Wednesday 21st October comments: Day two of the storm and it remains real, it remains big. The south-easterly weather-front has remained constant and the sea has increased in size as two days of strong winds has ensured some impressive swell which is smashing itself into the islands. Although the Farnes are only 4 miles off the north Northumberland coast, that gap may as well be wider, as we’ll not see anyone else for some time. Forecasters are looking at next Tuesday, maybe. As the storm rages, the Shags look bemused, the Seals don’t care and the wardens look in awe. Welcome to the Farnes, this is storm season.
As for the seal pups, although few in number, they know when to keep their heads down and shelter out of reach of the vicious North Sea. The mothers are street-wise, they’ll know how to keep the youngsters safe and that’s a good thing. Migrant birds have also been dropping in today, somewhat bedraggled, as our lingering Richard’s Pipit remain, whilst a Firecrest was the pick of the rest.
Highlights: Woodcock 2, Short-eared Owl, Richard’s Pipit 2 STILL remain on Brownsman – the first of these two arrived over eleven days ago! Skylark 21, Black Redstart 1st winter, Ring Ouzel 1st male, Firecrest 1 fem/imm (2nd of the season), Blackcap 2, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest 5, Brambling 7, Chaffinch and Reed Bunting 4.
Thursday 22nd October comments: It’s not over and we know it. Day three and there was no let up. The day witnessed a drop in the wind, but the booming south-easterly swell was still producing waves big enough to crash over the Pinnacle stacks, which tower 80ft above the surface of the sea. This is some storm season and the wardens understand one thing about this time of year; there is no escape. As darkness fell, the wind was whipping back up and the stormy seas were angry once again, where in it for the long haul.
Despite the storm, the Grey Seals just get on with daily business as if nothing is happening. The bulls have moved up onto Staple to defend important colonies, whilst young pups, few in number, cling onto shingle banks hoping the next big wave is not their last. Thankfully all seals appear fine and well, as Staple Island now has two pups whilst Brownsman has just got the one. Hopefully the team will be able to visit the satellite colonies soon, as we should have a few more to report.
Migrants birds have continued to filter through the islands with a few interesting arrivals. However the day belonged to a cheeky Goldcrest which roosted overnight in the dormitory in the cottage before being released unharmed as dawn broke over Brownsman. The little bird, Britain’s smallest, has probably crossed the North Sea from Scandinavia and a little rest bite and warmth in the cottage was probably most welcome. Interestingly, the bird returned tonight and we’ll be heading to bed later with a Goldcrest sleeping alongside us for a second night...
Highlights: Water Rail 1 on Staple (first of the year – a rarity out here), Lapwing 3, Jack Snipe 1, Snipe 2, Woodcock 5, Wood Pigeon (rare out here!), Richard’s Pipit 2 STILL remain on Brownsman, Skylark 29W, Black Redstart 1st winter, Redstart 2, Wheatear, Robin 21 (influx), Firecrest 1 fem/imm for second day, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 4, Yellow-browed Warbler 1 at dusk (5th this year), Goldcrest 10, Red-breasted Flycatcher 1st winter – 2nd this season, Brambling 15, Chaffinch and Reed Bunting 7.
Calm before ther storm - a calm Brownsman south end
Zodiac boats secured and away from the jetty
Jason with vital supplies - the beers!
Monday 19th October comments:
The siege is on. It’s the autumn and only one thing keeps us on our toes – storms, big blasting storms and its coming. The forecast has been building it, the isobars are getting tighter and the wind is increasing. Next stop – mayhem.
The islands are expecting a battering as a raging south-easterly storm which, if forecasters are to be believed, will last the week and not much is going to stand in its way. The wind will blow across the North Sea, and stop at the first thing in its way – the Farne Islands. Expect trouble. Today has seen some important work – planning for a siege. The local Co-op was happy with the teams arrival today as we spent over £200 between four of us but we’re fully stocked and ready. The islands boats and equipment have been moved and secured, the storage areas lashed down and entrance signs removed. It’s going to be brutal but we’re ready.
As for the Seals, where up to 26 pups as the team made it onto the colonies yesterday and their all doing well, but then again in calm conditions its what we'd expect. Hold on to your hats, its not just the wardens about to experience a battering, the big seas might just cause the Seals a few problems…watch this space.
