SERENITY

Guillies Galore

2012-02-19T00:30:00.001Z

As it was the kids holidays this week I was prepared with warm clothes for my long day's at sea, then I sat down to look at the forecast........Yes you guessed it...Strong Winds.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we had our first real northerly winds since Easter last year. Yes we have had a few winds before that, but not strong enough to bring the birds down from the north. Well as you can tell we never got out to the Islands, but did on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I saw a few Guillemots on Thursday and on Friday about a 1000 in the morning and then by the afternoon it was up to about 2000+.
They were flying in from the east by the bucket load so I was getting myself all excited. On Saturday morning the wind had picked up again but this time it was from the west so I thought I would give it a go and see what it was like. On the way out it was ok but by the time we had reached the Islands it was starting to blow a gale. As we arrived at the Islands there was rafts and rafts of Guillemots on the water and as we approached the Inner Farne there was thousands on the cliff faces. I also noticed a good few Kittiwakes, Fulmers, Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and 4 Rock Pipits. There was a female Peregrine hunting the pigeons on the Wideopens and she was very successful as we watched her make her kill.

With the winds getting stronger and stronger we decided to stay at the inner islands and with the beautiful blue skies and seas picking up I think we made the right decision, as the Guillemots stole the show.

I get to see this every year and I'm still amazed by the sight. They are not settled yet and they might leave again as they tend to come and go for a bit until one day they decided to stay, but for the moment in time I just love them when they first arrive.
When they first arrive they are very nervous as the boat gets closer to them, but this gives you the perfect chance to get a great picture as they fly around in circles or over the boat and with the beautiful light today what more could I ask for.

I also noticed that the Guillemots are later this year than last and I wonder if all the breeding birds are going to be late in general. Who knows only time will tell, so for now here is a few pictures I got today.

The Last 2 Weeks

2012-02-07T18:16:00.000Z

I have been out around the Farne Islands every weekend for the last couple of weeks and to be honest it has been very quite.

Last weekend I did see over 100+ Guilliemots feeding on the water beside Staple Island and about 12 Razorbills also feeding at the south end of the Longstone Island, but this weekend I only saw about 4 Razorbills and about 3 Guilliemots.
The Fulmers are flying around the Islands and it's really nice to see them without all the other birds being there. I suppose it's a bit to early for all of the other birds to start arriving, but it won't be long before the Islands are buzzing again.
I'm saying it's a bit early but last year on the 14th January we had over 5000 Guillemots flying around Staple Island and the Inner Farne. Maybe there is enough food out in the North Sea this year and we have not had a really strong Northerly Wind since Easter last year. Yes we have had alot of strong Westerly Winds but that will not push the birds back in for us.
Oh well they will come when they are ready to come back.

I will try my best to keep on blogging as much as possible now and hopefully it will keep you all up to date with what's happening around the Farne Islands.

January 2012 Friday 13th

2012-02-07T00:39:00.000Z

I'm not really superstitious but I just hate Friday 13th. My dad passed away some years ago and that was the 13th and on January 13th I was woken at 3am with my house on fire. The whole family got out safe and sound, but the house has seen better day's.

This is one one of the main reasons I have not blogged for a while.

On a good note my wife gave birth to a baby boy on the 7th December, Archie Ian Douglas and he is the most laid back child I have ever known (well for now anyway). We will tell him all about the fire when he gets older, but for now we will just enjoy every minute but the second he starts to scream I'm out for a trip around the Islands.

I should have blogged over the Christmas period as I was out nearly everyday and even though it was cold it was good to be out, but it was very quite on the bird front.

On the seal front their were thousands. I looked at the state of the bank side on the Brownsman and it does not look good. The Wardens or should I say Rangers will have their work cut out to fix the damage the seals have done. I know it's nature and they need to cast their coats but in doing so they have made a mess of the Puffins Burrows. Hopefully the grass will grow back and it will be all good for when the birds arrive for the breeding season.

EYE-light of the year

2011-11-29T20:56:00.000Z

I kept my eye on the weather all week and I was hoping and praying for good weather. Everyday I was checking Wind Guru to see what the sea state was going to be like, and after a few days it looked good to go. A quick text message to Alan Hewitt to give the thumbs up, I sat back and never looked again. Never in my wildest dreams was I expecting the weather to be as good as it was on the 20th November. All I was worried about was the sea state and was I going to be able to get landed on Longstone Island, but what we got was more. Calm sea, amazing sunshine and lots of seals. Boy oh boy was I a happy lad.

I don't really tend to worry about things, but I was just praying that it was calm, as Alan had put a lot of effort into organizing the trip and people were coming as far as Leeds, so it had to be good.

We left the harbour just after 9am and steamed straight out to Longstone Island. On arriving we were greeted by lots and lots of seals, and after getting moored up we all went for a wonder around.

Now the Longstone does not have a huge amount of seals compared to the other islands, but that's not a bad thing as the last thing we want to do is to upset the seals during breeding season. The other thing is that the main area were the seals give birth (Northern Hares) is not accessible by foot or boat, as it's cut of by the tide. Other than that this was just a photographers dream, as we had amazing views of the seals, the lighthouse and the Islands.

After the guys all went off to get that dream shot, I grabbed my camera and off I went. The sunlight was just perfect and I'm not the best photographer in the world but with the pro's around me giving me the odd tip I had to get one good picture surely.

Oh boy did I get that picture. So here's the EYE-LIGHT of the year. Well for little old me anyway.

Here is more picture of the guys who joined me on the day. Thanks very much guys.

ALAN HEWITT

http://alanhewittphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/seal5.jpg

EMMA BROWN

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecbrown145flick/6382478727

WILL NICHOLLS

http://www.willnicholls.co.uk/cutenews/data/upimages/itisawildlife.jpg

ANDY GREY

http://www.andrewsgray.com/2011/11/seal-pups-photographic-trip/

STEVIE BEATS

Survey Work

2011-11-21T23:58:00.000Z

On Wednesday and Thursday last week, I was doing some survey work for the Government.
They did a survey a few years ago but they wanted to go back to the same places to see if anything had changed.
It sounds like it was really interesting but after the first few drops with the video camera it becomes a little boring.

Wednesday was not the best day either and with a lot of the target drops on the south side of the islands I was expecting to be thrown about the place. When we got to the north side of the Islands it was a lot better and some of the wildlife on the bottom was stunning. Other places was just seaweed but that was to be expected as we were in shallow water.

Tom pulling in the underwater video camera.

On Thursday it was a lot better weather but the wind was still from the south so I decided to go as far south as possible and work our way north surfing the waves home.

We were at Howick, Craster, Dunstanburgh Castle, Low Newton, Beadnell and then back to Seahouses.
The scenery along our coastline is just beautiful and you tend to forget how beautiful it is until you sit back and take a good look at it.
The drops we did further south were not very good though. It was very silty and dark. This has a lot to do with the weather but also a lot to do with the sand that is dominant down here but the further north we went the better the visibility got and the picturesque it became.
I will find out in a few months time about the results of the work but from what I can gather so far its a big thumbs up.

Craster Village

Dunstanburgh Castle

Low Newton

The rocks outside Seahouses harbour with Bamburgh Castle in the background.

Summer/Winter Wildlife Tour.

2011-11-21T01:52:00.000Z

It was our 2nd Winter Wildlife Tour today and what a day it was. You would never think it was November with the weather the way it was. The seas were calm and the sun was glistening of the water and with a little breeze coming from the south I knew we were going to be in for a cracking day.

As we passed Bamburgh Castle we had a lovely Razorbill on the bow of the boat and 2 Red-throated Divers fly north past the boat. Just a little further north I spotted 2 Harbour Porpoise braking the surface. I stopped the boat but they never appeared again. Ah well hopefully we will get another chance to see them again.

Just passed Stag Rock we saw 2 Divers, but we were not sure what type as we were a little to far away and the sun was bright. A little further on we saw another 3 Divers but again we were not sure what they were. Eventually we they flew past and they were Red-throated Divers.

Just as we were about to get arrive at Holy Island we saw a lone male Long-tailed Duck resting in the water. I grabbed my camera but it was to late. Next time.
Holy Island is a special place and they have had some good birds up here lately so I was hoping it was our turn. I heard they have had a Eastern Black Redstart over the last few days which is a WOW bird. The only way I would ever get to see that little beauty would be to take a day of work, but that was never going to happen when the weather is like this.
All around Holy Islands sand banks we saw Long-tailed Ducks, Brent Geese, Curlews, Turnstones, Redshanks, Shags, Cormorants, Oystercatchers and Eider Ducks.

I did get a picture of the Long-tailed Ducks and a couple with Holy Island in the background.

After leaving Holy Island we steamed slowly along Ross Sands towards Stag Rock passing about 12 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Northern Divers flying south and 3 Grebes but I'm not sure what kind.

On arriving at the Farne Islands we saw Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Seals and a single Merlin hunting above Brownsman Cottage.
I must admit it was a cracking day and the weather was just amazing.

A seal pup waves goodbye at the end of a great trip.

Seal Fight

2011-11-13T21:53:00.000Z

Even though the seals love playing with divers and they can stroke them, scratch them and cuddle them, they are wild animals and they will attack you. We have over 1000 pups now and they are just so cute but when it gets to this time of the year you get a chance to see some bloody fights.
Bulls are so big and can weigh up to 50 stone and measure up to 10ft in length, so it's not hard to imagine the fights can be gruesome but at the same time you can't take your eyes of the action.

Both seals exhausted but still alive to tell the tale.

Little Auk

2011-11-13T00:01:00.000Z

The Little Auk has arrived at the Farne Islands over the last few weeks and number are starting to build slowly. These small seabirds are beautiful but sometimes hard to spot in the waves, but once you get your eye in your sorted. It always helps when you get one resting in the calm water and it does not want to go away as we had today.
I will have to ask the Wardens but I'm sure these little birds are very late this year. If memory severs me right we had lots of them at this time last year, but the only thing is that we have not had any northerly winds so far so this will not help. Never mind at least we have a few around.

Sunny Sunday

2011-11-07T17:22:00.000Z

I woke to beautiful sunshine on Sunday morning and I could not wait to get out to sea. After leaving the harbour for our first trip we arrived at Scarcar Island to see lots of Shags, Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers. The Purple Sandpipers looked stunning in the sunlight so I had to get a picture.

Some Oystercatchers with Purple Sanpipers in the back ground.

We steamed over to North Whames to see the seals and noticed David Steel and his gang spraying the seals for the counts.

On the last trip of the day we seen a Merlin resting at Longstone Island and as we watched closely it flew up to the top of the lighthouse and then it was accompanied by another Merlin. It was not long before one pushed the other off and it landed on the T.V. Ariel were the accommodation situated.

On the way home the sun was so powerful that I could hardly see where I was going, but I was a lovely ending to this Sunny Sunday.

1st Winter Wildlife Tour 2011/12

2011-11-07T00:46:00.002Z

I watched the forecast with anticipation this week as we had our first Winter Wildlife Tour on Saturday and I was praying for good weather. God must have heard me as the weather was great. We had a little wind from the north but nothing to worry about.

