Telling Tails

Lapland Bunting, the first of the autumn

Rainbow team - another mixed weather day on the islands

Wednesday 21st September comments: Its been a quiet start to the week as westerly winds have continued to dominate (nothing new there then!) bringing very few migrant birds. However the Farnes being the Farnes, we still have produced some highlights including two Lapland Buntings over on Monday, the first records of the year. Following last seasons impressive haul (unprecedented numbers across the UK), we're hoping this is a sign of another good year.

Today brought a major highlight as (unexpectedly) seawatching produced a stunning seven Long-tailed Skua's, the islands highest day total since 1995. The birds were seen within a two hour period (just after midday) and the passage all involved juveniles all heading north. The birds were split between Staple Sound and the south end of the islands, although one bird decided to fly over the Big Harcar, close to the observers on Brownsman. A cracking find on an otherwise uneventful day...

I mention uneventful day, the wind has once again kicked in and we're cut off from the outside world (which has been common place in recent weeks). It's hurricane season and don't we know it. Bring on some settled weather.

A good weekend

A cracker and our first since 2003; Curlew Sandpiper (Andy Denton)

First of the autumn; Short-eared Owl (Graeme Duncan)

We can see you (Andy Denton)

Back for the winter; a Snow Bunting (Andy Denton)

Pied Flycatcher on the move (Andy Denton)

Sunday 18th September comments: It's been a good weekend on the islands as the wind (at long last) switched to the east and produced a good scattering of migrants. Pick of the crop was a Curlew Sandpiper which was discovered on Brownsman pond - amazingly the first island record since September 2003 (remember that Ashy?). Why the species is so scarce on the Farnes is any one's guess as they remain an annual in the local area and were regular on the Farnes until 2003. However it was a welcome return and hopefully we'll have a few more to shout about by the end of the season.

Our first autumn Redwing (welcome back!) and Snow Bunting brought a distinct winter feel about it, whilst other highlights included a majestic Short-eared Owl and a scattering of migrants including Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchats and common warblers. Just outside the recording area, a Minke Whale and Grey Phalarope were recorded by a visitor boat, so the the islands still have plenty of potential.

Grim day

Sunset over Inner Farne lighthouse (Andy Denton)

Oystercatcher flock on Inner Farne (Andy Denton)


Shag having a wash (Andy Denton)

Friday 16th September comments: Its been a grim day today on the islands as a south-easterly wind increased preventing boats from sailing. It was in complete contrast to the previous day and by mid-afternoon, heavy rain had descended across the islands. Work was mainly confined to the buildings although occasional birding sorties were made, but with very little reward. The conditions made viewing difficult and very little had arrived but as always on the islands, there is tomorrow and the potential for migrants. Bring it on...

Flaring up!

Lifeboat flares (Jack Ibbotson)

Safely into the sea (Jack Ibbotson)

Lesser Redpoll caught on dock bank (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wednesday 14th September comments: We welcomed visitors back to the Farnes today, although the wind was still breezy from the west and the islands remained fairly quiet for birdlife. The major highlight involved the capture of one of yesterdays Lesser Repoll's on the dock bank before being released unharmed. A few raptors moved through with Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Kestrel all recorded whilst the first Skylark of the autumn was noted.

The evening brought the unusual sight of the local Seahouses RNLI lifeboat firing flares from their boat, the Grace Darling. The practice session was impressive as a number of flares were fired, much to the entertainment of the warden team. Other than that, the team are looking forward to a quiet spell of weather and getting island life back to normality.

Storm troopers

Tuesday 13th September latest...

Check out the above video compiled by resident warden Graeme Duncan during yesterday's storm. Its a bit mental and that is just the wardens in it! As you can also see, the blog has had a much needed 'make-over' and I owe a big thanks to Fiona Whitworth and Graeme Duncan for the support and help.

Keep following us and enjoy the blog!

No let up

Hammer time...

We can see you...the mainland

It goes on...

Tuesday midday update. The wind has decreased but its still windy, very windy...gale force in fact! Here is some more piccis...

Rock and roll

Wind swept Inner Farne (Graeme Duncan)

Mainland in the distance (Graeme Duncan)

Hard-core seawatching (Graeme Duncan)

Latest update (16:30) The storm continues to rage and there is no sign of relenting as the shipping forecast is just in....

"Forth, Tyne, Dogger: south-west severe gale 9, occasionally storm 10"

That's that then. Bring it on.