Highlights: Brent Goose 2 pale-bellied lingering, Richard’s Pipit 2 remain – still present together on Brownsman – will they ever leave? Chiffchaff, Blackcap male, Brambling and Reed Bunting 2 – generally quiet
Under siege - Jason inspecting Staple Island from Brownsman
Tuesday 20th October comments:
Good morning world, its storm time. I woke just after 3am to the sound of ‘dancing’ roof tiles – the storm was starting to bite and by dawn it was evident the forecasters had indeed not got it wrong. The south-easterly wind had kicked in during the night and it was raging and things did not change during the day - the wind and sea just battered the islands, relentlessly. The forecast is indicting that we’re due to be battered until at least Sunday – that’s five days away, so where in for a long haul.
Despite the weather life continues as normal on the Farnes, as the team got on with a few bits of practical work, whilst the first Grey Seal pup was born on Brownsman, well away from danger at the north end of the islands. We also had the bizarre sight of male Eiders, now back in their striking full summer-plumage (having been in moult during the late summer) starting to display. So there we had the surreal sight of displaying male Eiders in huge mountainous seas - what a crazy world, but then again this is the Farnes and its no ordinary place...
Highlights: Peregrine, Woodcock, Fieldfare 11, Redwing 73, Richard’s Pipits 2 – both still here, there going nowhere in this! The birds remain vocal and flighty at times, but appear very settled on the island (maybe linked to the lack of predators – raptors have been few and far between and we’ve got no other ground predators on the Farnes), Ring Ouzel 2 (male and first-winter), Blackcap male, Brambling and Reed Bunting 2.
Pale northern visitor - Chiffchaff but not a British bird
Saturday 17th October comments: The northerly wind continued today although much lighter than the previous day. The weather brought in a small scattering of migrants including two noticeable northern birds – a pale Common Redpoll – stunning against the dark background of the dock and a very pale Chiffchaff - a bird certainly not born in this country! Otherwise quiet, although our long staying Richard’s Pipits remain with us – they love Brownsman having been here since last weekend! Tomorrow we head back out to the Seal colonies, so hopefully a few pictures of our first born Seal pups.
Highlights: Great Northern Diver, Sooty Shearwater 2N, Manx Shearwater 8N, Arctic Skua 1N, Great Skua 2N, Brent Goose 1N, Long-tailed Duck male north, Merlin, Snipe, Richard’s Pipit 2 still lingering – the first was found on Brownsman 11th and has been here ever since! Common Redpoll 1 on Brownsman, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 3, Brambling, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting 2.
Keeping a close eye on things - an adult Grey Seal
One on the wall - a Goldcrest checking for food against the cottage wall
Tuesday 13th October comments: It’s the autumn and that means one thing: seal pups. The team were up bright and early this morning, as the weather allowed our first major check of the Seal colonies and we were not disappointed. The main colonies of the South and North Wamses produced six pups, although sadly two were dead, but this is expected on the Farne colonies at this time of year. The first pup of the season born on 4th October is doing well and being well protected by its mother, but sadly I forgot my camera so no photos today!
On the migrant front, the day brought a reasonable movement of Thrushes as well as a few other migrants and the lingering Richard's Pipit was still present on Brownsman for its third day. However we were stunned whilst watching the bird mid-afternoon, as there was not one, but two birds, as a second had arrived and decided to join up with the first - a double bonus but not surprising as this is the Farnes!
Highlights: Goldeneye 6, Merlin, Peregrine female, Woodcock, Arctic Skua one mobbing a Kittiwake, Short-eared Owl on Inner Farne, Richard’s Pipit 2 on Brownsman (one having been present for three days), Wheatear, Skylark 3, Blackbird 112, Redwing 933, Song Thrush 22, Fieldfare 113,Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff 2, Blackcap female, Goldcrest 4, Greenfinch, Brambling 10 and Reed Bunting 7
A quiet day on the islands today as a strengthening northerly wind pounded the islands resulting in no boats sailing and the team being cut-off. Northerly winds at this time of year can produce some interesting bird sightings, but alas, it remained quiet despite our best efforts. Thankfully the low number of seal pups (a total of six born so far) will not cause them too many problems. However the teams focus went back to the new Brownsman boardwalk and hopefully we'll be boasting a new walkway by the end of the season. We'll be on the Seal colonies tomorrow morning, so I'll bring some photographs of our first pups born across the Farnes.
