Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com.
Have you ever seen a bird of prey really close up? It’s amazing what clear, sharp eyes they have, and their talons are truly fearsome even if you’re not a rabbit. The most amazing thing about birds of prey is their ability to detect prey from a great distance and [...]
Sandscupting Festival on Fort Myers Beach
Poste by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
It’s going on RIGHT NOW! The 2009 23rd American Sandsculpting Championship and Beach Festival on Fort Myers Beach. I was there two years a go and really enjoyed talking to the artists and seeing their incredible sculptures. It’s WAY beyond sandcastles. Here’s a video I shot with VISITFLORIDA to give [...]
David Allen Sibley to Deliver Keynote at Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival 2010
Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com.
Bird identification can be challenging. That’s why one of the first hobby related acquisitions of a birder is a good field guide to the birds–or two–or three.
My first field guide, purchased in 1971 for $3.95, was A Golden Field Guide’s “Birds of North America” by Robbins, Bruun, Zim and Singer. [...]
Kevin Mims & Paddle Florida on the Suwannee River
Posted by David McRee at BlogTheBeach.com
I encourage you to go to YouTube and watch the video in full screen mode.
Another fabulous Florida video by Kevin Mims. Enjoy a little live blues while taking a trip down the Suwannee River by kayak, in HD no less. Just relax.
You want to know a little more about the [...]
Fight club
Stand clear: Bull seals fight it out (more top photos from Davy Still - standing well clear!)
Welcome to fight club
Young and innocent - a Seal pup looks on Wednesday 4th November comments:
November is now upon us and the islands are now officially closed to visitors although visitors boats do ‘sail around’ showing people the breeding Grey Seals and their pups. The final few days of October and the opening few day of November were dominated by one thing – the weather. However following several days of strong winds, yesterday and today brought a refreshing change – a clam spell of weather!
November is now upon us and the islands are now officially closed to visitors although visitors boats do ‘sail around’ showing people the breeding Grey Seals and their pups. The final few days of October and the opening few day of November were dominated by one thing – the weather. However following several days of strong winds, yesterday and today brought a refreshing change – a clam spell of weather!
The weather window allowed the team to access the Seal colonies and we’ve now peaked at 506 – an impressive number but with plenty more to follow. Both days were spent marking, tagging and counting the pups, both dead and alive. Thankfully, the number of dead remains low and we hope to keep it that way. However life as a small seal pup can be brutal, as we witnessed a bull seal, defending his territory, just throw a pup across the colonies like a rag doll. Thankfully the pup survived although rather shocked and dazed. As for the bulls, there is some serious fights starting and its best to stay clear, these guys don’t mess and it can get bloody.
On the migration front, the Richard’s Pipits finally departed the islands on 30th October having been here since 11th October – no surprise that it broke all previous Farne records for lingering Richards Pipits. The island avifauna has also changed as a lingering flock of Snow Buntings (up to 21) reminds us that winter is almost upon us whilst Twite and Linnet are present daily. One disturbing sight today involved a few oiled Guillemots around the islands – we’re hoping its not a serious issue and we’ll keep a very close eye on this situation.
Highlights: Red-necked Grebe 1 lingering, Teal 48 on Knoxes Reef, Woodcock 1 Skylark 6 over, Black Redstart 2 first-year birds lingering, Chiffchaff 1, Blackcap male and female, Twite 20, Linnet 40, Snow Bunting 21 lingering.
Grey Seal pup population: population counts so far
North Wamses 174
South Wamses 226
Longstone 1
Brownsman 21
Staple Island 73
Northern Hares 11
Total 506
V Australia to Fiji
V Australia, a member of the Virgin Blue Airlines group owned by British businessman Sir Richard Branson, will begin flying from Sydney to Nadi in December, 2009. The V Australia flights will replace some of the current services to Fiji provided by Pacific Blue, another arm of Branson’s empire.
