to catch some fish.
Spent yesterday on the Farne Islands to see the thousands of birds that live there during the breeding season. This is my favourite bird, the Puffin.
The Inner Farne has a religious history, from the year 678AD it was the home of St Cuthbert, he retired to the Inner Farne after 12 years of being Prior at Lindisfarne Priory on nearby Holy Island. He eventually died here in 687AD and there is still a church that was constructed in his memory in 1370AD. St Cuthbert is also said to be the first person to protect birds, even allowing Eider Ducks to nest on the steps of his alter! It is also home to 1,000's of nesting birds in summer including the stunning Puffin, Shags and four type of Tern. Breeding is at it's peak from May until the end of July but it is still worth visiting the Inner Farne outside of the breeding times. Other buildings of interest include St Cuthbert's Chapel and the medieval Pele Tower that is now home to National Trust staff who man and look after the Island and its wildlife for nine months of the year. Please note there are public toilets available on Inner Farne, but there are no public toilets on any of the other islands.
Staple Island is a Bird Sanctuary and can be visited in the breeding season between the beginning of May and the end of July. The Islands is exposed and rocky, which makes it not ideal for visitors with limited mobility, but perfect for nesting birds including the Guillemot, Kittewake and Razorbill. This is probably the best of all the islands to visit if your primary reason for the trip is ornithology.
So jealous, I would love to go there. This is a remarkable shot, you must google lisa cockrell. She used to do 365 and now concentrates on her exhibitions. Google her, she went to the Farne islands and has some lovely puffin pics. Fav
@joansmor@shepherdsmanswife No I hadn't seen this yet - Joan is right, I think the Puffin is a fascinating bird... but I have never seen one for real. I'm hoping to do that this year, if I can find the time to make a trip to find some. In the meantime I shall enjoy this and give it a Fav.
I did see some puffins when I was in Alaska but only from quite far away and while on a rolling boat, so no good pictures. Great that you got a such a good shot, and while it was on the wing, too.
Thank you for all the wonderful information.....I learn something new on 365 every day!! What a wonderful trip this must have been with all those birds during breeding season! When I looked up the Farne islands I also noticed some beautiful photos of red and white striped lighthouses. Did you happen to see any of those and photograph them?
Fav
Congratulations on making the Trending Page. Well deserved.
great catch
what a great place to visit