With all the guests on board we left the harbour about 10.30am and slowly steamed north as the wind was in our faces and I knew the second we turned it would feel a lot warmer.

We got past the rocks outside Seahouses and turned towards the beach hoping to see some Divers, but just before Bamburgh Castle we were greeted by 2 Red-necked Grebes resting on the water, and anoother one 2 seconds later, but we could not get close enough for a decent picture. After that there was 12 Whopper Swans flying west towards the land and then about 10 Common Scoters flying south. A little further on we saw 1 Red-throated Diver flying north close to the shore, then 2 minutes later we had 5 more Red-throated Divers took us by surprise by flying in from behind the stern of the boat then veered across to our starboard side. They were really close to the boat and I managed to get a couple of shots but not very good.

A little further on someone shouted that they has seen a Little Auk. Quick as a flash I turned the boat to see if it was still there, and it was. Now this Little Auk was a beauty and did not want to go away. I got a few good pictures and hopefully so did everyone else.

As we were all smiling at seeing this little cracker when I noticed a Puffin and a juvenile Great Northern Diver just a little further out, so of we went again. Yet more little posers.

On arriving at Holy Island we were not disappointed by the variety of birds. We first made our way across to St Cuthberts Island where there were lots of Oystercatchers and a single Curlew hiding in the rocks. On leaving the St Cuthberts Island we went across to Black Law Rock where we greeted by lots of Shags, Cormarants, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Grey Heron, 20+ Curlews, Turnstones and lots and lots of Eider Ducks.

After leaving Holy Island we steamed slowly along Ross Sands in the hope that would see some Long-tailed Ducks, and we were not disappointed as a single male duck appeared in the distance. We slowly creeped closer but it was not in the mood to let us get very close. Never mind, we did get close enough to get a poor picture. I was very surprised that we did not see very many Long-tailed Ducks, as it was about the same time last year when we did the same trip and we did see a few more and they showed a lot better.

After that we steamed over to The Farne Islands to see all the Grey Seals and their pups. On the way across we saw another Puffin and a Razorbill. I just love these little birds so I have to add a picture.

When we arrived at South Whames to see the all the Seals and pups we also saw a few Turnstones, Redwings and Purple Sandpipers. The rocks are just covered in seal pups at the moment and the weather has been really kind to them, as the numbers have been increasing daily. The last I heard there was over 800 pups and still growing.

It is a magical time of the year around the Farnes as you are never quite sure what you will see. A lot of people think that when the breeding season has finished there is nothing left to see but the Seals, but they are so wrong. You have to keep your eye's peeled and you will see more than you think.

To finish the trip off we saw a Merlin on Staple Island and a male Peregrine on West Wideopen. I also noticed that the Shags were starting to get their crest of feathers back on their heads again.

The Merlin picture below was taken on Sunday not on Saturday.

After I had tied the boat up and drove home I could not help myself to stop and finish the day of with a lovely sunset picture.

I would like to thank everyone for joining me on our first Winter Wildlife Trip and I do hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Our next tour is on the 19th November so don't miss out on this special place.

Summer Plumage Great Northern Diver

2011-10-30T00:20:00.000+01:00

Friday was just a beautiful day and it started with an amazing sunrise. As I left the harbour you could tell it was going to be a good sunrise so I decided to steam up to the Inner Farne to try and get it coming up over the Island. I did and it was a beauty.

I was chuffed to bits the other day with my pictures of the Juvenile Great Northern Diver but on Friday we were just about to get to arrive at Staple Island and out of the corner of my eye I spotted another one.
As I turned the boat to get a closer look I noticed it was still in it's summer plumage. Wow, just beautiful.

Friday proved to be a good all round. The weather was great, the seas were calm and the birds were great.

Friday's Sightings

11 Bewick Swans flying south over the Wideopens
1 Great Northern Diver resting at Staple Island
1 Juvenile Common Scoter resting at Knocks Reef
72 Pink-footed Geese flying south over the Wideopens
2 Merlin resting. 1 on Big Harcar and 1 on West Wideopen
1 Peregrine resting at Staple Island
1 Bar-tailed Godwit feeding at the Kettle
1 Barnacle Goose flying west then east over the Inner Farne
3 Red-throated Divers flying south in the Inner Sound.
1 Little Gull feeding in the Inner Sound

Branded Seal.

2011-10-29T01:02:00.000+01:00

I was out on a trip with some customers on the 4th October, and when I arrived at the Longstone Island to see the seals, I noticed a seal climbing out onto the rocks, on it's back it looked like it had been in a fight as it was all cut. As I looked through my bins, I could see that it had not been in a fight but it had been Branded.

I have never heard of seals being branded before, well not in my generation anyway.

I got a few pictures and sent it to Sea Mammal Research Unit at Scotland's University of St Andrews, as they have been studying the animals on The Farnes for over 25 years.

When they got back to me I was shocked as they did brand seals in my generation.

I found out that the seal is a she and was branded as a post-weaned pup on the Isle of May in November 1992. They don't use this method of marking the seals anymore but they were really pleased to see her alive and well at the ripe old age of 19.

They were very helpful and delighted with the seal pictures. Any help they can get would be gratefully received as these guys do a great job.

www.isleofmaygreyseals.co.uk

http://www.isleofmaygreyseals.co.uk/?p=369

Some pictures I have taken of the tagged seals. Below seal tag number 72544

The seal tag below was the wrong way around and I could not see the number but the guys can still identify the seal from the markings, so hopefully I will find more info about her.

Great Northern Diver

2011-10-27T23:56:00.000+01:00

I went down the harbour at 6am this morning, as I had to move the boat out into the bay as the tides are really big at the moment and it was low water at 9.20am. If I did not go out into the bay I would not be able to pick my customers up until 12pm, and as they were booked on for 10.30am I had to get out.

As I stepped onto the boat I slipped over straight onto my arse. This was the first morning that the deck was frozen and with the clear skies it looked like it was going to be a cold day.

After I left the harbour and steamed out to the Inner Farne to anchor up in the Kettle. On the way out I stopped to take a picture of The Inner Farne as the sky was beautiful.

After I had anchored up the boat, I turned of the engines, made a cup of coffee and picked up my book as was going to be a long morning. As was indulged in my book I got such a fright when my mobile rang. It was Graham, a warden on the Inner Farne telling me that there was a Great Northern Diver just outside of the kettle.

He had not even finished his conversation and I already had the engines started. I let go of the anchor and headed for the area where it was last seen.

Bingo, got it, and what a show off it was to. It seemed to be a real poser for the camera. As I was taking pictures it was diving down looking for food it popped up with a crab in its bill. I was gob smacked as I understood they only eat fish. Bang goes that one eh.

During the day we saw 2 Little Auks, 2 Merlin's, 1 Peregrine, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Rock Pipits, 12 Teal and lots of seals. A great day even though it was freezing cold.

Winter Tours for 2011/12

2011-10-20T18:40:00.000+01:00

As the end of the season approaches we want to let you know that we do operate throughout the winter doing different kinds of trips.

Whether you want to see the Seals or take a longer tour around Holy Island. Then please just give a call or mail me as I would love to take you out.

As the Grey Seal season has now started we offer an 1.5 to 2 hour trip around the Farne Islands. Whether it's to photograph those Seals and Seal Pups or just to see them close up this is a great time of the year. The Seals have now started to give birth, and will continue until mid December, then after that the Seals tend to gather in large numbers all around the islands until the end of March. During this tour we will take around all the islands viewing those passing birds.

Our other tour will be a 4 hour trip around the Farne Islands, viewing the seals and passing birds and it will include a tour Holy Island mud flats. Serenity 2 is very shallow drafted and we are able to maneuver the boat around the mud flats. On doing this we able to get closer to all the wildlife. After that we will cruise along the coastline viewing all the grebes, divers etc, before heading back to Seahouses passing Stag Rock and Bamburgh Castle from the seaward side.

For those Birders amongst us who are familiar with the MAGIC of Holy Island will know from experience that winter time holds a special aura when it comes to winter birding.

Our booking office down the harbour will be closed from November 1st, but don't worry as we have a booking office and info centre on Seahouses main street beside Neptune Fish Restaurant.

During the winter period our licence is downgraded so we are only able to take a few passengers.

Our first winter 4 hour tour is on November 5th at 10.00am at a cost of £25 per person, with hot drinks supplied. We also have a toilet on board.

Please check my Winter Wildlife Tours page for more dates.

To book please call Andrew on 07984668093 and mail me at info@farneislandstours.co.uk

Summer's Day

2011-10-17T00:17:00.000+01:00

I was out with divers today, but this gave me a chance to bird watch all day. We were at the Knivestone this morning and as the divers were in the water I watched 96+ Guillemots fly east in an hour. I also saw 2 Arctic Skua's also flying east.

The weather was just amazing today. The sea was like glass, the sun out to play and it felt like a summers day, but then I remembered it was October. At one point there was no wind at all and you could have lite a candle and it would have never gone out.

After the divers were back on board we decided to head up to Holy Island to dive a wreck near Ross Sands. On the way across we past Gannets and many more Guillemots. (Thought to myself, write down all the Guillemots I see, as there were a lot more).

Once we had arrived at Ross Sands we spotted 2 Red-throated Divers, 1Great Northern Diver and 1 Arctic Skua, all going south along the beach.

Once the divers were in the water, I switched of the engines and it was so calm and silent the only thing we could hear was the little wave crashing along the shore.
It times like this that I realize that I live in a wonderful place with wonderful scenery and I'm so lucky to do the job I do.

On the way home, as we passed Bamburgh Castle, I spotted 7 Common Scoters and a Sandwich Tern.

A lovely end to the perfect day.

Testing the water

2011-10-15T18:01:00.001+01:00

A seal pup was testing the water yesterday but her/his mother was not to far away in case it got into danger.

We also saw a pup drinking it's mother's milk

Pups are relatively helpless, and rely totally on their mother's milk for the first few weeks. The milk is more than 50 per cent fat, and the pups grow very quickly, depositing a thick layer of blubber that will protect them from the cold and sustain them as they are learning to hunt for themselves.

Grey seal mothers feed their pups with milk for 16 to 21 days, during which time the pup gains an average of 30 kg (66 lbs). During this period of intensive care, the mother might lose 65 kg (143 lbs) of her own body weight. When the female is forced to return to sea to feed, the pup might remain at the breeding ground for another 14 days or so before heading out to sea to forage for itself.

Red-throated Diver

2011-10-14T23:34:00.000+01:00

We have been seeing Red-throated Divers all week, but I have never been able to get a picture, so on Wednesday I decided to go back out at the end of the day, to see if I could get that elusive picture. Everytime I got close they either dived or flew away, but I did eventually get some picture's.

On the way home this afternoon the sun appeared for 5 minutes and I got a few more pictures.

2 day's of great birds

2011-10-14T01:01:00.000+01:00

We had a great day on Tuesday and Wednesday, with lots of birds passing. Yesterday we saw a male Peregrine hunting a blackbird near Staple Island. It was fascinating to watch this beautiful bird doing what it does best, but this time it did something that I have never seen before. It hit the Blackbird with so much power, that it stunned the bird and it fell into the water, but the Blackbird was not going to give up. It tried so hard to get out of the water, but the Peregrine never give it a chance. Next thing we saw, was the Peregrine hitting it again, killing it,and then grabbed it with it's claws and of into the sky. It flew towards Staple Island with the Blackbird tightly gripped in it's claws and then landed on the rock with it's kill. Nature is cruel but it was amazing to watch. The picture is not very good but it shows the Blackbird in it's claws.

