendly!? Role on the rematch.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Eider eggs!
Kittiwakes nest building (Graeme Duncan) 
Male Brambling on Brownsman yesterday (Graeme Duncan) Tuesday 12th April comments: The season is advancing by the day and today we had another early nester – this time in the form of an Eider. It’s the second earliest ever laying date as a bird sitting on three eggs was discovered on Brownsman. Over 200 pairs are lingering in Farnes waters at this moment, so we’ll soon be invaded be even more. Interestingly the Puffins all disappeared again today, but other seabirds appear to be more settled including the Kittiwakes which are now frantically nest building.
As for the warden team, it’s that time of year again. As long as weather holds, the wardens are heading over to the mainland tomorrow evening to play football against the Seahouses boatmen. It’s a grudge match we don’t like to loose (actually, its really just me who doesn’t like to loose). Anyway the first bragging rights of the season are on offer and we’ll bring you the news and match report on Thursday. Fingers crossed that the first victory of the season heads our way.
Highlights: Wigeon pair, Peregrine female, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Sandwich Tern 183 at roost, Common Gull 54 at roost, Swallow, ‘White’ Wagtail 4 males together on Inner Farne!! Wheatear 15, Redwing – late passage bird, Willow Warbler 2, male Brambling and Linnet 8.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Happy Birthday Ciaran
Happy Birthday Ciaran!Monday 11th April comments:
Another day and another birthday. Today (Monday 11th April) Ciaran celebrated his birthday on the Farnes having been with us since mid-March. Its Ciarans first season on the islands and as a mad keen birder, he's been at the forefront of the birding scene on the Farnes (and was alongside me when we discovered the islands 'potential' first in the form of a Snow Goose). Wishing you a great day and hope you celebrate many more with us on the islands, from all the team, Happy Birthday!
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