Highlights: Sooty Shearwater 3N, Manx Shearwater 3N, Great Skua 2N, Arctic Skua 1N, Richard's Pipit - both still present on Brownsman - their enjoying the islands having been here since 11th October! Chiffchaff 2, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest 3, Re2d Bunting.
Saturday 10th October comments: Welcome back! and what a welcome - its been a cracking day on the islands as a huge 'fall' occurred with a few rarities adding to the spice. The blog is up and running again and I'll be bringing you all the news from the Farnes over the next two months and read tomorrow as I'll bring you news of our first Grey Seal pup of the year....
Today's highlights: Pintail 1N, Great Skua 4N, Sparrowhawk 1 on Longstone, Short-eared Owl 1 on Staple, Peregrine 1 on Brownsman, Jack Snipe 2 (Inner Farne and Staple), Woodcock, Quail 1 on Brownsman and then Staple Island - 2nd record of the year and latest ever Farnes record, Skylark 9, Wheatear, Redstart 4, Whinchat, Robin 37, Dunnock 11, Redwing 3,567 west, Blackbird 75, Ring Ouzel male on Inner Farne, Garden Warbler, Blackcap 15, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow-browed Warbler 2 - singles on Inner Farne and Breownsman, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 18, Goldcrest 3, Firecrest male on Inner Farne - first since 2007, Red-backed Shrike immature on Inner Farne, Red-breasted Flycatcher 1st winter on Inner Farne, Brambling 16, Greenfinch 12, Chaffinch 14, Snow Bunting 5 and Reed Bunting 4.
Recent highlights:
Friday 9th October Seawatching: Red-throated Diver 1N, Manx Shearwater 244N, Sooty Shearwater 71N, Arctic Skua 35N, Great Skua 64N, Pomarine Skua 4N – all adults, Puffin 2, Ring Ouzel - 1st winter on island, Snow Bunting 1 on island.
Thursday 8th October Long-tailed Skua 1 adult north, Great Skua 4N, Snow Bunting on island
Monday 5th October FEA’S (type) PETREL 1N at 18:00 – skirting past Crumstone and then Brownsman – 5th for the Farnes following accepted records in 2002, 1999, 1996 and 1993.
Blackbird's on the move - heading west to winter in the UK
In coming - Redwing on the Farnes
Sunday 11th October comments: Following yesterdays avalanche of birds, the wind switched direction and increased in strength, almost reaching gale-force from the north-west. The result was an almost complete clear-out of passerine migrants from the Farnes although the day brought one surprise. As the team were about to start work on building some new boardwalk on Brownsman, a Richard’s Pipit, a rarity from Siberia, dropped in and showed well before flying off to nearby Staple Island. The bird was refound on Staple by the team before it returned to Brownsman later in the day, the 18th Farnes record.
Whilst I was away on the South Uists (meeting no fewer than three ex-Farne wardens – great to see you boys!), the team recorded the first Grey Seal pup of the year! The pup was born on the South Wamses on 4th October and both mother and pup are doing well. So the first (of no doubt many) have been born and it'll probably be another roller-coaster of a ride over the next six weeks, so stay tuned - the Seals are taking over and weather is on its way...
Highlights: Woodcock, Snipe, Richard’s Pipit – one on Brownsman at 11:30 moved to nearby Staple Island before returning a few hours later, Whinchat, Wheatear, Redwing 14 west, Chiffchaff 3, Greenfinch 4, Chaffinch 9, Reed Bunting 3, Snow Bunting male lingering. Sadly Inner Farne was not checked due to the severe weather.
The one - its not a great image but enough - Lancy on the rocks
(well done lads for snapping this in difficult conditions and fading light!)
Wednesday 30th September comments:
Its been a while since I updated the blog so here goes…
It’s been a long, slow September for the birders on the islands, as a series of westerly winds has produced very little in the way of bird migration. In fact nothing. I suppose it’s a bit harsh as we’ve had a Black-headed Bunting amongst others, but it’s been slow going at times.
However that changed on Tuesday and I should have known. I walked off the islands on Monday evening to attend an all-day ‘conflict and resolution’ training course on Tuesday as part of my job. After weeks (it has felt like an eternity) of westerly winds, I decided to leave on the only day an east wind decided to blow and that proved to be a big mistake, a real big mistake...
