Aye, we'll give it a go!

Latest storm pictures (2pm)...

Island visit anyone? (Jack Ibbotson)

Boat in a storm (Jack Ibbotson)

Heading home (Jack Ibbotson)

Over the bench (Ciaran Hatsell)

Latest update; the wind had notched up another level and unbelievably we noted a dive boat heading back to Seahouses at 13:30. WHAT a journey that must have been. More photos to follow later.

Farnes lock-down

Blow out (photos taken today at midday) (Jack Ibbotson)

Smashing the islands (Jack Ibbotson)

Hello Bamburgh (David Steel)

Monday 12th September comments: Its started, the wind is now smashing the islands and its only midday - we're still some time away from the peak wind strength. With high-tide not forecast until 17:00 this evening, its going to be fun. More news and photos to follow.

The quest for the holy Quail

The quest for the holy Quail

The team seawatching

Ready for s torm - boat tied down

Sunday 11th September comments: It was a quiet day on the islands today as we prepare for the tail end of a hurricane which will cut us off from the mainland for the next three days at least. We're fully stocked and ready for this, so we'll watch Mother Nature hammer the islands and pick up the pieces at the end of it all. Its going to be interesting and I'm just so pleased I'm not reporting this during the breeding season.

On the islands, a Quail was discovered running across the main baordwalk on Inner Farne today, only several feet from the observers. What a sight! Although almost annual on the Farnes, this was only the second ever autumn record for this scarce summer visitor. Despite the best efforts of the team, we could not relocate this little gem.

Now hold onto your hats, there's a storm brewing....

Double celebration

Bobby with granddaughter Grace

Friday 9th September comments: There was double celebration in Seahouses recently as two well known boatmen had plenty to cheer. Mad keen Newcastle United supporter Bobby Person celebrated becoming a Grandad as his daughter, Becky, gave birth to a healthy baby girl; Grace, two weeks ago. As you can see, it hasn't taken Bobby long to get Grace kitted out in a Newcastle shirt, much to the disgust of this Sunderland supporting head warden!

Even more great news followed on Tuesday, as William and Rachel Shiel welcomed their second child, a baby daughter, Matilda Rose. I'm sure a few sleepless nights are expected but everyone connected with the Farnes wishes them all well.

Ear today, gone tomorrow

Little Egret once again on the Longstone (Andy Denton)

Wheatears on the move

Over 71 today on the islands

Thursday 8th September comments: Its been a slow period for passage as westerly winds have dominated (up to gale force at times). However today brought a decrease in wind strength. allowing a small movement of birds through the islands.

The juvenile Little Egret returned to Longstone, once again, as it fed happily in rocks pools on the far eastern outcrop of the Farne Islands. A total of 71 Wheatears were counted across the islands (the highest ever day total) whilst 4 Whitethroats reminded us that there is autumn passage on. Throw in a female Sparrowhawk, a lingering Peregrine and a Kestrel, it hasn't bee a bad day on the islands. However the wind is due to increase once again, so here we go again...

Tweet

The world of social media has reached the Farne Islands as we've branched out to the world of Twitter. For those who 'tweet', you can follow the daily movements of head warden David Steel on the islands throughout the autumn (with plenty of updates about our Grey Seals) on @NTsteely.

Although this is fairly new (to me) we already have other unofficial twitters on the islands. resident warden Wez Smith can be followed on @FarnesWardenWez (well worth a look, he's been tweeting all season) as well as local boatman Andy Douglas on @thefarnes.

Therefore if you're bored and want to follow the daily lives of Farne Islands wardens, get tweeting...

lined Gannet

Gannet up close and personal (Bex Outram)

Cutting line (Bex Outram)

Nearly free (Bex Outram)


Ready for release (Bex Outram)

Saturday 3rd September comments: Its been a quiet spell on the islands as the prevailing wind has prevented any major migration passage although the first autumn Brent Geese moved through yesterday whilst small numbers of wildfowl are now on the move.

The hazards of discarded fishing gear raised its ugly head again recently as the team had to rescue two immature Gannets off Brownsman, which had entangled themselves together with fishing line. Amazingly the birds had managed to twist fishing line around their beaks and no other part of their bodies, so it was time to send in the wardens to the rescue...

The birds were soon caught and the line removed and thankfully no harm had been done to either bird, so they were released unharmed to fight another day. To have these large, powerful birds in the hand was such a privilege but at the end of the day, it was just another day for Farne Island warden team. Role on tomorrow.