Farne Islands, Europe's Galapagos

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has many good birdwatching sites. But strangely enough the best one is actually two miles away from land! The Farne Islands are regarded by many as Europe's Galapagos which is not quite the ridiculous statement it appears. This National Trust reserve two miles off the Northumberland coast is a place where the birds are totally contemptuous of human beings and have no hesitation in showing it.

Visiting the Farnes is an experience that most birders should make once in their lives. For those of us who visited once is definitely not enough and the sights, sounds and smells leave an indelible mark on our memories. 

The Arctic terns in particular have a way of dive bombing as you walk along the path that passes through their colony. A hard hat is definitely recommended!  Have a fantastic day now.

Seal Pup on the Farne Islands

This seal pup was on Brownsman on The Farnes. I hope you can see him as I have to leave home very early tomorrow (Or today if you're reading this on Monday) so I'm hoping I've worked out how it comes on automatically when you set the date!
Take care now and ihope all goes well for you today.

Looking forward to my trip to go on the Farne Islands. Stay with the wardens who spend nine months on there looking after the birds and protecting them from the great British Public etc. Am really looking forward to sticking my hand down a puffin burrow again and getting up close to the seals!

I do like this trip as I get on well with all the lads and it's great to land on the outer islands where the public don't go. Watching the birds feeding underwater is a great thrill.

Should get some great pix and hopefuly loads of material for articles.