As forecast, the wind switched and by Tuesday morning, the islands were full of common migrants, as Skylarks and Pipits were present in their hundreds, Brambling and Chaffinch arrived from the east and the occasional oddity was discovered including a Lapland Bunting on Inner Farne. Then it happened.
The lads decided to check the most easterly island as time slipped away, as they arrived on Longstone (some 4.5 miles out from the mainland) at 18:30 and were greeted by a small number of migrants feeding amongst the lichen covered rocks (which is always an odd sight). The rain was falling and light was starting to fade but in the gloom, the team picked up on a small creeping warbler as it ran around on the open bare rock. The bird, small in appearance with the odd behaviour of preferring to walk rather than fly, was seen well by the lads and then the penny dropped. The team had discovered a ‘Lancy’ – (also better known as LANCEOLATED WARBLER) a very rare warbler from eastern Siberia.
Unlike anything else this season, this was a real rare – less than 120 records in the UK and most of those are from the Northern Isles of Scotland. Even Northumberland only boasts two previous records – on the Farnes in 1995 and Tynemouth in the late 1980’s. As light disappeared, the lads returned to Brownsman, to celebrate, but in the knowledge the world would be watching.
Due to a set of unforeseen circumstances, the internet ‘dongle’ was on Inner Farne and photos of the bird could not be forwarded to an anticipating head warden. Eventually the pictures were sent to me (I’m still mainland-bound at this moment) and the discussion began. At this stage, I got Ian Fisher, a very knowledgeable and well respected Northumberland birder ‘in on the act’ and following a review of the photographs (not the best of quality due to fading light and poor conditions), everyone was happy and the bird was a Lancy (not that my team had any doubts!).
It was great news for the lads (brilliant work team – that’ll be something you’ll not forget for a long time!), great news for the Farnes and the County, but not such good news for myself and many other birders who would have loved to have seen it!! To their credit, the team were on the Longstone complex very early Wednesday morning, but sadly the bird was gone.
Joe with his trusty camera - the blog will miss his photos!
Paul at his best - in a zodiac boat
Thursday 17th September comments: It’s been an eventful week on the islands, as we’ve experienced huge whales, rare birds and some stunning weather. However today was a sadder day, as we said goodbye to two members of the team. With the autumn well on its way the island team is reduced as warden’s move onto pastures new.
Today Joe Cockram and Paul McDonald said goodbye to the Farnes after a great season, having spent the previous six months living and working on the islands. Both lads brought a lot to the Farnes and I’m certain neither one will forget an amazing experience. Joe will start at Bournemouth University in the very near future and we wish him well – it’ll certainly be very different to island life. Paul will begin a year’s adventure touring Canada, so I’m certain island life will probably have trained him well for the wilderness of North America.
We wish them both all the very best and, lads, if your reading this, a big thank-you for all your hard work and great company. Despite there departure, I’m sure they’ll be back in the future and already we look forward to their return. Tonight the atmosphere has been subdued, they’ll be missed.
Highlights: Common Rosefinch present for its fourth day on the islands, otherwise very quiet for migrant birds.
The weekend produced mixed weather, as Saturday brought a spot of rain strong southerly winds, whilst Sunday was as good as we could have hoped for mid-September- plenty of sunshine and calm conditions. The resulting weather brought very little in the form of migrant birds although our first Pink-footed Geese started moving west towards the mainland, as they migrate to wintering grounds in deepest north Norfolk. Otherwise a very quiet few days and even quieter for the team, as we've now lost Paul and Joe.
However one noticeable visitor reappeared around the islands on Saturday - the monster returned, as the Humpback Whale was seen again!! Just after midday, reports started filtering out that the beast had been seen off Newton Point (about four miles south of here) and as we waited, the animal moved north, eventually reaching Crumstone just after 3pm. However it then went quiet and no-doubt disappeared back into the depths of the North Sea. It'll be interesting to see if the animal lingers and what a sight that would be for the daily visitor! Otherwise all quiet and the first seal pup can't be too far away...
One step forward, the Bunting on a Brownsman wall (by Joe Cockram)
Proof I was there - me and the Bunting (nice one Joe!)