We also saw a lovely Merlin watching the Pigeons, but then it spotted us and did not hang around for long. Well just long enough for me to get a picture.

On Wednesday it was windy but we had beautiful blue skies and on Thursday we had no wind but rain in the morning and very overcast. When it gets to this time of the year Keith and myself try to keep a look out for as many things as possible as we don't have the thousands of breeding birds around, and people still ask if the Puffins are still here. When you say NO they are a bit disappointed, but if we can find a Peregrine they seem to be more than happy. Yes it's harder work for us but it can be very rewarding, especially when I get we see people faces and I get some good pictures.

This is just a mixture of pictures I got but we see lots more.

Wednesday

2 Arctic Skua's flying North

1 Great Skua flying North

1 Pomarine Skua flying North

1 Puffling feeding

21 Curlew resting on Longstone Island

22 Common Scoters flying North

1 Peregrine on Staple Island

1 Merlin on Staple Island

6 Guillemots feeding

1 Sandwich Tern feeding

2 Rock Pipits

4 Kittiwakes

1 White Wagtail on The Inner Farne

16 Fieldfare flying West

Lots of Gannets, Turnstones, Oystercatchers and Purple Sandpipers.

Thursday

5 Arctic Skua's flying North

1 Great Skua flying North

2 Adult Puffins

1 Adult Razorbill

17 Guillemots feeding

2 Short Eared Owls flying West from the sea and landed on Longstone Island

6 Red-throated Divers feeding

1 Great Northern Diver feeding

62 Fieldfare flying West

1 Rock Pipits

Lots of Gannets, Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers.

Arctic Skua verses Redwing

2011-10-13T15:23:00.000+01:00

A couple of Saturdays ago I saw a Arctic Skua attacking a Redwing just the east side of the Longstone Lighthouse. You will have to excuse my pictures as I was a bit to far away, overcast and it all happened very quickly, but you can the action as it happens.

The Redwing escaped, but I don't know it survived.

2011-10-10T17:44:00.000+01:00

The divers had a wonderful time over the weekend. The seals are very playful at the moment. We also have 4 seals pups now, and I will keep on counting them, but I will have to rely on the Wardens for counts later as there are far to many for me to count.

Here are some pictures of the seals on Friday playing with the divers.

Seals playing with the divers surface marker buoy.

The divers send this surface marker buoy to the top of the water when they are about to come up. It also tells other boat that they are below, but the seals lover to play with them.

A Seal playing with the marker buoy.

A Seal playing with the divers fins when she got to the surface.

Smiling from ear to ear.

SEAL of approval

2011-10-05T23:48:00.000+01:00

I had some divers out at The Farne Islands last year and they said it was just fantastic playing with the seals, but it was not until they gave me a DVD of what they filmed last year that I realized what they were talking about. I here lots of stories about divers with the seals and I just take it for granted until I saw this DVD. After watching it a few times I thought I would let you all enjoy it to. Sorry but I had to make it a bit shorter to be able to upload it

Black Tern

2011-10-04T00:14:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely Black Tern on Friday and I missed seeing it during the summer so I was pleased to get a chance to see it. We noticed a group of birds feeding just south of the Inner Farne and it was not until we got there that we seen a tern flying around.

Great end to September

2011-10-01T23:18:00.000+01:00

It has been a beautiful week around the Farne Islands and Seahouses this week. The sun has shone all week,the sea's have been calm and the birds have been good.

On Monday we saw our first female Long-tailed Duck on the north side of Big Harcar. We also saw 5 Arctic Skua's flying north throughout the day.

On Tuesday our first Grey Seal Pup was born on the pebble beach at South Whames, and an adult wintering Puffin.

On Wednesday the day started with a beautiful Sunrise, then after that we saw 3 Harbour Porpoise, 2 Arctic Skua's, 1 Puffling 1 male Peregrine, 1 female Peregrine and lots of Guillemots.

On Thursday the weather got hotter and hotter as the day went on. On the land it had been really good but it's not very often we can say that it gets that hot out at sea, but the temperature was 21c in my wheelhouse and the wind was really warm to. The bird front was a bit hot to. We had 5 Arctic Skua's flying north, 2 Bonxie's flying north, 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 flying north the other south, 1 Manx Shearwater resting on the water just south of the Inner Farne, 2 pods of Harbour Porpoise, 3 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. When we were heading home I got a phone call to say that there was 2 Ross's Geese at the pond on the way to Bamburgh. You have never seen the boat tied up so quick. I was lucky as they were still there but I was short lived as I was summoned home. I was also told there was a Crane at Budle Bay but I was not so lucky with that one. Oh well you can't win them all.

On Friday it was hot but not as hot as previous days, but the birds made up for that. We had 3 Arctic Skua's, lots and lots of Guillemots, 16 Razorbills, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Black Tern, 10 Redwings, 1 Long tailed Skua and a male Peregrine.

Ross's Goose

2011-10-01T20:57:00.000+01:00

I got a call the yesterday on my way home from sea to tell me about a Ross's Goose on Willy Smiths Pond. A little pond beside the road towards Bamburgh. Quick as Flash Gorden I was in the van and on my way to the pond. With my scope in one hand and my camera in the other I crossed the road and sat down in the grass beside the fence.
I have heard about the Ross's Goose but never in my wildest dreams did I think we would get one at Seahouses. Well I say one, I mean we were treated to 2.
They are very like a Snow Goose but smaller and both geese are high arctic breeders. All I can think is that it was blown over during the strong winds from Katia, but the origin of most European records of Ross's Geese are uncertain. They are certainly a potential vagrant from North America but the situation is complicated by escapes from captivity, some of which are breeding in the UK. To be honest I'm not bothered that they are escapes are they are little beauties.

A big Thank You to Alan Hornsby for giving me the phone call.

Amazing Sunrise

2011-09-29T23:55:00.001+01:00

We had the most amazing sunrise the other morning that I had to post it. I was very lucky to as a lobster boat passed as I was taking pictures. Enjoy because I certainly did.

First Seal Pup of the year.

2011-09-29T21:07:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday I was sitting on the boat outside the harbour waiting for the tide, when I got a phone call from David Steel telling me that we had our first seal pup of the year, so here is a few pictures.

Redshank verses Turnstone

2011-09-26T18:49:00.001+01:00

When I finished work the other day, I was just about to get into the van when I noticed a Curlew over the pier wall. It was probing around the rock pools for some food and I noticed that it would go to any lengths to get some food.

There was also a Redshank searching for food and it was very successful until a Turnstone turned up and pinched it's prize. Turnstone 1 - Redshank 0.

Arctic Skua

2011-09-22T00:12:00.000+01:00

On Monday we had an Arctic Skua close to the boat on the way home so here is a few pictures of it.

Whale Watching Trip

2011-09-20T20:23:00.000+01:00

We have decided to do another Whale Trip this Sunday after the success of last week.

We will be leaving Seahouses harbour at 10.30am for a 5 hour trip, taking in Dunstanburgh Castle where there has been lots of Harbour Porpoise sightings lately. After that we will head out to The Farne Deeps which is a large fishing ground, and then work north finishing of around the Farne Islands.

The price is £35 per person with complimentary Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate.

To book please phone me on 07984668093 or 01665 720760

A great day out not to be missed.

WHALE OF A TIME (Part 3) Grey Phalarope

2011-09-20T19:35:00.000+01:00

Continued from Part 2

Look it's a Grey Phalarope. I looked but I could not see the bird for the water. Then all of a sudden I spotted it and it was resting on the water with the Kittiwakes. Grabbing the camera I was just about to take a shot, when up it went and flew away. I was not going to go home and not get a picture, so we started hunting for it again. Sure enough there it was. With the boats steering wheel in one hand and my camera in the other, I slowly manoeuvred the boat closer to the bird. As we got closer I headed out onto the deck. Once on the deck I opened the wheelhouse window, reached in and grabbed the controls and clicked the boat into gear. Taking my time not to scare the bird I moved close enough to get a picture. Bingo I got it.

This is just a lovely little bird and I know this was to a Whale Watching Trip, and it was, but this little beauty stole the show for me.

Enjoy everyone and I do hope you like the pictures from our Whale Watching Trip which was a great success and we will be doing one or two again next year.

THE END

WHALE OF A TIME (Part 2) Minke Whale

2011-09-19T19:25:00.000+01:00

Continued from Part 1

When we get back onto the Helicopter I will get the pilot to have a look around for you and if we see anything we will give you a call on channel 67. I thanked him kindly and off they went.

They were only away a few seconds when he shouted on the VHF and told me there were a big gathering of birds and he could see Harbour Porpoise.

I turned the boat and headed towards the flock of birds but we were not even close when a Minke Whale broke the surface. A customer shouted it's on the left hand side about 400 yards away going south. I quickly turned and steamed south towards the Whale when it broke the surface again. We started counting how many times it was taking air before it dived and it was 3 to 4 times. Great, so I grabbed my camera as it was down for a while but I was ready for it. Click Click. I got it.

We followed it for about 15 minutes and it disappeared so we decided to head back north towards the big flock of birds that were still there. We were just about to turn and the Minke broke the surface again but this time it was even closer. That's it I said to myself. Lets get really close so everyone can get a good picture. It didn't just come a little closer but right beside the boat.

When I looked at my chart to see where we were and we had followed the Minke 5 miles south and after everyone had good views and pictures of the Minke we turned said goodbye and steamed slowly north.

While we were cruising north we passed 2 Pufflings and an adult Puffin in full moult. There were lots of Guillemots, Gulls, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Manx Shearwaters and another Arctic Skua. Keith said there was a Manx resting on the water so we went a little closer to get some nice pictures when Keith shouted................

To be countinued.....

A WHALE OF A TIME (Part 1) The RAF Rescue Team

2011-09-18T23:53:00.002+01:00

We were supposed to doing a Whale Watching Trip last Saturday 10th, but we decided to cancel it due to bad weather and I was so pleased we did as we rescheduled it for Saturday17th and trip and weather were just amazing.

We had S.E. Winds on Friday so there was a heavy slow swell in the water, but as the day went on the swell disappeared.

Dunstanburgh Castle

We steamed slowly down towards Craster we passed a Great Skua and a Arctic Skua flying north and about 30+ Wigeon also flying north. On arriving at Craster we encounter 5 Harbour Porpoise showing really well. After spending a little while watching them, we steamed out towards the deeper water.

While we were steaming out the deeper water the RAF Boulmer Helicopter flew passed our port side and flew over an Angling Boat, then all of a sudden it turned around and headed towards us. The next thing I heard was my boats name being called on channel 16 on the VHF.
It was the RAF Helicopter asking me if I could turn to channel 67. On doing so they asked me if it was OK to lower someone on the boat for some practice. After agreeing they give me a compass bearing of 280 degrees and told me to go 6 knots.
Keith told all of our customers to gather there bags and move closer towards the wheelhouse. When all of our customers were beside the wheelhouse they started to lower the first person, and then the other came down. The second person was a dentist, who was being trained by the RAF. (I don't think he enjoyed it very much)

When the Helicopter was above the boat the noise, wind and spray are unbelievable. Bud, my dog was shaking like a leaf in the wheelhouse, but the customers loved it.

