Farne Island

southlonder · #1 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 07:43 PM

I am going to be going there 12 July - will there still be seabirds there?

pressld2 · #2 (**permalink**) 24-05-2010, 08:08 PM

The breeding season is usually thought of as 1st may to 31st July so although you are getting close to the end there will still be lots to see. My first trip was during a family holiday in August and we saw loads of cormorants and shags, huge numbers of gulls of all descriptions plus a few puffins and a gannet diving behind a fishing boat. And we didn't land on either Staple Island or Inner Farne, ours was a trip to the Longstone Lighthouse. You should do much better than we did.

Dave P.

dampflippers · #3 (**permalink**) 25-05-2010, 05:59 PM

Get there early with lots of money for parking.

There are 2 main tour operators, but I forget which is which. You can book when you get there, or do it in advance.
If the weather's bad, they may cancel tours, or cancel landing.

Take over trousers, cagouls and hats and even gloves because of the spray.
Take travel sickness tablets if you might be affected.

DOXHOPE · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 08:10 PM

Im going on the 26th June, loads of activity then..

Richard G. · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southlonder

I am going to be going there 12 July - will there still be seabirds there?

Definitely

I've been in mid-July a couple of times and whilst it's certainly a little quieter than the peak in June, it often gives better photographic opportunities, as the birds are able to find a bit of space.

You'll still see loads though and it's well worth the full day trip, which only runs until the end of July I think, so don't leave it too late

DOXHOPE · #6 (**permalink**) 27-06-2010, 09:26 PM

Had a great day on the Farnes on the 26th, weather was absolutely mint for photography, filled a couple of 4gb cards..

aeshna5 · #7 (**permalink**) 28-06-2010, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOXHOPE

Had a great day on the Farnes on the 26th, weather was absolutely mint for photography, filled a couple of 4gb cards..

I should be on Farnes this Wed/Thurs so hoping the weather holds. I'm doing the half day Inner Farnes with my patner + the following day I should be doing the full day trip which she won't be doing. Really excited as it's been a few years since I was at a big seabird colony.