Wildlife and Landscapes: The Farne Islands

The Farne Islands

29/05/2015

The National Trust, Farne Islands, Northumberland

On our journey back from Scotland two nights were booked in Bamburgh, with me luckily being able to take the Billy Shields full day bird watching trip over to the Farne Islands, visiting both Staple Island and Inner Farne, incorporating the usual trip to the Longstone Lighthouse and a couple of Grey Seal colonies on the outer islands.

A great day out was had, with the feeling of greatly privileged, to be so close to some fantastic birdlife, for me particularly the Terns on Inner Farne.

It does worry me though the amount of tourists The National Trust are letting on the islands, particularly those who are not bothered about the birds, either their habits, habitat or preservation, but just wanting a day out. I think something does need to be done, but how selection could take place I don't know and the other problem, a major one, The National Trust would be loosing a massive income from the annual takings!!!

On the return journey a wonder round Seahouse's harbour provided some great views of Eider Duck, with the females staying in the outer harbour with mixed families of ducklings in their nursery school's. It amazes me how the females leave the Farnes with their young just days old and swim to these schools in safety of the harbour.