Farnes

I've been to the Farnes twice this year now and what a great place it is!
I first went in June when breeding was well underway and there was loads of activity on Inner Farne! The second time was mid July and the island had changed a lot by then, juv arctic terns on the wing and with the puffins mainly on the sea around the island. Here is a selection of photos from both trips, don't forget to click on them for a bigger view!

I've heard about the arctic tern aerial attack and was still surprised when I received a direct hit to the head walking up past the first building!!

 Quite liked this one, apologies to the chap who's permission I didn't seak to use this photo...

 The display is brilliant and they were still feeling flirty in July! 

 Some more wide stuff...

They were always busy bringing food back for their young;

Some of the supporting cast around the island and around Seahouses;

Shag;

 Eider;

Kittiewake;

Rock Pipit;

And who can forget the Tommy Noddies...

Great subjects on the islands, just one problem! Opening hours! You unfortunately can't get there at first light or stay until sunset. Hopefully that is where Shetland next year can help...

As expected...

We were booked on the boat to Bass Rock but with very few landings happening this year because of the sea state we feared the worst... Our prediction became a reality, the trip was regrettably cancelled!

With luxurious Travelodges booked and in need of a gannet fix we headed north anyway and put plan B in place...   Bempton!

Saturday was speant on the moors in the company of black and red grouse first thing but we headed off early to the Farnes to finish the first day.

Sunday, on to Bempton...

Some standard portrait work of their endearing courtship display;

 

And that classic sky pointing...

The wind was up during the day which meant we had gannets flying by at eye level;

 

 

When we arrived the light was lovely, casting a golden glimmer down the right hand side of the birds, bit of an overload with these but interesting light is one thing I love to play with;

 

Something a little experimental...

Was nice to see the supporting cast of tree sparrows around the car park too...

I won't leave it as long until the next post this time... Promise!

I'll leave you with my favourite photograph from the weekend;