Roseate Terns

I know the Roseate Terns are not on the Farnes but a good friend of mine has worked and studied them for many years now, and I could listen to him for hours and never get bored. The reason I decided to write this blog about the Roseates was because I have just seen a few Sandwich Terns pass the harbour while I sit on the boat waiting for the water to come in so I can get my guests. I reminded me that I never seen any this year on the Inner Farne, but there was a good few on Longstone Island before they left for warmer climates. The other reason is that they had a great season and they broke records once again, but most of all they are just a lovely seabird.

Myself and Andy were lucky enough to see a good few close up on the Longstone this season and it was really nice to see them with their young too. We managed to get close to some of them and it was really nice to see loads had been ringed.

I gave Tom, my friend and ringer of the terns a shout and he told the there were 118 pairs on the Coquet Island (near Amble) this year, the highest total since 1970 and they ringed 119 chicks, which is amazing news. 20 adults were also fitted with data loggers/tags to track their migrations. These will need to be re-caught to retrieve all the data but it will be exciting to find out the results for me next year never mind the guys who do all the hard work. Fingers crossed its all good news.

Over all it has been a great year for the Roseate Terns and I cant wait to hear the results when they return next year.

New Arrival

We have been waiting for a good while now but she is eventually here and she looks mighty fine too. Yes you guessed it, our new vessel "SERENITY"

She is the same hull as Serenity II but a little bit bigger and holds a few more passengers too. There is a few changes from Serenity II but nothing major really. We have raised the wheelhouse a little bit for better viewing and moved it back a little bit too. The toilet has been moved to give that little bit extra on the deck and we have added a couple more hatches on the deck for storage in the hulls.

We have also added an extra door on the port side just in case the harbour ever decides to put another set of steps in, which would a great help to all the boats. You never know it might happen one day and then hopefully there will not be as many delays as we have now when the tides are big. Miracles can happen honest....

While we are all excited about the arrival of the new boat and it is exciting times ahead, we are really pleased, chuffed and proud of Tony and Jimmy, who have passed their licences to become skippers.

Tony has been with us for 5 years now and has become a big part of the Serenity team so it just made sense for him to move forward and become a skipper. Since the arrival of Serenity III he has virtually looked after the boat anyway and he knows it inside out. Its been a big change for Tony and his wife to come to a village and fit in so well, but I suppose being a Fireman and the stress of that job it must have been the perfect time for a change. Now he has stress from another direction and its not from the boat but myself and my brother now. Ha Ha. Only joking....

Jimmy, arrived on the wrong boat and ended up in Seahouses working in a pub until he met my brother and he decided to join the team. Jimmy is from down under and to be honest for a young lad he has fitted in really well too. Being a bit sarcastic helps and I have to take my hat off to him for fitting in so well. This is Jimmy's second year and he loves the wildlife and was so keen to become a skipper too. Both Tony and Jimmy love the Farnes and all its wildlife so I suppose in a way its an easy stepping stone for them. Its not really but you know what I mean.

So on that note from everyone at Serenity well done lads we are proud of both of you.....Now get out there and get some work done. lol.

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OVER AND OUT