Flaring up!

Lifeboat flares (Jack Ibbotson)

Safely into the sea (Jack Ibbotson)

Lesser Redpoll caught on dock bank (Ciaran Hatsell)

Wednesday 14th September comments: We welcomed visitors back to the Farnes today, although the wind was still breezy from the west and the islands remained fairly quiet for birdlife. The major highlight involved the capture of one of yesterdays Lesser Repoll's on the dock bank before being released unharmed. A few raptors moved through with Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Kestrel all recorded whilst the first Skylark of the autumn was noted.

The evening brought the unusual sight of the local Seahouses RNLI lifeboat firing flares from their boat, the Grace Darling. The practice session was impressive as a number of flares were fired, much to the entertainment of the warden team. Other than that, the team are looking forward to a quiet spell of weather and getting island life back to normality.

Grim day

Sunset over Inner Farne lighthouse (Andy Denton)
Oystercatcher flock on Inner Farne (Andy Denton)

Shag having a wash (Andy Denton)

Friday 16th September comments: Its been a grim day today on the islands as a south-easterly wind increased preventing boats from sailing. It was in complete contrast to the previous day and by mid-afternoon, heavy rain had descended across the islands. Work was mainly confined to the buildings although occasional birding sorties were made, but with very little reward. The conditions made viewing difficult and very little had arrived but as always on the islands, there is tomorrow and the potential for migrants. Bring it on...

Rock and roll

Wind swept Inner Farne (Graeme Duncan)

Mainland in the distance (Graeme Duncan)

Hard-core seawatching (Graeme Duncan)

Latest update (16:30) The storm continues to rage and there is no sign of relenting as the shipping forecast is just in....

"Forth, Tyne, Dogger: south-west severe gale 9, occasionally storm 10"

That's that then. Bring it on.

Storm troopers

Tuesday 13th September latest...
Check out the above video compiled by resident warden Graeme Duncan during yesterday's storm. Its a bit mental and that is just the wardens in it! As you can also see, the blog has had a much needed 'make-over' and I owe a big thanks to Fiona Whitworth and Graeme Duncan for the support and help.
Keep following us and enjoy the blog!

Aye, we’ll give it a go!

Latest storm pictures (2pm)...

Island visit anyone? (Jack Ibbotson)

Boat in a storm (Jack Ibbotson)

Heading home (Jack Ibbotson)

Over the bench (Ciaran Hatsell)

Latest update; the wind had notched up another level and unbelievably we noted a dive boat heading back to Seahouses at 13:30. WHAT a journey that must have been. More photos to follow later.

Farnes lock-down

Blow out (photos taken today at midday) (Jack Ibbotson)

Smashing the islands (Jack Ibbotson)
Hello Bamburgh (David Steel)

Monday 12th September comments: Its started, the wind is now smashing the islands and its only midday - we're still some time away from the peak wind strength. With high-tide not forecast until 17:00 this evening, its going to be fun. More news and photos to follow.

The quest for the holy Quail

The quest for the holy Quail

The team seawatching

Ready for s torm - boat tied down

Sunday 11th September comments: It was a quiet day on the islands today as we prepare for the tail end of a hurricane which will cut us off from the mainland for the next three days at least. We're fully stocked and ready for this, so we'll watch Mother Nature hammer the islands and pick up the pieces at the end of it all. Its going to be interesting and I'm just so pleased I'm not reporting this during the breeding season.

On the islands, a Quail was discovered running across the main baordwalk on Inner Farne today, only several feet from the observers. What a sight! Although almost annual on the Farnes, this was only the second ever autumn record for this scarce summer visitor. Despite the best efforts of the team, we could not relocate this little gem.

Now hold onto your hats, there's a storm brewing....

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