FARNE ISLANDS - PUFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Fantastic location for Seabird Photos
The north-east of England is arguably the UK's best location for seabird photography. This workshop can be combined with the Bass Rock workshop to provide two days of magical photo opportunities.
20 species of breeding seabirds
The Farne Islands are major sanctuaries for over 20 species of breeding seabirds. They include guillemots, razorbills, shag, kittiwakes, eider ducks, 4 species of tern and an unbelievable 70,000 puffins.
Approx 5 1/2 Hours Photography
Photographers On Safari have arranged for you to spend an extra 50% more time on each island than is normally available. You will spend towards 3 hours at the Staple Island Bird Sanctuary and almost a further 3 hours on Inner Farne. Group numbers will be strictly limited so that everybody gets a great position.
Tips & Tuition
The day begins with a short tutorial on photography, giving an insight into the techniques specifically used for wildlife photography. Feel free, however, to ask as many questions as you like on a one to one basis throughout the day regarding these techniques. General and/or individual advice will be given each time we choose a new subject. One to one tuition is available throughout the day, so please do take advantage of this, ensuring this is a memorable day out.
Staple Island - Home to 70,000 Puffins
Our first port of call is Staple Island. It is famed for its vast seabird colonies, especially those of the Auk family such as Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. Puffins are the most numerous, with approx. 35,000 nesting pairs recorded in 1999.
Bird Enthusiast's Dream
The Island is an ornithologist's and a bird photographer's dream. For anybody who wants to get close to these birds, it's an experience you'll not forget. You will be able to get within inches of birds that are normally only seen from afar. The photograph at the top of most people's wanted list is the immaculate puffin. Here, with a bit of patience you will take their photos with beaks full of eels. A wonderful sight. The colours of the Shag at close quarters are quite amazing.
Inner Farne Island
Inner Farne is our next destination. There is a walkway round this island, and the National Trust have an Information Centre and public toilets. At 16 acres, this is the largest of the Farne Islands. In the Summer months it becomes home to many thousands of nesting seabirds including Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Roseate Terns, Arctic Terns, Shags, Cormorants and Eider Ducks. The Arctic Terns in particular offer the opportunity for fantastic flying shots.
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Click here for more Farne Island Photos
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Typical Itinerary
09.45 Meet and greet. Safety briefing
10.00 Depart Seahouses harbour
10.00 to 10.50 Travel to, and round the outer Farne Islands photographing seals and nesting seabirds from boat
10.50 to 01.10 Group Tuition, followed by one to one tuition as required. Photograph puffins, guillemots, razorbills and other seabirds on Staple Island
1.10 to 1.30 Boat transfer from Staple Island to Inner Farne
1.30 to 4.30 Photograph puffins, shag, kittiwakes, terns and other seabirds. One to one tuition as required
4.30 to 5.00 Boat transfer back to Seahouses. N.B. Food and drink is not included on this workshop.
Workshop dates for 2009:
The schedule for 2009 has now been completed. Dates for 2010 to follow soon.
5 out of 6 of the Farne Islands Workshops were completed in 2008, and 6 out of 7 in 2009.One trip each year had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. A full refund was given to all customers booked on those workshops.
For non-members of National Trust, £5.80 per island, landing fees payable.
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N.B. Bass Rock workshops can also be booked to coincide with several of the above trips.
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