Tahiti Sun Travel For Sale
Ian Robichaud is selling The Tahiti Sun Travel Network. Included in the sale is a portfolio of 41 internet domain names with all of their current content. Among the popular domains being offered are Boraboraisland.com, Huahine.com, Mooreaisland.com, Papeete.com, Raiatea.com, Tetiaroa.com, and Tuamotu-islands.com.
Cook Islands Travel Guide
The Cook Islands chapter from Moon Handbooks South Pacific is now online at http://cookislands.southpacific.org. The 125 pages contain 15 detailed island maps and town plans, plus dozens of photos and line drawings. Navigation is easy with top and side menus, plus a full site map. These features make the site as easy or easier to use than a printed book.
Perfectly Frank – Fiji
This feature interview with Frank Bainimarama from Journeyman Pictures helps put in perspective the political situation in Fiji.
Cook Islands Tax Hike
On September 1, 2009, the Cook Islands almost doubled its International Airport Departure Tax from NZ$30 to NZ$55. This tax is not included in airline tickets and must be paid in cash. If you pay by credit card it will be treated as a cash advance and you’ll be charged an additional fee.
Easter Island Travel Guide
My Easter Island Travel Guide is now online, the eighth chapter from Moon Handbooks South Pacific to be posted on SouthPacific.org. Many of the photos and drawings on the 39-page site have never been published before and the maps of Easter Island and Hanga Roa were updated. The Hiking Guide to Easter Island outlines the best walks on the island.
Surviving Paradise
Peter Rudiak-Gould has authored a travel memoir about the Marshall Islands. Surviving Paradise: One Year on a Disappearing Island tells of Peter’s experiences as the only foreigner on a third-of-a-square-mile, ocean-flat tropical island, teaching at a school where 14-year-olds ask how to spell "I" and the only pencil sharpeners are rocks.
Canada Seal Hunt ‘09
Rebecca Aldworth and the Protect Seals team cover the cruel Canada seal hunt.
Tuvalu Travel Guide
The ninth chapter from Moon Handbooks South Pacific is now online at tuvalu.southpacific.org. There are individual maps of Tuvalu’s nine islands and atolls, plus a map of the capital Vaiaku on Funafuti and a clickable Tuvalu map.
Saudi Arabian Sojourn
I recently spent three weeks touring Saudi Arabia, a country I’ve wanted to visit for some time. Four of us – two Australian ladies, an American lawyer, and myself - toured Saudi Arabia for two weeks on a visit organized by Caravan-Serai Tours of Seattle, Washington.
Welcome back storms
You can't see me - a Brownsman Seal pup 
Who's that...
Feeding by the cottage - Woodcock showing wellFriday 30th October comments:
Welcome back to storm season – a day of strong wind and heavy seas. Although we’ve been technically open to visitors for the past two weeks, we’ve only welcomed them on two days – Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to us recently. However Farnes life continues and yet more Seal pups have been born today, although we don’t have an official count for a few days. The team made the most of the day, as we went about daily tasks including construction of more boardwalk and applying much needed wood preserver to various wood doors.
Welcome back to storm season – a day of strong wind and heavy seas. Although we’ve been technically open to visitors for the past two weeks, we’ve only welcomed them on two days – Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to us recently. However Farnes life continues and yet more Seal pups have been born today, although we don’t have an official count for a few days. The team made the most of the day, as we went about daily tasks including construction of more boardwalk and applying much needed wood preserver to various wood doors.
On the bird front, the south-easterly winds brought in a small number of Thrushes but also at least ten Woodcock – like the Thrushes, moving from the near continent to winter within the UK. It allowed for some great views as birds fed around the buildings and give us a great opportunity for photos – nice work Davy! The Snow Bunting flock remain whilst the Richard’s Pipits are still here although due to the weather, we could not confirm the presence of a second bird…
Highlights: Woodcock 10 – a noticeable influx, Lapwing 2 south, Richard’s Pipit 1+ - still here although second bird not seen, Redwing 32 west, Blackbird 82 west, Fieldfare 21 west, Chiffchaff 1, Brambling 1, Snow Bunting 9 lingering
All change
Up close and personal - a Farnes Seal pup 
Keeping tabs on us - a Cow Grey Seal
Given respect - a Bull Seal on the rocks
Thursday 29th October comments:
It’s all change on the Farnes. Yesterday and today have witnessed some fantastic weather, and it was almost hard to believe that it was late October. The sun was out, the sea was flat calm and the team were full of busy! It allowed us access to the Seal colonies, visitors arrived in their droves and we even made it the sanctuary of the mainland for vital supplies (although Anne Wilson, the Farnes historian, brought some fantastic cakes and biscuits out for the team!). So a busy 48 hour period.
