Landings Permitted on Farne Islands from 2022
Boat landings in 2022 were very limited and allowed a maximum of ONE hour on each island. The all-day trips are not allowed, so we had to do two separate trips – one to each island. Photographers on Safari have secured places on the first landing of the day on each island. We will do TWO separate trips on the same day and will land on both islands. Each boat trip is scheduled to last between 150 and 180 minutes. That gives you at least an hour back at Seahouses to get some lunch and use the toilets etc. Our times of departure are 09.30 and 14.00 hours. You must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to these departure times. By booking the workshop on June 24th, you will be booked on to both the boat trips mentioned above. The early morning trip on June 10th will not land on either island. A landing fee is payable to the National Trust on the day.
Avian Flu restrictions possible for 2023
It is impossible to predict what restrictions will/will not be in force in June 2022. Photographers on Safari cannot just sit and do nothing. We have to have an alternative plan. The National Trust did not permit landings onto the Farne Islands after June in 2022. What we have done is to come up with a good alternative plan that will still give great opportunities for some excellent Puffin photography. Photographers on Safari have hired exclusive use of a 60-seater boat for 4 hours. This will facilitate 20 photographers to have plenty of space during the 4-hours tour of the islands. We will spend much of that time very close to the cliffs and also out in open water where the puffins are resting at sea. I have previously hired a boat just for myself doing exactly this, and have taken some very special shots of the puffins and guillemots as they run along the surface of the water as they gain the necessary speed to become airborne. In this case we will depart earlier than the recommended time in order to benefit from the calmer waters which provide wonderful reflections of the birds. This will largely avoid other boats in the area. We will also spend some time photographing the Seals that reside very close to the islands. Due to the high cost of paying for the exclusive use of a large boat, we will only advertise one date at a time. Extra dates will be added as boats fill.
Boat Operations
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.
See a Client’s Video of the Boat Trip in 2021
Sarah Reilly (and her husband) joined us on our boat cruise to the Farne Islands in 2021. She has put together a super collection of her photographs in video format. It is well worth a visit. These are her own words accompanying the compilation. Images from my recent trip to Seahouses and the Farne Islands. Four-hour private charter led by Photographers on Safari – boat trip taken with Billy Shiel. Photos are of guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, an oyster catcher (slightly fuzzy), and terns at Brownsman Island, plus a jackdaw fledgling on the Seahouses beach. Also saw eider ducks, black headed gulls and black backed gulls. Trip recommended. Click on the following link to view;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPT87FZwWBw
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 3 Hours Photography
Photographers On Safari can no longer arrange for you to spend an extra time on the islands than is normally available. Rules have changed and people that stayed more than the generally allotted 2 hours on each island were escorted to the jetty on occasions last year. The cost of the workshop has been reduced accordingly.
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. We will not stay together as a group as this becomes problematic in busy areas. John Wright will approach everybody individually so that advice and help can be tailored to each individual.
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. We will spend time at sea photographing the birds on the cliffs instead of landing.
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. 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 of Photography around the Farne Islands on June 10th
06.30 Meet and greet. Safety briefing. Photography briefing
07.30 Depart Seahouses harbour. Travel to the Staple Island
08.00 to 09.15 Photographing nesting seabirds on Staple Island from boat
09.15 to 09.30 Boat transfer from Staple Island to Inner Farne
09.30 to 10.30 Photograph Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and other seabirds around Inner Farne
10.30 to 11.00 Photograph Seals
11.00 to 11.30 Boat transfer back to Seahouses.
N.B. Food and drink is not included on this workshop.
Typical Itinerary of Photography on & around the Farne Islands on June 24th
– if Landings are permitted. Itinerary as above if landings not available.
08.30 to 09.20 Meet and greet. Safety briefing. Photography briefing
09.30 Boat transfer from Seahouses to Staple Island
10.00 to 11.00 Photograph Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and other seabirds around Staple Island
11.30 to 12.00 Photograph on Staple Island
12.00 to 12.30 Boat transfer back to Seahouses.
12.30 to 13.45 Free time in Seahouses
13.45 to 14.00 Embark on boat
14.00 to 14.30 Transfer to Inner Farne
14.30 to 15.00 Photography around Inner Farne
15.00 to 16.00 Photography on Inner Farne
16.00 to 16.30 Boat transfer back to Seahouses.
N.B. Food and drink is not included on this workshop.
Dates & Costs 2023
Sat 10th June 2022 06.30 – 11.30 £89.00
Sat 24th June 2022 06.30 – 16.30 £89.00
Typically, one trip each year has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. A full refund is given to all customers booked on those workshops that cannot land.
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N.B. Bass Rock workshops can also be booked either the day before, or the day after, the majority of the above trips. The venues are 60 miles (just over one hour) apart.
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