Just returned from a great long weekend to the above.
We arrived on Thursday night, all excited at the prospect of visiting the Farnes on a pre-booked trip on the Friday morning. However, due to adverse weather and rough seas it was cancelled
So we spent a few hours on Lindisfarne(Holy Island) instead, highlights there were lots of Dark Green Fritillary (new species for us), beautiful orchids and helleborines, a Hummingbird Hawkmoth and a pair of breeding Stonechat.Got up early on Saturday and yet again, sea too rough. With heavy hearts at the prospect of never getting on our long awaited trip we explored the local area, visiting the Long Nanny Little Tern colony ( again a new one for us) and walking 10 miles along the coast.
Sunday dawned, and at last the trip went ahead at 12 noon, had a magical 3 hour visit to Inner Farne ( no visits to other islands possible as strong swells). So worth the wait! So many sights and sounds to take in. The weather was a pain, overcast but occasional windows of sunshine. To be mobbed and pecked and pooed on by the Arctic Terns was an experience to say the least. Mick had one hitch a ride on his head for a good 5 mins too! So many enjoyable and intimate close encounters with Puffins, Shags, Kittiwakes etc left us not wanting to leave. We shall definately return next year without a doubt.
Photos will be on our blog in due course
M&M