Northumberland and the Farnes.

[Richard G.]

Spent last week in Northumberland and paid a very late visit to the Farne Islands, the final week of the full day birdwatch trips this year in fact. Weather was pretty windy all week and a number of trips weren't able to sail or land, but we picked the best day and got lucky.

Puffin numbers were ridiculously high, for every Kittiwake, Shag and Guillemot, there were probably 10 Puffins on Staple and they at least equalled the Terns on Inner Farne. Still loads of editing to do, but a few Puffins for you.



Apart from the sea birds, also had views of Curlew, Oystercatcher, Eider Duck, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Redshank and one other wader that I can't be 100% on, but best guess from the books is a Little Stint? Also a few Yellowhammers around, Swallows nesting in daft places (inside the bird hide on Lindisfarne and in the doorway of Bamburgh Church!) and a Barn Owl successfully hunting one evening.

Lovely part of the country though and hopefully have one or two decent landscapes in the bag too.