It’s all change on the Farnes. Yesterday and today have witnessed some fantastic weather, and it was almost hard to believe that it was late October. The sun was out, the sea was flat calm and the team were full of busy! It allowed us access to the Seal colonies, visitors arrived in their droves and we even made it the sanctuary of the mainland for vital supplies (although Anne Wilson, the Farnes historian, brought some fantastic cakes and biscuits out for the team!). So a busy 48 hour period.
The visit to the Seal colonies was productive as the number of pups has topped the 200 mark with the island of North Wamses leading the way with 103 born. Last season we witnessed a Cow on the north shore of Brownsman suckling not one, but four pups and we’ve seen it again! However this time it involved a female on the South Wamses suckling three pups – it was very unusual to record it last year but a repeat – unheard of!
Migration through the islands continued as the Richard’s Pipits remain although they did consider departing (at one stage we watched them fly off west towards the mainland before returning – they have to go soon!). Interestingly a Yellowhammer arrived on Brownsman (the first on the islands in two years) alongside 21 Twite, whilst the Snow Bunting flock on Brownsman peaked at fifteen. As for the forthcoming few days, its looks like where in for a turbulent time and don’t look at Sunday’s weather, its going to get very, very interesting…
Highlights: Shoveler 1N, Water Rail one feeding on Inner Farne (2nd of the year), Skylark 12 west, Richard’s Pipit 2 remain on Brownsman…heading for November, Chiffchaff 2, Snow Bunting 15 together on Brownsman, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet 60, Twite 21, Siskin 2, Yellowhammer immature on Brownsman – first since 2007, Reed Bunting 1
Grey Seal pup population: population counts so far
North Wamses 103
South Wamses 94
Longstone 1
Brownsman 11
Staple Island 27
Total 236
Still no go
Brownsman's latest arrival
Stand clear - a Bull seal keeping his groundMonday 26th October comments:
So it goes on. The wind direction may have changed but where going nowhere. Just over a week ago, a south-easterly weather front battered the islands and it’s not stopped since. Today, at long last, the wind switched direction swinging to….the north. Things don’t get much better, as instead of a hammering from the south-east, we’ll just take it from the north. However it’s all change again tonight as we head back to south-easterly gales. Role on some calm westerly’s… Despite the storms, the teams morale is still good although with sugar and milk running low, it may change in the near future (the lads aren’t keen on long-life milk…)
So it goes on. The wind direction may have changed but where going nowhere. Just over a week ago, a south-easterly weather front battered the islands and it’s not stopped since. Today, at long last, the wind switched direction swinging to….the north. Things don’t get much better, as instead of a hammering from the south-east, we’ll just take it from the north. However it’s all change again tonight as we head back to south-easterly gales. Role on some calm westerly’s… Despite the storms, the teams morale is still good although with sugar and milk running low, it may change in the near future (the lads aren’t keen on long-life milk…)
On the islands, the number of seal pups increases daily and we’ve had several new arrivals on Staple Island whilst two more pups have been born on Brownsman. The storms appear not to be causing many problems however where still a few weeks away from peak birth rates and peak time for storm season. It’s going to be interesting.
Highlights: Richard’s Pipit 2 remain on Brownsman having originally arriving from the east on 11th and 13th October respectively – these really are record breakers for the islands – they don’t want to leave! Willow Warbler, Firecrest – a new arrival on Brownsman, the 4th this autumn, Goldcrest 2, Snow Bunting 2, Reed Bunting 1.
