Trip reports
Farne Islands June 2008
Sunday, 15 June 2008
We woke to a beautiful clear sunny morning and all (well nearly all, one sleepy head didn't make it) met up at Anniesland and set off.
The journey down was straight forward. As we arrived on the east coast round about Bamburgh Castle I heard calls for an open top bus next time as the hedges were a bit high and obscuring views of the shore. I even heard someone suggest we try for the "Pope Mobile if its available!"
On arrival at Seahouses we were a little taken aback to be told the "All day boat trip" would not be leaving until 12:00 and we would not be able to land on Staple Island. This was quite disappointing, however, after a group huddle over coffee and bacon butties we agreed to spend the morning walking along the coast path.
Quite informally we set off in various directions, some people choosing to take advantage of the time to photograph the eider ducks with creches of young and others enjoyed a refreshing walk. I went with Peter, Ian and Janet along the coast and enjoyed superb close views of nesting kittiwakes and fulmars and a small colony of nesting sand martins. Peter decided to "sea watch" and was rewarded with the only sighting of a roseate tern for the day.
We reassembled at 12:00 and headed off to the islands on a very packed boat. First of all we had a fairly comprehensive tour round the islands with a commentary from the boatman giving us a wee history lesson as well as pointing out birds and grey seals. After about an hour we landed on the Inner Farnes for a three hour stay.
Right away we were attacked by Arctic Terns. The eggs had just started to hatch so some birds had tiny chicks and were extremely vigilant about protecting them. They were absolutely beautiful so I will forgive the one who managed to draw blood despite wearing my hat. I think everyone got attacked but they really picked on Billy, maybe it was the hat with all the bird badges! I am pleased to say there seemed to be a lot of pairs of birds so hopefully they are doing well.
Next came the sandwich terns and common terns who were not just so aggressive, though equally as noisy. Then the puffins which charmed everyone as usual. On reaching the cliffs we were incredibly close to nesting shags, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. The sheer number of birds was fantastic and with the sun shining there was plenty of time to sit and watch all the various behaviours which were happening all around. Peter and myself were amused by what sounded almost like a loud communal growl from the guillemots whenever a gull flew over. Also among the nettles there were some eider ducks and we noticed one creche with at least 25 ducklings heading for the shore just as it was time for us to leave.
The timing was just right with a mix of birds with recently hatched youngsters and some still sitting on eggs. I thought the size of the sandeels being brought in looked quite small but perhaps its because the chicks are still small, lets hope so.
We made our way back to the jetty and the direct way back to shore. Although calm it was surprising how strong a swell there was on the water and a few folks got a bit wet. Time for a "fish supper" and then back to Glasgow after a very enjoyable day out.
Thanks to Alan for organising the programme, thanks to Agnes and Peter for driving and facilitating everything on the day.
Lynda Pritchard