Over the seas and Farne away

Puffin.  Mark Williams.

The last time the Bird Club visited the Farnes the weather was not that great.
This time we still moaned, too hot, too bright, jeez never happy. Arranged by
 Mr Gill, Roger P, Barry B and Del-boy met Bob, Mark, Wendy
and myself in Teesdale near Langdon Beck.

Last time here Wendy saw a Merlin so we were hopeful this time. To be fair
it seemed rather quiet bird wise so we moved to the river bridge lower down.
There, as last time was our faithful Dipper and as last time keeping in the
shadows of the far bank.

Stoatally wonderfull Mark Williams

Watching from the bridge a family of Stoats came out from cover on the
near bank, Splashing, jumping and running in the river, then hiding only to come
out again and again to play in the water.
We were treated to this wonderful site for some ten minutes or so until they
eventually moved on. This was a fabulous encounter, a shame it did not last
a little longer.

Another 130 miles or so on, Bob steered us to our sumptuous lodgings in
Berwick, the..... Travelodge da, dar! Later feeding at the local pub.

Next day we each paid our £27.50 landing fee (National Trust) and our £40.00 boat fare,
Yes!..... we all thought the same but this will possibly the last time we do it.

Incoming, clear runway  Mark Williams

Phew! that was close  Mark  W.

Abort, abort landing. Mark W

For Wendy and myself it was the first time we had landed on both Inner Farne
and Staple island. It was absolutely fabulous, Staple, lacking the numbers of Arctic
Terns found on Inner Farne, was mesmerising Puffins every where, all trying to dodge
the Herring and Lesser Black Backs as they landed with food for their youngsters.
Time flew by as it invariably does when you are enjoying life.

I hear the pitter patter of tiny feet. Mark W

The boat crew were great helping us off the boat onto Inner Farne. Being later in the
day it was difficult trying to find the best place to photograph as the wind and the
sun opposed each other.

Head TERNing birds. Bob Gill

I'll get you.. scardy-cat Mark W

First things first a visit to the mens room then off to find a bench for a bit of nosh.
The Arctics did not seem to bother me on route to the loo's but coming back I
suffered a couple of quite hard attacks for what a close range is a small bird.
Taking my hat off in the shade to eat my rolls I noticed some blood inside,
the Tinkers!

A beautiful green eyed Shag. Mark W

I got one! I got one!  Guillimot Mark W.

Razorbill. Mark W.

I found it quite annoying that some photographer's were flouting the rules needlessly
by putting their large lenses the wrong side of the rope cordon's when the birds are so close.
I was also concerned by people rushing and not looking where they were treading,
with camouflaged chick's on the path edges, they were so vulnerable.

Time passed too quickly and before we knew it I was squeezing tomato ketchup
on my fish and chips, can life get any better?


Next day a morning stumble, for me at least around Budle bay put a smile on everyone's
face. I decided to sit where I fell, watching a female Merganser and her chicks.

Sandwich Tern RDG.

Merganser and chick RDG

Shelduck Bob G.

Awaiting the tide to recede we eventually made it across Holy Island, Lindisfarne.
I don't think Barrys' and Del boys' heart's were in it after all England were playing
Sweden.

No Barry its definitely grass Bob G.

Wheres the auto setting? Bob G.

We went looking for the rare Lindisfarne Helleborine, we found lots of beautiful Marsh
Helleborine's, Pyramidal and Northern Marsh Orchids.

Pyramidal Orchid RDG

Marsh Helleborine. RDG.

 Eagle eye'd Mark found our only Lindisfarne Helliborine.

Lindisfarne Helliborine Bob G.

On route there were lots of Dark-green Fritillary , Small Heath and several
Dune Robber-flies.  OMG! England has  Won.

Dark Green Fritillary. Bob G.

Dune Robberfly.  RDG

Walking on toward the castle or should I say scaffold well more scaffold than castle, nice views of common birds could be attained

Meadow Pipit Bob G.

House Sparrow Bob G.

A Morrisons breakfast then our crew were off to Bempton Cliffs, Baz, Rodg, and Del already
on their way home.

Gannet. Mark W.

I was not sure if I had ever been to Bempton before but it made no difference as it was a total
surprise to me. Walking by cliffs with Auks, we reached the Gannet Colony .

Gannet RDG

It took my breath away, Wow they soared and flew so close it was absolutely Brilliant! I
photographed for a couple of hours until my battery ran out, then made a pledge to return.

Gannet . Bob G.

Gannet. Bob G

Two and a half hours later Wendy and I were home, exhausted but totally satiated.

Wendy's  and my thanks go to Rodger, Barry, Del, Mark and Bob for being good company
and making a great trip even better.
Special thanks go to Bob for everything.

Mark Williams