Just before they were about to leave one of the men came to the wheelhouse and said thank you very much for helping him with the excercise. As we shook hands he turned and said to me........................................

To be continued

Diving with Seals

2011-09-16T21:23:00.001+01:00

It's getting close to that time of the year when the seals are starting to gather around the islands as the cows are very heavily pregnant. At this time of the year the seals are very playful with the divers, and they come from far and wide to dive with the seals. They say it's like playing with a small puppy.

My brother, Toby and Ron, our very experienced skipper. Take out the divers on Sovereign 2 and 3 and when it gets to this time of the year the divers tend to just want to dive with the seals. Yes, the islands has alot more to offer than just the seals, but in Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec the seals are so playful that once the divers have had dived with them they can't get enough.

The yearlings are really playful and often play hide and seek, nibble the divers fins then swim away like naughty little school kids. They often cause confusion amoungst divers by tugging on their fins as they swim along and the diver assumes it's his buddy.

With the older cows you can play games. I often heard divers say they where blowing bubbles on purpose and the seals was copying them.

Other favourite's are..... Waving their hands and the seals copy......Spinning around........but what really bugs seals is if the divers try to put their heads between their legs as the seals can't do it!!!!!!

The seals also get very itchy and loved to be scratched. You often see seals asleep on the bottom but it's usually on a gravel patch as they can scratch themselves while they are there.
You can always tell if a seal needs a scratch, as the divers put their hand out and the seal goes stright over. I've heard of divers scratching the seal's tummy and the seal just rolls over enjoying every moment of it.

We often say don't be scared of a seal as they will never hurt you. Yes, they do get to playful sometimes and push the boundaries with a nip or a little bite on the head but I have never heard of a diver being badly hurt by a seal.

You always have to remember that you are in their territory and one kick of its tail and it's gone.
On the land they are very vulnerable and they can't get away very easily and they will bite you hard. Just ask the Wardens as they are very aggressive toward them when they are tiring to do there seal counts.

Divers say that you can dive all around the world, but you will never get interaction like this anywhere else.

Here are some pictures I have been given over the years. Enjoy.

http://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/

The Little Egret comes and goes

2011-09-12T18:30:00.000+01:00

The Little Egret has been coming and going for a little while now but it's great to see at the islands.

I found out the other day that the area that we have been seeing it has a little fresh water pond on the top but because it's in a dip we can't see it from the boat. I wonder if it's been there more than we think. Who knows.

I got a chance to see it alot better the other day before these winds stopped play, so here are a few pictures for you all.

Strong Winds

2011-09-12T18:04:00.000+01:00

Well it's blowing a hooly up here today. I chickened out today and decided today would a good day for jobs at home. Yeah I know I'm a wimp, as Shirley Reed @maniccollie put to me on Twitter.
I must be getting wiser or older more like it.

As the Lads and Lady (Becky) including Will battle it out on the Islands, I'm sitting on my couch at home enjoying the comforts of Sky T.V. while they huddle together until the storm is over.

In some weird way I wish I was out there seeing the wonders of what the storms can do. The birds and seals must be thinking what the hell is going on, and it also shows you how hard the rock is at the Farnes, as it never seems to bat an eye lid, at the waves that hit them.

All the pictures were taken about 2pm today.

Female Peregrine

2011-09-07T16:57:00.000+01:00

With strong west winds today we only got out for one trip, but it was worth it as we were given a beautiful display from a female Peregrine flying around Staple Island. She was standing on Kittiwake's nest with the sun baking on her. After watching her for a while we decided to keep going and we would come back later and have another look. After seeing the seals we cruised slowly towards Staple Island to see if she was still there. There she was sitting in the same place, then, she took to the sky. She hovered gracefully in the sky with the wind holding her perfect, then all of a sudden she dived down, grabbed a Pigeon and off to have her lunch.

A Mixed Week.

2011-09-06T00:59:00.000+01:00

On Thursday there was an old converted dutch barge moored at the islands. She was called The Spirit of Loch Ness and was built in 1930. She looked well for her age. I found out that she has been working as a Luxury Hotel for the last 10 years in the Caledonian Canal.

The day itself was very overcast but every now and then the sun tried to get out. I got some nice pictures of the sun trying to break through over Bamburgh Castle.

On Friday it was very quite and it looked as it was going to rain but it held off. I was pleased it did as we had a Charity Doo up to Holy Island for a few hours. Well they were all on the drink for a few hours. While they were at the pub I went for a walk around the Island. The light was not the best but I did manage to get some nice pictures of Juvenile Goldfinch and Swallows.

On Saturday it was overcast again but with showers. You can tell everyone was heading home after the summer holidays as it was dead. On our last trip it just started to rain when we noticed 3 Harbour Porpoise on the way home. The rain was a problem but all of a sudden when we seen the Porpoise the guests seem to forget about it. We watched them for about 15 minutes before heading home. It was the first time for while we had them really close, plus I switched the engines off as they are very shy and I wanted to see if they would hang around a little longer. It worked for a little bit but they were feeding so it was not long before they were off catching fish again.

On Sunday it was just amazing. The seas were flat calm and the sun was out to play. It was about the best day of the year. I heard over the VHF that 4 Minke Whales were spotted of Beadnell and I had my fingers crossed that they would head towards the Islands. I gave David Steel (The Head Warden) a shout and he went up to the top of the Pele Tower to have a look. I laughed at first but then I heard that he had a new scope. When he told me he seen them about 2 miles of Beadnell Point I just thought WOW, that must be some scope. He also said that he would be surprised if they came up to the Islands as there were boats chasing them around. Sure enough they disappeared.

Today it was beautiful to start but by the end of the day we had very heavy showers. Keith spotted a Peregrine on Staple Island. I grabbed the camera as 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were chasing it. Only got one picture but I was pleased with it as I could hardly keep up with it.

We should start to see a few birds of prey throughout the rest of the year now. Longstone Island seems to be the place for the birds at the moment and the Golden Plovers count is up to 900 now. I'm also looking forward to our 4 hour winter trips soon, and it will not be long before we will see our first Grey Seal Pups so hopefully I will see enough to write about over the Autumn and Winter.

Bonxie

2011-08-31T23:00:00.000+01:00

A single Bonxie flew past the bow of the boat this morning as we were going towards Longstone Island to see the seals and all the waders. This is the first time this bird have been close enough for me to get a picture. We have had a good few passing over the last few weeks but it was nice to see one so close.
They are a big bird with what seems to be a large chest with white on its wings. You can see the white on its wings from a distance so they are quite easy to spot.

We have been noticing a few Blue and Yellow tags on Shags lately so we have been writing the letters down and reporting them. This one is from the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth Scotland.

Little Egret

2011-08-31T21:36:00.000+01:00

As I passed Longstone Island on Monday I spotted a Little Egret resting on the grass beside Sunderland Hole, which is where Grace Darling and her Father launched their boat.
As the tides are big at the moment, and it was near high tide I could get a good look at the bird. The only problem I had was trying to keep the boat still as the tide was raging.

Bingo, I got a picture.

Typical Bank Holiday Weather

2011-08-29T23:53:00.000+01:00

Well you can tell it was Bank Holiday Weekend as the weather changed and the wind picked up. We never got out on Sunday but made it out today. We only did 2 trips as the tide was getting high and we would have lost our shelter from the Islands. It was like seals city today as all the seals were on the south side of the Islands sheltering from the heavy seas on the north side.

After mooring up about 3pm I walked along the pier to have a look what was going on as it was Lifeboat Fete Day.
After looking around for a bit I heard kids screaming with laughter. As I look across toward the harbour pier I noticed lots of people gathering. Then all of a sudden a wave can crashing over the pier.

I watched for a while and it even got me laughing so I ran back to the boat a grabbed my camera.

It just shows you that we can have all the technology in the world but something as simple as this can make the kids day.

I Love You Really Son

Oh No

To late it got you

Is that your best shot

No but this one is

I give up.

Dripping Wet

Even the Adults were loving it

Fits of Laughter

Sea water and cars do not go together

Over 100 White Beaked Dolpins

2011-08-29T20:28:00.002+01:00

On a trip out a few weeks ago a customer said that he had over 100 Dolphins following him and he had put it on You Tube. When I seen the video I could not believe it so I had to let you all see it to.

He seen them about 5am in the morning as he was sailing back from Germany and he was about 80 miles east of Whitby and was just about to swap shifts with his friend when the Dolphins turned up. I'm so pleased he did not go to bed as this is just amazing.

ENJOY

600+ Golden Plovers on Longstone Island

2011-08-29T00:31:00.001+01:00

Just a few pictures of the Golden Plovers that have been on the Longstone Island lately.

I also saw a Mallard with some chicks which seem to be very late.

Arrivals

2011-08-29T00:09:00.000+01:00

As a charter skipper I want calm seas, sunny and lots of birds but if I got that all the time I would be god. In the real world I have to put up with the British weather. Now its not very often I say this but we could do with a little South East, East or North East wind to bring some birds to The Farne Islands.
Yes I know, if I get winds from this direction I will not get a chance to get out to sea but I'm not asking for gales just slight winds would be nice.

Well god must of heard as my prayers, for over the last couple of days we have had slight winds from the South East and it has pushed a few birds our way.

The Longstone Island has been full of birds over the last few weeks. It's had Golden Plovers, Grey Plovers, Knots, Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Curlews, Heron's, Swallows, Pied Wagtails, Rock Pipits, Wheater, Little Egret and not for getting those inquisitive seals.

We were really surprised to see the Little Egret on the Longstone Island and it was resting beside the all of gulls. It was only the 3rd Little Egret to be on the Islands since 2003 but sadly it flew past the Inner Farne about 3pm heading west to mainland. Oh well at least I got to see it and so did some of my customers.

I had my little girl Charlie with me all day today and she wanted to go on the Inner Farne. My crewman took her for a look around and I knew she would not last for long. Sure enough she was only on there for 15mins and wanted to come back. I was not in a hurry to get them as there was a Wryneck on the West Wideopen and the Wardens had gone across to see it. I was stuck between picking up Charlie and missing the bird or leaving her their a little longer and hopefully get to see the bird.
The look on her face made me feel guilty so I had to go and get her. When she got on the boat the first thing she said was "Daddy I need the toilet" Bless her, she did not want to come of the island but she needed the toilet so much she had to.

After toilet duty I steamed around to the other side of the West Wideopen to see the bird as the Wardens said it was showing really well.
Unfortunately I never got to see it but at least I tried.

Ouch!!