Over they go!
Spot the dots - thrushes galore over the Farnes today 
Counting the lot - Jason on the obs roof on BrownsmanTuesday 27th October comments:
Another day, another on Brownsman. There has been no escape since last Monday and today was no different. The wind increased overnight from the south-east and the sea prevented any escape, so it was a case of “life goes on” in a Farnes kind of way (just without any milk or sugar!).
Another day, another on Brownsman. There has been no escape since last Monday and today was no different. The wind increased overnight from the south-east and the sea prevented any escape, so it was a case of “life goes on” in a Farnes kind of way (just without any milk or sugar!).
On a positive note, the day produced an impressive movement of Thrushes, as birds moved from the near-continent to winter in the UK. The Farnes act as a key flyway for passage migrants and today saw a typical movement, as good numbers of Blackbirds, Redwings and Fieldfares were logged throughout the day. The spectacular sight involved small flocks moving west with the occasional bird dropping in onto the island looking for a deserved well earned rest. How many actually moved across the North Sea down the east coast today will never be known but it must have involved some huge numbers.
Highlights:
Thrush passage west:
Blackbird 1,736
Redwing 1,506
Fieldfare 766
Also Lapwing 3, Woodcock 6, Goosander female north, Merlin hunting, Skylark 4, Richard’s Pipit 2 – as happy as ever together on Brownsman, Willow Warbler, Brambling 6, Snow Bunting 5 together and Reed Bunting 2.
Sealing mission
Mum and pup sticking close together on Staple Island 
Stand clear - an angry mum warning us off
Grey Phalarope feeding Staple Sound (Brownsman in distance)
sorry for photo - taken on my phone!
Friday 23rd October comments:
Dawn on Friday, the end is neigh; the storm is over.....or is it? As the first rays of daylight streamed across the Farnes, the team were up and about although we had a few ‘over-night’ guests to release as both a Goldcrest and surprisingly, the Firecrest had taken advantage of the warmth of the building. Its not every day that you share a room with some migrant birds, but nothing should surprise us anymore. This is planet Farnes after all.
Dawn on Friday, the end is neigh; the storm is over.....or is it? As the first rays of daylight streamed across the Farnes, the team were up and about although we had a few ‘over-night’ guests to release as both a Goldcrest and surprisingly, the Firecrest had taken advantage of the warmth of the building. Its not every day that you share a room with some migrant birds, but nothing should surprise us anymore. This is planet Farnes after all.
Although the open sea remained mountainous, the wind had eased enough to allow us access to the nearby Seal colonies. So Friday was a busy day as the team went about spraying, counting and tagging the young pups on the islands and we’ve now got a respectable 96 new pups (only 1,200 to go.....).
On the way back we discovered a Grey Phalarope feeding on the surface of the sea – a great little bird which showed well by our Zodiac inflatable. However due to the lack of cameras on board, I had to use my phone to sneak a few 'record shots' of this unusual visitor. 'Grey Phals' are annual on the Farnes although still remain rare elsewhere - it's the beauty of sticking four miles out in the North Sea! However as darkness fell, all was not well. The windows were rattling, the wind had increased once again from the south-east and here we go again, there is no escape.
Highlights: Grey Phalarope 1 in Staple Sound between Inner Farne and Brownsman feeding on the sea by boat! Lapwing 1 west, Woodcock 2, Richard’s Pipit 2 yet again, Fieldfare 16, Redwing 38, Song Thrush 9, Blackbird 27, Wheatear 1 lingering, Robin 15, Redstart 2, Black Redstart 2 (Inner Farne and Brownsman), Blackcap 2, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff 8, Firecrest 2 (Brownsman and Inner Farne), Goldcrest 11 and Reed Bunting 4.
Grey Seal pup population: population counts so far
North Wamses 52
South Wamses 38
Longstone 1
Brownsman 2
Staple Island 3
Total 96