Bluethroat, Staple Island (by Joe Cockram)
Barred Warbler, Staple Island
Monday 14th September comments: The Farnes had just experienced a noteworthy day the previous day as a Humpback Whale was discovered north of the islands, the first ever encounter with the islands. Today was just as interesting, in fact for the birders amongst us, even better!!!
Following a very quiet start, a BarredWarbler was discovered on Staple Island before three Risso Dolphins quickened the pulse. This was only the fourth ever Farnes record of this large scar-headed dolphin, as three animals moved south through Staple Sound allowing good views for the wardens.
However this was just the beginning. Myself and Jason decided to leave Inner Farne and meet up with the Brownsman wardens (Joe and Adam) and take a look at the very showy Barred Warbler. The bird, a big gem, showed well but seconds later, we were distracted as a Bluethroat graced our presence. Here we were, on an island in the North Sea, watching Bluethroat and Barred Warbler – another good day for the Farnes. However things just got better.
Onto the furthest easterly island, Longstone and following the discovery of a few migrants including the autumns first Goldcrest feeding in seaweed (this is the Farnes after all), we discovered a Common Rosefinch. What a crazy few hours. Eventually after some celebrating, we headed back to Brownsman to take a look at some more of Joe’s quality photographs.
However the day wasn’t finished as the four birders headed up to Brownsman cottage, and then it happened. A bird sprung from the vegetation onto a wall and BANG, a Black-headed Bunting!! All four birders stopped, disbelieving and watching, looking at the bird. It was a Black-headed Bunting, a very rare eastern migrant which should be heading to Asia but is now on the Farne Islands!! This represents the fifth Farnes record and after some great views, note taking and photos, the lads celebrated. The Farnes strikes and what an amazing few hours. Something the four of us will not forget. Black-headed Bunting. Whatever next….role on tomorrow.
Tail fluke of a monster - Humpback Whale (phots by Julie Forrest)
Humpback off the Farnes, on Monday 13th September (photos by Julie Forrest)
Wednesday 16th September comments:
Following the euphoria of Monday evening, the following few days have been more settled as most of the migrant birds departed overnight with no sign of the Black-headed Bunting on Tuesday morning. The only bird of interest lingering for a second day was the Common Rosefinch, which moved from Longstone to nearby Brownsman.
On the cetacean front, following the spectacular sightings of the Humpback Whale and Risso’s Dolphins, things were back to normal, although photographs of the whale have now emerged. Julie Forrest, a local diver, was lucky enough to be onboard Glad Tidings, when the whale was originally discovered. Many thanks to her for forwarding the photographs – I superb record shot of an impressive beast in Farnes waters. For those who witnessed the whale, it will long stay in the memory.
Otherwise the islands remain quiet, as small numbers of visitors arrive daily and the team await the first Seal Pup of the year – it’s surely just around the corner…
Distant but distinctive: Farnes 13th Cory's Shearwater (by Joe Cockram)
Cory's Shearwater heads north, Farne Islands
Saturday 5th September comments:
It’s not been a great start to the month for those wishing to visit the islands, following two open days, Saturday proved to be the third consecutive day we were closed, as the beefy North-westerly winds had whipped up enough swell to prevent boats from sailing. However we should be back open for business tomorrow (Sunday) but with rain forecast, it'll probably be grim (as they say).
It was another interesting day for sightings, as eyes were trained on seabird movement as the majority of migrants including yesterdays Icterine Warbler, had departed. The morning produced the biggest surge of records as a few hundred Manx Shearwaters were recorded, alongside the occasional Sooty Shearwater, but then news broke of a Cory’s Shearwater off Newbiggin-by-the-sea, flying north at 09:40 (Newbiggin lies about 20 miles south of the Farnes). Within the hour, the team were celebrating the successful sighting of the Farnes 13th Cory's Shearwater, as it skirted north around the islands, close to Inner Farne and then Brownsman (and was seen by the majority of wardens).
Even Joe managed to grab a few snap shots of the bird, certainly the first time we've ever had a photographed Cory's off the Farnes and probably Northumberland!! Interestingly the bird was seen soon after at nearby St.Abb's Head at 11:30 and was then possibly the same bird recorded off Fife Ness late in the afternoon.