2011-08-28T23:46:00.000+01:00

My friends engine was making a funny noise the other day, so he decided to come back to the harbour and get the mechanic down to check it over. The news was not good, the engine was going to have to go to the scrapyard. OUCH, that's going to costs him £25,000. To make it worse it's in the middle of the Lobster season. He gave me a shout to give him a tow down to Amble so they could do some work and it would be easier to fit the engine.
We arranged to go at 6am and that would give me time to get him down to Amble and be able to get back for my first sailing.
We could not have picked a better day for it as it was blue skies and calm seas.
We were about 1 mile away when I saw 2 Arctic Skua's flying north and a single Harbour Porpoise going around in circles feeding.
After we arrived at the harbour and his boat was tied up I waved farewell and steamed home.

The Queen

2011-08-26T19:42:00.000+01:00

We saw a lovely cruise ship pass last week called Hebridean Princess from Glasgow. I heard romours that the Queen was onboard. Saying that I do live in a small village so you know how story's can go around. I don't know if it's true but if it is, you could tell they didn't know the islands as they did not come to close.

Rich man's prices. From £5000 to £11,000 for a 8 day cruise. I did read somewhere that the Royal family hired the boat for £300,000 and the bodyguards bill was a million pounds.

Pelagic Trip

2011-08-20T23:57:00.000+01:00

Well we had our first Pelagic Trip today and we could have not asked for a better day.
We headed out at 10.30am with the sun shinning and a little S.W. Wind, we decided to go south along the coast as the wind was a little chilly and I thought if we have an hour of this then we will have it on our backs as we head out.

Just as we got past Craster we came across 2 Harbour Porpoise showing really well. It was about that time we turned and headed out to sea and just as we did Keith spotted a Bonxie. As I grabbed my camera in a hurry I must have knocked my battery clip and out popped the battery, so by the time I got it back in it was to far away.

Along the way out we were really surprised on how many Guilliemot chicks and their fathers, Pufflings and Arctic Terns we saw. It was not far from there that we saw lots of Gannets circling and then other pair of Harbour Porpoise. This time it was an adult and a teenager and again showing well.

As we got out to the Farne Deeps we were greeted with lots of Kittiwakes, Guilliemots, Arctic Terns, Puffins, Gannets and 4 Arctic Skua's, but the best of all was Manx Shearwaters with a group of 12 just sitting on the water.

As we cruised north passing large numbers of feeding birds. slowing everytime hoping to see any Dolphins or Whales but with no joy.

We kept on going until we arrived at the Longstone Island where we were greeted by loads of Seals, Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers and over 300 Golden Plovers.

Overall we had a great day and there is always next time. A big thank you to everyone who joined Serenity today.

We only have a few spaces left for our next trip so don't miss out.

Causeway of consern needs new solution

2011-08-08T23:18:00.000+01:00

This is an article from our local paper The Berwick Advetiser.

View from the lifeboat of a helicopter rescue from Holy Island Causeway.

Published on Monday 8 August 2011 09:30

YET another car stuck on Holy Island causeway at the weekend has prompted the county council to call a meeting of those increasingly concerned at the number of rescues having to be carried out.

On Saturday, a Cumbrian couple had to be airlifted to safety by an RAF helicopter after becoming stranded. An RNLI lifeboat was also launched to assist.

It was the tenth time this year that Seahouses lifeboat volunteers were called to launch the lifeboat in aid of stranded motorists on the causeway, and since 2000 the lifeboat crew have rescued more than 170 people from the causeway.

Coastguards based on Holy Island have also had to assist on numerous other occasions this year when drivers ignore the safe crossing times posted at either end of the tidal causeway.

Mike Scott, head of sustainable transport at Northumberland County Council, said: “Invitations are being issued this week to council officers, elected members, the RNLI and other interested parties to meet to consider all possible options for motorists using the causeway, including those that have previously been identified, such as smart signs.

“Funding could be made available for a new sign system, or other option, provided we can demonstrate that the investment will have tangible benefits.”

However, Mr Scott added: “There are already numerous signs warning motorists of dangers on the causeway, which a tiny minority of motorists simply ignore.

“If we are to add further signs, we need to be assured that they will not also be ignored by those people who appear to think that tide tables do not apply to them.”

Ian Clayton, Seahouses RNLI operations manager, told the Advertiser that he shared Mr Scott’s concerns that new signage may still be ignored.

He said: “People drive past the current signage completely oblivious to it and plough into the water thinking it is only a couple of inches deep, but don’t realise the road dips down and that is when they get stuck.”

Although not wanting to prejudge anything to come from the meeting, which could take place towards the end of the month, Mr Clayton said a physical barrier had been ruled out before due to the damage sea water would cause.

“One thing that has been looked at before was a smart sign, and instead of it being linked to the safe crossing times, it could be linked up to the actual water height,” said Mr Clayton.

He added: “It costs the RNLI £1,200 every time the inshore lifeboat is sent out, and while none of the crew complain about having to go up there it starts to get very tedious and it is so predictable and preventable.”

Calls for increased signage, a physical barrier, or legislation which would make it an offence to cross outside the safe crossing times have all been suggested in the past by various groups and the public.

Mr Clayton said that discussions had taken place in recent years with the council over what could be done, but these had been put on the backburner following local government reorganisation and recent budget cuts.

He added that it was ‘encouraging’ that the council had come forward with the proposed meeting following increased publicity after the recent spate of incidents.

“We will look at the options and see what can be done,” said Mr Clayton.

Three years ago 15 year-old Tim Cockayne-Edwards, from Longridge Towers School, was runner-up in the north of England regional final of the 2008 Young Engineers for Britain awards after designing an electronic sign for the causeway.

The design included computer controlled, solar powered signposts which would detect approaching vehicles and warn them when it was unsafe to cross.

I'm sorry but these people should have to pay. We go on about how much things cost now a days but we can't read tide times and sign's. Come on people, help pay for your stupidity as the lifeboat is not government funded and surely this is a worth while charity.

Harbour Porpoise

2011-08-06T17:13:00.000+01:00

Its been a mixed week with the weather but it's been a great week for Harbour Porpoise. We have seen them everyday this week.

The Harbour Porpoise is one of the smallest of marine mammals and is quite hard to spot with it being so small. The dorsal fin, tail fin and back are dark grey and because they don't breach out of the water very much they are hard to see. If the sea is a bit choppy it becomes really difficult to see but thankfully this week its been calm all week and our sightings have varied from day to day.

Some days we have seen up to 6 on each trip but others we have just seen 1 for the whole day. We have also noticed that they have been in different areas all week to. We tend to see them roughly in the same place every time but a different times of the day. Yes, it all depends on where the feed is, but over the last week they have been at the Farnes, Stag Rock, below Bamburgh Castle and at the Harbour Entrance, hence the name Harbour Porpoise.

I read somewhere, that in Scotland, Bottlenose Dolphins have been attacking and killing Harbour Porpoise without eating them because they have come into their area and due to the decreasing food supply it's the only way Bottlenose Dolphins can survive.

Thank god we have an abundant of sand eels, herring and small fish to feed our birds and certations. They are also very shy so if your very patient you will be able to see them but they will not come very close to the boat.

I have also had some friends up for the week and they have been out nearly everyday and they have missed them everyday, until today. Bless, she was so excited to finally see them, that she was not even bothered about taking a picture.

Monster Tides

2011-08-06T17:11:00.000+01:00

Its been a week of big tides and it does not half make life hard. Trying to get into the harbour was bad enough, but when your used to getting close to the rocks to see the birds, and all of a sudden the water has disappeared and you can't get any where near it, then it becomes a real pain.

The North West face on Brownman Island at low water. You can even see the Sea Urchins.

The West face of Brownman Island at high water.

All the rocks had disappeared underwater at the Longstone Island.

When the tide is like this, you fully understand the power of the sea. At one area of the islands this week I was doing 8 knots in the boat and then all of a sudden the boat came to a stand still. The tide was that strong the engines were working for no reason, so in the end I had to give her more power just to get moving.

Ahhh never a dull day at the sea.

We did get to see some nice things though.

Arctic Skua

Summer Arctic Skua

Purple Sandpiper

Knots. Some of them are in summer plumage.

Sunset Cruise 5/8/2011

2011-08-06T00:46:00.000+01:00

Just some lovely pictures from our Sunset Cruise tonight. Thank you to everyone for joining me tonight.

Big Sea's

2011-07-25T00:02:00.000+01:00

Well you can tell the kids have broken up from school for the summer holidays, as we have got bad weather. At least we had sunshine. So here is some pictures of the waves crashing over the break water.

WARNING. Do not drive through water

2011-07-22T13:10:00.000+01:00

The safe crossing times are there for a reason, and if you don't take any notice of them, well you can see what happens. Time and tide waits for no man, or car in this case.

INSURANCE CLAIM

This so preventable.

None of those who are caught out are locals, it's always people who are visiting the area.

The Holy Island causeway is under water twice every 24 hours and people seem to think it's not their fault, but they've totally ignored warning signs on both sides of the road.

"It's quite bizarre."

Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a popular tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors each year.

I was told a story lately, from a friend on Holy Island that a couple of years ago islanders specifically warned a man to leave the island before the tide came in, otherwise he would get stuck.

He pooh-poohed it, saying it was just something to frighten tourists, but half an hour later he was hanging onto the roof of his car and his wife was up to her chest in water, clinging on to their two children.

He added that sea water entering the engine would mean that the car would have to be written off.

In one recent rescue a man had a virtually brand-new BMW," he said.
You do wonder what people put on their insurance claim forms in such cases.

This was a hire car. I wonder what they said to the hire company.

Also some controlled explosions of World War 2 Bombs just north of Holy Island. You can hear the bombs going off at Seahouses on a calm day.

Leucistic House Sparrow

2011-07-22T12:33:00.000+01:00

I had a couple of friends on board the boat not so long ago and they said that they seen a white sparrow on Holy Island. The first thing I said was "Did you get a picture". They said no, so I proceeded to take the Michael as they said it was at The Manor House beer garden. "I think you have had to much pop".

A week later a gentleman said that he had seen a white sparrow on Holy Island. The first thing I said was "I don't suppose it was in The Manor House beer garden by any chance. To my surprise he said YES and have I seen it. I said that I had heard about it from a friend but thought they had to much to drink.

As we both laughed, he then presented me with a picture of the white sparrow. I could not see the picture very well, so I asked him to send it to me.

After a closer look at the picture I realized it was a Leucistic House Sparrow.

Recent Highlights

2011-07-18T20:56:00.000+01:00

The breeding season is at the end now, with many birds leaving the islands for their first winter.

As our birds leave we are starting to get a few interesting birds to pass by.

The first highlight was a Honey Buzzard which drifted pat the Inner Farne on the 18th May and only the 9th for the islands.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher arrived on The Brownsman on 26th May. Only the fourth ever spring record.

We have has 3 Spoonbills so far and the first 2 were spotted flying past the bow of the boat on the 28th May and I nearly fell of the seat. Great sight. The other was spotted on Longstone Island on the 15th June.

A Black-headed Bunting was discovered on Staple Island on 31st May and showed well for a few hours. This was the fifth bird for the islands following birds in 1971, 1999, 2004 and 2009.

A Black Tern on the Inner Farne and good numbers of Manx Shearwaters flying north through Staple Sound.

