The Isle of May

Off to the Isle of May today about two miles northeast of the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth. Photographing the wardens and interviewing the puffins! Is that the right way around?
Have a great day now.

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.

Puffins Galore

Just come back from the Farne Islands working on a piece about the wardens who live on there. Amazing place to say the least. My bikes not working properly so that was this morning's ride out of the window. Beautiful day in Northumberland I hope it is the same wherever you are. Loads of work coming in this week and I'm spending a lot of time putting stuff on the timespentatsea blog.

Mind you I wouldn't like to be on the Farnes on a cold wet day especially when the storms can cut them off for anything up to a week at a time. Won'tlet me load an image today. I'll try later.