Seawatching: Cory’s Shearwater north at 11:00 (second this season), Manx Shearwater 297, Sooty Shearwater 5N, Velvet Scoter 3N, Common Scoter 9N, Teal 50N, Great Skua 5N and Arctic Skua 2.
Sunday 13th September comments: This was no ordinary day on the Farnes. The islands have been going through a lean spell whilst other east coast headlines having been cashing in on some interesting bird migrants. But this wasn’t a day about birds, as the headlines were stolen by a cetacean. Just after midday, William Shiel (Glad Tidings) phoned me to tell me he had just seen a Humpback whale near Longstone Island. In complete disbelief, the shock stopped me in my tracks but then pandemonium was let loose as the warden team raced to the top of Pele Tower to start scanning for the whale.
After a few frustrating minutes (during which time the animal was showing well to a visitor boat within the area), the animal revealed itself. First a column of water from its blow hole followed by a show of its tail fluke as it dived deep into Farnes waters.
Then nothing. Nothing at all...
The hundreds of Gannets remained overhead, swirling above the animal but we couldn’t see it, but that was all about to change. In true spectacular style, the animal started breaching, flinging its huge body into the air before smashing down onto the North Sea with a huge crash, bang, wallop. WHAT a sight. The animal, in excess of twelve metres, was then seen for over an hour breaching and feeding just north of the islands as it plunged the depths for fish.
Humpback Whales are rarely seen within the North Sea although numbers of the North Atlantic populations appear to be on the increase following years of decline and sightings from the west coast are becoming increasingly regular, but this was the North Sea. More recently, an animal spent late summer around the Shetland Isles and it is feasible the same animal could be involved - this is the first record for the Farnes and first in modern day history for the north-east of England. This was a staggering sighting.
I did tell you that this was no ordinary day. Humpback Whale off the Farne Islands – who would have thought!
Latest news: no sign of Humpback Whale day (sadly) but news breaking of photographs taken by a diver on the visitor boat which originally found it. I'm currently tracking them down, so watch this space - or the blog, as photos will be published!!!
Migrants: Barred Warbler on Staple Island today with a scattering of migrants - more news will follow tonight!
Icterine showing well - Brownsman (by Joe Cockram)
Friday 4th September comments:
The day was almost a repeat of the previous, as a north-westerly wind blasted the islands and once again, we were closed to visitors. However the rain moved on and it allowed the birders on the island to find more migrant birds including a stunning Icterine Warbler - the first this year (a rare visitor - although almost annual on the Farnes - from the near-continent). However its not all about birding, as the team painted the bathroom on Inner Farne and caught with paperwork - the results are showing its been a stunning breeding season the islands, but more of that later.
Others: Grey Heron 3, Dunlin 5, Snipe 2, Greenshank, Whimbrel, Golden Plover 310 on Longstone, Common Sandpiper 4, Tree Pipit, Redstart male for second day, Whinchat 1 on Staple, Wheatear 8, Willow Warbler 8, Icterine Warbler - 1 on Brownsman, first this year, Garden Warbler 2, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler 2, Whitethroat 2 and Spotted Flycatcher.
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Access to Mengalum Island is available via high speed catamaran or helicopter. The history of Mengalum Island has long been associated with voyaging of Ferdinand Magellan who sailed the waters of the South China Sea during the 16th century. The link is tied to a large metal anchor located in the south- western corner of the island near the shoreline. Although there is no recorded documentation as to when and how the anchor was placed on the island, many people, including local fishermen, believe that the anchor is from Magellanâ’s or one of his fleet vessels.
Mengalum Island is suited for tourism, resort and leisure development. The island is relatively close to Kota Kinabalu CBD (35 miles). The island resort can therefore tap upon the municipality’s population as a source of employment and support services. Its distance from Kota Kinabalu can give island guest the feel of a remote tropical island paradise and yet provide the comfort of knowing that the city mainland can be easily accessed if the need arises
Travel Bite.uk recently released their list of the best resorts in Fiji, and it comes as no surprise that a number of private island resorts made it onto the list. Included on their list of the best resorts of Fiji is Nukubati a stunning 108 acre private islands located on the Great Sea Reef, off the north coast of Vanua Levu. This little-known private island is about as exclusive as you can get. There are just four bungalows and three bures which translates into only about 14 guests at one time.
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Brownsman only Seal pup - safe and well 
Staple Island being battered