We were also lucky to see 2 Great Crested Grebe's flying north. Over the last few days we have seen a few Harbour Porpoise, Bottle-nose Dolphins, 70 Common Scoter's, Purple Sandpiper's, Knots, Turnstone's, Golden Plovers, top count was 90+, and 8 Arctic Skua's.

Yesterday on the way home about 5pm we saw 2 Red-throated Divers flying south and 1 Great Northern Diver also flying south.
Things are now starting to move around so hopefully we will get to see some nice things soon.

Sunset over Bamburgh Castle.

2011-07-17T22:45:00.000+01:00

I tried for over a week to get a picture of the sun going down beside Bamburgh Castle and every night a cloud covered it, but it eventually it came out to play. I have taken some pictures with different settings, so if they are rubbish then please let me know where I'm going wrong.

As most birds leave others arrive.

2011-07-17T21:10:00.000+01:00

After a mixed breeding season we are now near the end. The winter seems to drag on at times, but the summer just seems to fly by. Not that it has been must of a summer really. We had to contend with westerly winds day after day, rain, gales and sun. Mind the sunny days been few and far between.

The birds are the ones that have had to brave 70mph winds, pouring rain that's not only flooded the Puffins burrows but the wardens have had to put boxes over the Arctic Terns nests so the chicks don't get washed away. Yes we did lose a good few but if it wasn't for the wardens and the brave birds themselves we would have lost loads this year. When we did have the 70mph winds thank god it was westerly as if had been any another direction god only knows what devastation it would have had.

To be honest this must have been the worst summer for a long as I can remember for wind, rain and seas. I do love my job and the thing I love about it most a that everyday is different, but when your battling the tides, wind and rain it just knocks the stuffing out of you. As I'm writing this blog I can feel myself looking up to the sky a praying for some nice weather and not just a one day wonder but a steady run of it.

Ah fingers crossed he heard me.

Enough about the moan, back to the birds.

The Guillemots have almost gone with a few stragglers left. I noticed a few Guillemots the other day were still sitting on their eggs so I will have to keep and eye on them. They might have lost their first eggs and had to try again or maybe they are just late, but I'm not sure.

A lot of the Kittiwakes are now flying around but a lot of chicks are still in the nests. This is because the eggs were lost during the strong winds but because it was still early on they tried again and were successful.

The Razorbills have done very well and it seems the figures are up on last year.

The Puffins are a little down but its because of the rain flooding the burrows.

I could go on and on but until I get the true figures I'm just speculating, but over all I think we have had a very successful season.

As all the birds are now starting to leave the islands we have now noticed the Waders are starting to return.
We had over 100 Knots, 160+ Golden Plovers, 20 Turnstones and our first Purple Sandpipers today.
A big plus was a single Spoonbill on the Longstone Island. In fact all of the Waders were on the Longstone Island today. We do tend to see them other places around the Islands but most of the time it is the Longstone.

There are still thousands of Puffins on the Islands as well as Terns, Eiders, Razorbills and more but in a few more weeks they will be all gone.

Don't get me wrong as I love all the birds that arrive for the breeding season, but in some ways I like the it more when the birds are gone as we tend to have our eye's wide open as it won't be long before we have our first migrant passerines and that's when the fun begins.

Hopefully I will get the final counts for the year and I will post it.

Sunset Cruise 2

2011-07-07T00:00:00.000+01:00

Just a few pictures from Saturday night, as we watched the Wildlife, Jumplings and The Sunset Thank you to everyone who joined me. I enjoyed your company very much.

Sunset with Holy Island in the background

Holy Island Tour

2011-07-06T22:17:00.000+01:00

When we do our Holy Island Trip we have to work the tides so their is enough water to get the boat into the harbour. As our dates are set for the year we always pray that its good weather. So on Sunday afternoon we had a trip bound for Holy Island for a few hours and it was just beautiful. I love to go up to Holy Island as I can get a chance for a bit of bird watching myself.

About half an hour before we were due to leave the fog came rolling in, and after a scorching hot day and flat calm seas I could not believe what I was seeing. The problem with the Farne Islands sometimes is the Dolerite Rock, with the hot sun on the cold rock it sometimes produces the fog, which is a real pain as you can go south to Beadnell and it will be beautiful, so after debating on whether to go ahead with the trip I quickly phoned a friend on Holy Island to see if they had fog up their to.

As I put the phone down I gave it the thumbs up as it was all clear up there.

We left the harbour and headed towards the Inner Farne and it was still thick fog. After chatting to the guests about the birds and the Inner Farne we steamed up to the Megstone to see the seals. We had only got a few hundred yards away from the islands when it started to clear. It was a bit surreal as the fog was just on the bottom and the top of the island was clear.

After arriving on Holy Island we went for a little wonder around. We never saw anything to shout about but as we headed back to the boat we saw 4 Ringed-Plover chicks. They were cute little things and I was surprised on how well they blended in with the pebbles on the beach.

Ringed Plover chick hiding beside the pebbles.

Standing Tall.

After leaving the jetty we cruised towards Black Law Rock. As we approached the rock we encountered 22 Female Red Breasted Mergansers and 2 Males, a Seal, 12 Cormorants, loads of Arctic Terns and over a thousand Eider Ducks. Alot of the Eider Ducks we going through the colour change which looks quite nice but also a bit weird.

After leaving we steamed towards Stag Rock in the hope we would see some Harbour Porpoises but no such luck. The only thing we saw was some big waves crashing upon the shore but it gave me some nice pictures from the seaward side of Stag Rock and Bamburgh Castle.

Baby Puffin

2011-07-04T21:28:00.000+01:00

Puffins are just a beautiful bird and they must be one of the most pictured bird ever. I don't know what it is about the Puffin but they are lovely.

When they arrive at the islands we see them more on the water than on the land and as they start to settle they start to look for their burrows.

Puffins use the same burrow every year and the lay a single egg in the bottom of the burrow. Most birds mate on the land or rocks but the Puffins always mate on the water.

They are known as Sea Parrots and this is because of their colorful beak but they are also known to the locals as a Tommy Noddy and this is because of their head action when they walk.
During the winter period they lose their brightly coloured beak and it turns to a dull grey. Also during January and March they become flightless as they are casting their feathers but they are still able to swim down to catch food to enable them to survive.

When the chicks are born they stay down the burrow until they are big enough and strong enough to leave their burrow. When they do leave its always in the night as it enhances their chances of survival but on this occasion this little Puffin decided to break the rules and leave during the day.

As I watch it for a about 45 minutes while our guests were on the island I realised it has moved about half a mile away.

It was just lovely watching a young chick stretch its wings, wash itself and even dive, even if it was only for a few seconds and then it made me realise that it is a beautiful bird and you can't blame people wanting to come and see the glory of this amazing bird.

Here is a few pictures of the Baby Puffin or Pufflings as some people call it, heading out into the open waters.

Tall Ship Returns

2011-07-01T00:29:00.000+01:00

Over the last few weeks I have been helping a friend hauling crab and lobster pots. We have been starting at 2.30am and getting finished at 9.30am and then I rush home grab a quick shower, change and dash back down the harbour. It has made it a very long day but the one bonus has been the sunrise's, the birds, a minke whale and the passing ships.

Early on Wednesday morning we saw a Tall Ship in full sail and it looked beautiful. It was not until we got closer that I realised it was the same Tall Ship that was here a few weeks ago. I found out that it had been in Blyth harbour for a weekend but it has also been at Eyemouth for running repairs.

The ship is a youth trust ship and at the moment there is a secondary school on board.

Here is some pictures of the ship and the kids hard at work.

Pole to Pole

2011-06-20T20:10:00.000+01:00

Arctic tern's extraordinary pole-to-pole migration has been detailed by an international team of scientists.

The researchers fitted the birds with tiny tracking devices to see precisely which routes the animals took on their 70,000km (43,000 miles) round trip.

The study reveals they fly down either the African or Brazilian coasts but then return in an "S"-shaped path up the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

"The new thing is that we've now been able to track the bird during a full year of migration, all the way from the breeding grounds to the wintering grounds and back again."

Albatrosses, godwits, and sooty shearwaters all undertake epic journeys. But none can quite match the Arctic tern's colossal trip.

Starting in August and September, this small bird - which weighs little more than 100g (3.5oz) - will head away from Greenland with the intention of getting to the Weddell Sea, on the shores of Antarctica.
It will spend about four or five months in the deep south before heading back to the far north, arriving back to The Farne Islands in May.

A team from Greenland, Denmark, the US, the UK and Iceland attached small (1.4g/0.05oz) "geolocators" to the animals to find out exactly where they went on this polar round trip.
The devices record light intensity. This gives an estimate of the local day length, and the times of sunrise and sunset; and from this information it is possible to work out a geographical position of the birds.

The use of these devices on seabirds is not only revolutionising our understanding of migration patterns, but the resulting data on distribution also help address the requirement to identify important biological hot spots.
With such a small bird, the trackers also need to be tiny

The first surprise is that the terns do not make straight for the Antarctic when they leave the Arctic, but make a lengthy stop-over in the middle of the North Atlantic, about 1,000km (620 miles) north of the Azores.
Here, they feed on zoo plankton and fish to fuel themselves for the long journey ahead.

Even more importantly, it's the last high productive area before they enter tropical waters where we know productivity is low.
The birds then head south along the coast of western Europe and western Africa before making a choice, either to continue hugging Africa or sweep across the Atlantic from the Cape Verde Islands to continue the journey along the Brazilian coast.

About half the birds that were tracked decided to take the South American path. It is not clear why, but the researchers believe wind might make either route seem favourable to the terns.

After spending their northern winter months in Antarctic waters, the terns then fly back towards the Arctic.

But rather than retracing their southward flight paths, the birds follow a gigantic "S" pattern up the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

They make a detour of several thousand km but once we start comparing the route to the prevailing wind system, it makes perfect sense - moving in a counter-clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere, and clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

It's just more energy-efficient for them to do that even though they are travelling several thousand more km than if they flew in a straight line.

With the bird so small the trackers need to be tiny.

So when our customers ask why do the Arctic Terns dive bomb you and peck you on your head. We aways say that they are protecting their eggs or chicks, and after travelling those sort of distances then I think they have a right to do so. We tend to forget sometimes that we are invading the birds home and this is one of the main reasons why the National Trust only open Staple Island in the morning and the Inner Farne in the afternoon.

One of the guys that ring the Arctic Terns on The Inner Farne and check their details evey year.

Sorting the trap to catch them.

Ready to be released after getting all the details from the ring.

Arctic Tern sitting on the wall at the lighthouse on the Inner Farne.

And this is why they dive bomb us, and who can blame them after travelling all that way.

Tall Ship

2011-06-18T22:37:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough the other day to see a Tail Ship passing the Farnes. I was moored in the kettle at The Inner Farne when I first saw this beautiful ship pass, so I let go of the anchor and set of to get some nice pictures.

She was called STAVROS S NIARCHOS of London.

Jumplings

2011-06-17T20:51:00.000+01:00

Some people know this but others don't.

Guillemot chicks are called Jumplings.

