Covid-19 Options for 2021
It is impossible to predict what restrictions will/will not be in force in June 2021. 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 during 2020. Rumours are that this will NOT be the case in 2021 and that landings will be allowed. So what we have done is to come up with a good alternative plan that will still give great opportunities for some excellent Puffin photography should we not be able to land on the island. As back-up, POS have hired exclusive use of a 60-seater boat for 4 hours if landing is not possible. This will facilitate 20 photographers to keep 1 metre distance from each other (masks to be worn) 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.
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.
**********************************************************************
Click here for more Farne Island Photos
**********************************************************************
Typical Itinerary involving Landings on Farne Islands
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.
Typical Itinerary if Landings on Farne Islands NOT Permitted
06.30 Meet and greet. Safety briefing. Photography briefing
07.00 Depart Seahouses harbour.Travel to the Staple Island
07.30 to 08.45 Photographing nesting seabirds on Staple Island from boat
08.45 to 09.00 Boat transfer from Staple Island to Inner Farne
09.00 to 10.10 Photograph puffins, guillemots, razorbills and other seabirds around Inner Farne
10.10 to 10.30 Photograph Seals
10.30 to 11.00 Boat transfer back to Seahouses.
N.B. Food and drink is not included on this workshop.
Dates & Costs 2021
Sat 12th June 2021 08.45 – 16.00 £89.00
or depending on Covid-19 situation
Sat 12th June 2021 06.30 – 11.00 £89.00
Sat 19th June 2021 08.45 – 16.00 £89.00
or depending on Covid-19 situation
Sat 19th June 2021 06.30 – 11.00 £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.
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.
**********************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************