Unbridled Terns

Artic Terns

A trip to the Farne Islands is great with or without rarities, and the fact that a Bridled Tern was reported on Inner Farne was coincidental to our trip. Just as well as it had 'gone fishing' when we were there.

Still, plenty of fine feathered friends to provide one of natures great shows.....

Guillemots

Guilletmots with young

Bridled Guillimot

Kittiwake

Puffins

And boat loads of people

Kittiwakes return

Kittiwakes were back in significant numbers at the mouth of the Tyne today. Unfortunately when they return to their nest sites in Newcastle they may find the council have decided to evict them - read about it here: http://www.sustainablescotland.com/index.php/Communities-News/sustainable-scotland-newcastle-britains-cities-kittiiwake.html

Surfing Wild Thurso

The lads surf trip to Thurso was the usual mix of ripping waves, great crack and fantastic wildlife.

Best waves were in the 'Bowl' at Brims Ness

Surfing with Dolphins

A rather friendly Razorbill

Best estimate was 12,000 auks passing by every hour. Here, two Puffins

 lead the way followed by Guillemots and Razorbills

We visited John O'Groats to see the Killer Whales, but missed them by an hour.

 They've been seen every day for the last two weeks.

Great Skua

Kittiwake harrassed by an Artic Skua

The bright light outside our hotel chalet attracted this stunning White Ermine moth

Blame it on the moon

Up early today to board the Sarah JFK at Amble for another day surveying the North Sea with Martin Kitching for sea birds and cetaceans. It was a beautiful day with great visibility offering fantastic views of the Northumbeland Alps (Cheviot Hills).

The only complication was missing high tide to get back into Amble Harbour. 4 hours later we arrived in North Shields. Still, we got to see plenty more...............

Gannets with the snow covered Cheviot Hills

Guillemots

Razorbill

Puffin

Kittiwake