Guillemots lay a single large egg on the bare rock. Almost everyone is a different in it's colour and pattern, and this enables the birds to recognize the egg in the dense groups around the islands. It's also round at on end and pointed at the other. The reason for this is because if one bird lands and hits the egg it just spins around in a circle which prevents it from falling of the cliff edge. Clever eh.
The chick hatches after 32 days and further 3 weeks or so on the breeding colony, being fed mainly on sand eels.
One of most amazing things about Guillemot chicks is that they 'fledge' when only part grown and flightless. They are known as Jumplings as they jump of the cliff face before learning how to fly. The male Guillemot is waiting for them in the water and then takes them to a place called The Dogger Bank, which is a large fishing ground. This happens mostly during dusk and this is because they are trying to avoid those predatory gulls. This is the other season why we love our Sunset Cruises at this time of the year as you might get to see 1 or 2 Jumplings during the day but at dusk you get to see hundreds.
The male Guillemot will look after the chick for 4 to 6 weeks until it becomes big and strong enough to look after itself.

So here is a few pictures of those cute Jumplings.

Bless. This little fella jumped but not far enough and got stuck on a ledge.

Go on you can do it.

First time in the water.

Mother said, "You really need to jump into the water now as you could do with a wash".

Jumpling said, "Your having a laugh. Have you seen how high up we are"

Guillemots trying to protect their chicks from the Gulls.

To late. A little Jumpling did not make it.

There is always a happy ending. Well sometimes. Daddy and Jumpling of to Dogger Bank.

See you next year.

Puffin Fight

2011-06-12T21:29:00.000+01:00

Its a very busy time at the moment around The Farne Islands. Puffins are coming and going with loads of sand eels in their beaks, and sometimes fights break out. I did not see any sand eels on this occasion, so I don't know what the fight was about but it is usually over females or a good nesting site. They will puff themselves up to look bigger, while opening their wings and beaks. They also stamp their feet and wrestle, this will often draw a crowd of Puffin spectators to watch the fight. On this occasion it was just me watching.
Here is some pictures blow by blow.

Steady As She Goes

2011-06-09T23:21:00.000+01:00

As someone who enjoys taking photographs (I stop short of claiming to be a photographer), one of the great things about Serenity is the twin-hulled Catamaran. The more trips I've done with Andrew and team the more I appreciate the stability that Serenity offers when trying to capture good images.

Whilst landing on the islands provides some superb photo opportunities the tour around the sea adjacent to the islands should not be dismissed or forgotten as there are some incredible opportunities to capture interesting images using the sea colours, rock formations and different angles. He are one or two shots taken on a trip last week using a 100-400mm lens handheld from the deck.

Arctic Angels

2011-06-06T12:00:00.005+01:00

Summer at The Farnes means terns and it's the Arctic Tern that has the biggest numbers and dominates many of the islands including Inner Farne. Arctic Terns are birds of contrast, elegant, graceful almost angelic in appearance, apparently floating across a blue sky. Then they open their mouths and that harsh kree eeer call rasps from the red throat.

After sailing out with Andrew in perfect conditions last Friday I spent a couple of hours on Inner Farne photographing Arctic Terns, being assaulted by Arctic Terns both physically and aurally and finally becoming a perch for one confiding individual who sat on my baseball cap for the best part of three minutes.

To be this close to a creature that spends almost its whole life far from land in the vast oceans of the world is a privilege. I've found over the years if you sit, even inside a territory, after a minute or so they seem to realise you aren't a threat. Running through those few metres of boardwalk with hood pulled down as many do, misses the rare opportunity to appreciate just how gorgeous these terns are; the blood red bill, jet black cap and tail streamers to die for, I just can't get enough of them and any visit during late May and June should be savoured.

Sunset Cruise

2011-06-05T00:51:00.000+01:00

On Thursday night we did our first Sunset Cruise and we could not have picked a better night for it. At 7pm we picked up our passengers and headed out to the Farne Islands. On our way out we saw over 60 Manx Shearwaters flying north. What a way to start the night.

Now the islands are a special place to start with but an evening cruise is just so peaceful, as all you can hear are the birds.

Taking our time and making the best of the night we slowly cruised around the islands enjoying the evening sun, watching all the birds coming and going with sand eels in their bills and hungry chicks enjoying their supper.

The customers seemed to be really enjoying themselves and I was to. Now I know its supposed to be an 1.5 hour tour but hey with weather like this and customers who are really nice and enjoying themselves who wants to go home. So it took a bit longer. Well 2 and bit hours.

We could not go home without seeing the seals anyway, and after hunting high and low for them we noticed them at the Megstone. Now the Megstone is most Northerly of the islands and we don't go there very often so of we steamed. As we arrived their was loads and I got a nice picture of Bamburgh Castle in the background to.

Thanks to everyone who joined Keith and myself, we really enjoyed it and I hope you did to.

Puffin Update 2

2011-06-04T23:52:00.000+01:00

Well just to let you all know that the Puffins are doing just fine. After our little scare and the burrows being flooded they are all dried out now and we alot of chicks down the burrows now. I have not been lucky enough to see them yet but hopefully soon.

Here is a selection of pictures to wet your appetite just in case you have not been yet.

2 Perfect Days

2011-06-04T23:24:00.000+01:00

On Thursday and Friday we had the best weather of the year. Not only was it hot, but we never had a cloud in the sky and with flat calm seas we could not ask for much more.

My day started by leaving the harbour at 7am due to the tide, so I steamed up to The Inner Farne for a bit of peace and quite. After cleaning the boat ready for my guests I gave the wardens a shout to see if I could come onto the island for a little bit.

They were kind enough to let me on, so with camera in one hand and my bins in the other I strolled up the walk way.

I had only walked a few yards when I was dive boomed by those Arctic Terns and I can tell you they hurt. They only do this because they are protecting their eggs. After a quick lesson I just waved my hand above my head.

As I sat close to the cliff edge looking at the beautiful view I realised that I'm a very lucky person to live and work in such a wonderful place.

With Shags, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins just sitting in front of me as if I was invisible, I realised it's their home not mine. Well for a few months anyway.

So I have taken a some pictures of the chicks at their home. I hope you like them.

The Green Eyed Shag

A Guillemot Chick.

They are called jumplings instead of a fledglings as they jump of the cliffs before learning how to fly.

A Razorbill and Chick.

A Shag's chick popping it's head out for a look around.

The Kittiwakes chicks are getting big now.

An amazing morning beside the cliff edge on The Inner Farne with views to die for.

What a week!

2011-05-31T00:09:00.000+01:00

I have never known a month quite like it. Westerly winds nearly every day. If we are going to get any winds then this is the direction we want it, but day after day it just drives you around the bend.

Today was the first day that we had no wind and flat calm seas. Yesterday was just a pain. The wind just got stronger and stronger as the day went on. It was great going out and calm around the islands but as we turned around to head back to The Inner Farne for our landing, we got it head on. I was so pleased we had a great gang on board as they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

On Friday morning with the west winds blowing again we saw 2 Spoonbills fly across the bow of the boat heading towards the land. At first glance I thought I saw 2 swans but after I shouted to Keith as we were gob smacked to see these wonderful birds. Its a first for me and I was surprised how big they were.

Today we saw 7 Knots, 12 Turnstones and a Heron.

The birds are hatching fast and furious. Kittiwakes chicks are so cute. The Guillemots tend to hide their chicks alot more than the Kittiwakes.

We are also noticing alot of feed in the water at the moment as you can see alot birds diving into the water. We even had a Puffin drop 2 sand eels on the boat tonight.

With the calm seas today and all the feed around we were hoping to see some Harbour Porpoise but no such luck.

What we did get was a Guillemot land on the boat. Bless. It hit the deck of the boat and it was stunned so Keith picked it up to put it back in the water. It was ok as it gave Keith a good nip.

A cute little Eider chick in the harbour.

If I have had enough of the winds, what goes through my dogs head as he sits and waits everyday to go to sea. I have to say he is a very loyal dog.

BUD

Kittiwake Update

2011-05-30T22:26:00.000+01:00

Well I have to take my hat off to those little Kittiwakes, not only did alot of them survive the gales but they have started to rebuild their nests and we also saw a few mating again.

This Kittiwake was stamping on the water logged nest to compack it down.

A couple of Kittiwakes helping each other out.

2 days later they are starting to look more like nests again.

Fingers crossed that's the end of the weather and these guys will give lay more eggs again.

Lucky Escape

2011-05-24T23:21:00.000+01:00

A update after the storm. Well at first glance the birds look as though they have managed to brave the storm with only a few casualty's. The Kittiwakes are the ones that everyone was worried about as they nest so close to the waters edge, but after closer inspection they look as though they have made it. Yes we have lost a good few but I was expecting lots more.

At 10.30 this morning I took a couple of lads back to the islands after they had a few days off. On arriving at the Wide Opens we noticed more Kittiwakes than first imagined.

I have to take my hat of to the birds. They are strong willed little things.

A Kittiwake sitting proud after the storm.

A Kittiwake nest distroyed and the bird missing.

What a way to enter into this world. At least they are here to tell their story. (In their own way)

70 MPH Winds

2011-05-24T00:40:00.000+01:00

It was the calm before the storm and when it came by god did it come.

All our thoughts were with the wardens and the birds. It's a critical time at The Farne Islands with all the birds eggs hatching.

The one thing that is in favour for the birds is that its a west wind and not a Northerly, North East or Easterly. If it had been that direction I think it would have been a disaster. We would not only be worrying about the birds but I would not have had much sleep as I would be checking the boats all the time.

Don't get me wrong i think we would have lost alot of birds but not half as much had it been the other way.

The harbour entrance at low water

The Inner Farne at 12pm

The Inner Farne at 5pm.

The Inner Farne at 8pm

The North Beach looking towards Bamburgh Castle

She's blowing a Hooli

At 8.30pm

The view across Bamburgh Beach towards the islands.

Before the Storm

2011-05-23T23:50:00.000+01:00

Well we had a lovely day on Sunday but with the forecast for 70 MPH winds, we all had the birds in the back of our minds.

My daughter Charlie has her sea legs at 4 years old and she keeps pestering me to take her to sea. So on Sunday morning she had her packed lunch, hat and coat on ready to go.

Come on Daddy we have to get the boat ready for the customers. As we got to the boat we did not have anyone for our first trip so we decided to go for a fish until 12pm.

Bang.... first fish. Bang again another fish. Great start but that was it. For over an hour we never even got a nibble.

That's it back to the harbour to pick our guests up.

After we picked up our guests we headed to the islands and then around to the Inner Farne to land.

After our lunch i decided to take Charlie to the island to have a quick look around.

An Arctic Tern sitting on her egg with a pebble beside her so the wardens can do their counts.

An Arctic Tern dive bombing us.

A Mallard with her chicks on the walk way leading up to the lighthouse.

Bearded Seal

2011-05-22T21:57:00.000+01:00

A rare Arctic Bearded Seal was found along a stretch of Beadnell Bay today. There have been no more than a handful of records of this species in English Waters in the last 100 years. Our next Water, Wildlife & Walking trip on 27th May with Northumbrian Wildlife Tours will offer a unique opportunity to see this rare seal if it lingers in the area as well as packed day taking in local seabird cliffs, tern colonies and a full guided walk from Craster to Seahouses.

