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 4 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. The landing stage on Staple Island is somewhat more challenging than the one on Inner Farne. If we experience difficult tidal conditions we may spend time at sea photographing the birds on the cliffs instead of landing. The landing at Inner Farne is usually unaffected.
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
08.50 Meet and greet. Safety briefing. Photography briefing
09.15 to 09.30 Depart Seahouses harbour
09.30 to 11.00 Travel to, and round the outer Farne Islands photographing seals and nesting seabirds from boat
11.00 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 3.30 Photograph puffins, shag, kittiwakes, terns and other seabirds. One to one tuition as required
3.30 to 4.00 Boat transfer back to Seahouses.
N.B. Food and drink is not included on this workshop. Toilets are only available on Inner Farne, which is the venue for our afternoon visit. Food or drink is NOT available on either island.
Dates & Costs 2020
June 2020 08.45 – 17.00 £85.00 Cancelled due to Covid-19
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.
N.B. For non-members of National Trust, approx £17.00 per island, landing fees are payable prior to departure at their office adjacent to our meeting place.
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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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