Lucky Lad

2011-05-21T00:26:00.000+01:00

As I left the house early on Wednesday morning to move the boat out of the harbour because of the low tide I decided to go to The Kettle at The Inner Farne to anchor up. After cleaning the boat I got the opportunity to have a look around the Inner Farne. I grabbed my camera and jumped aboard the zodiac and headed over to the island.

As I sat taking pictures around the cliff face I got a call to see if I wanted to help the wardens around the wide opens. I jumped at the chance and ran down to the jetty where I was meet the rest of the gang.

When we landed at the West Wide-Open we stumbled upon a young grey seal. Jamie (A Warden) went to investigate and noticed that it was bleeding, but after a closer look it was only a scratch.

Happily knowing that the seal was OK we headed up onto the top of the island.

I was amazed to see how pretty it was with all the Sea Campion. Yes, I see it from the boat all the time but close up it's just beautiful.

As we walked around the island you have to be so careful not to stand any of the eggs as sometimes they are very well hidden, and most of all, you have to be very careful as the ground around the Puffins burrows can be very soft and you don't want to crush the burrows. We found an Eider Ducks nest but she had already left with her chicks. Jamie checked his record book and found out that she was sitting on 5 eggs. Fingers crossed they got away safe and sound.

After a call from the booking office I had to go. A quick call to David Steel to ask if he would pick me up I ran down to the waters edge to be greeted by David in a white costume. I thought it was a bit early for Halloween, but after chatting to him I found out that he had been spraying the grass to keep away all the weeds.

I like to thank David and all the gang for making it a morning to remember. Cheers Guys.

Hard Hat

2011-05-18T23:31:00.000+01:00

Well it's Hard Hat time as those Arctic Terns are now starting to dive bomb. They have lots of eggs spread all over the walk way as you head up to the top of the island.
If anyone is going to the islands over the next month or two please be careful were you put your feet as we don't want any eggs or chicks stood on.
We have nearly every bird on eggs now so it will not be long before every bird will have chicks.

Arctic Tern Egg

Arctic Tern

I was also seen Oystercatcher Eggs and Ringed Plover Egg.

Oystercatcher Eggs

Ringed Plover Egg

We have also got our first Eider Duck chicks in the harbour. We did have a good few more but those Gulls got them.

Puffin Update

2011-05-17T00:43:00.000+01:00

Now i know we all need the rain to water our gardens, grow the crops and help our birds but at this time of the year i just do not want the rain at all.
Its those little Puffins that are worrying me at the moment, with the heavy showers we have had over the last few days our Puffins burrows are starting to fill up with water. It also does not help with the seals rubbing themselves during the winter molting season and removing all the vegetation from the bank sides exposing the Puffin burrows to all the elements.
When the vegetation is around the burrows it helps to adsorb the rain water and does not tend to go down the burrows as much. Yes i know you can't help it at times and it is mother nature but i just love the Puffins and just don't like to see them die.
The Inner Farne has been ok because the water seems to run off the island a lot better than it does on The Brownsman Island.
Its a lot more flat on top of the Brownsman and they also have a pond on there to which has been over flowing with water, but over the last day or so they have managed to let the water run away which has helped a lot.

I love my job and i love the islands but i do have to take my hat off to the Wardens as they do a great job at looking after the islands, the birds, the wildlife and of course myself. Without the Wardens the islands would just fall apart.

I have to give Wez a big shout as i don't get to see a lot of things going on around the islands but he keeps me updated, and i do try to let him and the rest of the Wardens know if i see things as well.

You can follow myself and Wez on twitter for updates during the day. Wez @wezsmith Myself @thefarnes

A Puffins burrow which is flooded.

A Puffins burrow flooded and the egg left abandoned

Ahhh Bless. This Puffin was still sitting on its egg with the water up to her neck.

On a lighter note it's early days so hopefully they'll re-lay and it'll be a happy ending.

April Update

2011-05-12T17:42:00.000+01:00

We had our first Shag chick hatched on The Inner Farne Lighthouse cliff on April 29th, now a clutch of 3 in one of our earliest nests. With the first eggs hatched, lots more will continue to follow.

At least 2 Mallard clutches have hatched, with 1 clutch of 7 ducklings seen on The Inner Farne pond.

The Eiders are on eggs now and "Winnie", an Eider that always nests outside the Pele Tower door each year has now returned.

Kittwakes are now on eggs with the first ones found on the 28th April.

Sandwich Terns are now settled and Jamie (The Inner Farne Warden) spotted the first eggs on the 30th April.

Guillemots are on eggs and it will not be long now until we see our first chicks.

The Arctic Terns and Common Terns are now back in full force, so iot will not be long before you will have to wear your hard hats.

The Puffins are alot more settled now. They still continue to lay their burrows.

Guillemots along the cliff face at Staple Island.

A Puffin on the cliff face at the south side of Staple Island.

Bamburgh Castle in evening sunshine.

Guillemots Egg

2011-04-30T23:24:00.000+01:00

On Thursday it was just beautiful day and as the sun glistened of the water and everyone started to put their suncream on, the Kittiwakes were hoping for a little bit of shade, but there was not going to be much chance of that.

Along the same cliff face we noticed that an egg was just sitting there on its own. At first we thought it must be broken or abandoned but when we came back out on our next trip we saw a Guillemot land beside it and then started to move it so she could sit on it. I was totally surprised that it stayed there so long and a Gull did not get an early lunch.
Most of the Guillemots eggs are Green with Brown blotches but i have since been told you can also get Yellow-ish with Brown blotches and a few White ones with Brown blotches.
We were lucky to see the White ones today.

Amazing April

2011-04-28T00:31:00.000+01:00

Well its been just a pleasure to be out on the sea, around The Farne Islands over the last few weeks. We had a few days of fog which was very frustrating, but other than that we can't complain at all.

The Puffins are busy flying back and forward gathering nesting materials for their burrows. Lots of Shags are still building their nests but lots of them are sitting on eggs now. The Guillemots are sitting on eggs and I'm sure i heard a chick the other day on The Brownsman but everywhere i looked i could not see a thing.
We have our first Razorbills on eggs and lots of the Eider Ducks are on eggs now.

The last count on The Inner Farne for Sandwich Terns was 800+ and in the mornings it was up to 23 of Little Terns before heading off.

On Scarcar Rock the other day we saw our first Whimbrel. This was the first sighting for the islands this year and we were pleased as the wardens did not see it. Mind they got their own back as they saw a Hawk Harrier. Oh well at least we had our little moment of glory.

With the winds being from the west over the the first half of the month it never really brought any different bird in but the wind has changed direction over the last week so it might bring in a few different birds.

I saw my first Sparrow Hawk flying high over Staple Island the other day. A few Pied Wagtails and a Rock Pipit which is nesting on Longstone Island.

Also either resting on Longstone Island or flying above it we have seen a good few Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones.

A little Willow Warbler landed on the boat the other day and it was so tired that it could not be bothered to move as i took pictures of it.
We think its from Scandinavia area as it does not have the Olive Green you see on most birds. If I'm wrong then please let me know.

Weird Bridled Guillemot

2011-04-17T20:51:00.000+01:00

We have had beautiful weather over the last few days and it looks to continue for a while.

On one of trips we encountered a weird Guillemot. As i was doing my speech along the west cliff face at the Brownsman Island i noticed a Bridled Guillemot with a yellow bill.

I quickly grabbed my camera and rushed to the side of the boat and starting snapping away. After a few shots i ended up with some nice pictures.

A Bridled Guilllemot with a yellow bill.

Sunset on Serenity II at Seahouses harbour.

A Puffin collecting twigs for it's burrow.

A Guillemot Grooming

Sorry a rubbish picture of the Black Scoter.

Just Another Day in a Seabird Paradise

2011-04-15T21:30:00.000+01:00

With Britain's eighth Black Scoter lazing off the beach north of Bamburgh we're expecting a few extra visitors over the weekend. With calm seas and many birds back at The Farnes there is plenty to keep them occupied if they decide on a trip across.

Today's calm seas offered exceptional views and steady photo opportunities from the catamaran as we crossed. Puffins are back in numbers and many sat on the sea as we arrived; elsewhere Kittiwakes, Shags, Guillemots and Razorbills.

The rockier islands are littered with large gulls with many Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls in smart summer plumage.

Grey Seals continue to offer good close views with many adults lounging around at high tide or loafing a few yards off the islands.

On Inner Farne many of the Shags are now on nests and Puffins are starting to show interest in the nesting burrows, flying back and forth from the sea.

Any visit to the islands produces special birds and today was no exception, an immature Merlin was picked out atop the small crane on Longstone and we were able to approach slowly and get some great views of this diminutive raptor.

Things are starting to settle.

2011-04-10T18:38:00.000+01:00

Well its been a lovely day at The Farnes today, even though the S.E. Wind picked up towards the end.

The Puffins are coming back in the thousands and yesterday we saw 2 pairs at the Wideopens and a pair at Gun Rock mating in the water. One pair were at it so much that they did not care one bit that everyone was watching them. So it will not be long before they start to lay eggs.

The Guillemots were found on eggs yesterday but when i think about it they have been coming and going for 6 or so weeks now. They don't seen to be settled on The Inner Farne yet as every time we go past with the boat they all fly off, but when we get to Staple Island they never fly away. This will be the reason why the eggs are on Staple Island.

At the west cliff face on Brownsman Island we saw a Bridled Guillemot with a yellow bill. We think this must be in the jeans. I spoke to one of the wardens and they seem to think the same. It was weird to see but the worst thing was that my camera went dead and forgot that i had a camera on my phone. Never mind i will have to have a look out for it tomorrow.

There was a Sparrow Hawk on the Brownsman Island today which was nice to see.

At The Inner Farne this morning there was a Shag showing off the size of stick he had to build his nest with.

I also got some nice pictures of the Eider Ducks (Cuddie Ducks) in the harbour.

Its slowly getting busy.

2011-04-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

After all the strong west winds we have had over the last week or so, things seem to be getting a little bit more settled. The birds are still coming and going, and lots more are still to come, but some of the Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Puffins seem to be settling down now.

We have a few Shags on eggs now and 5 swallows were seen at The Inner Farne today.

As we landed our customers on The Inner Farne this afternoon i counted the Sandwich Terns on Knocks Reef and its up to 71 now. Just 2 days ago it was 39 so things are on the up.

A single Wheater flew past and landed on the island for a little while and then off again.

We have also got new signs for the Booking Office down the harbour so I'm pleased with those.

A pair of Razorbills on the cliff at The Inner Farne.

Guillemots on the south side of Staple Island today.

Sorry, but i feel like a little boy in a sweet shop. I get to see this every year and i still get a buzz.

We have some fantastic trips coming up over the year so don't miss out.

Water, Wildlife and Walking on the 22nd of April and there is only a few places left.

Serenity 1 being launched

2011-03-29T23:52:00.000+01:00

As well as doing tour during the winter we also have to get the boats ready for the new season. After a lot of maintenance we have finally got the one of the boats ready to go back into the water.

At 9am on Sunday morning we lifted the boat with the hoist and headed towards the slipway. As she entered the water we turned the key and bang the engine started stright away. Not bad after 5 months out of the water.