Saturday 8 June 2013

Visitors welcome

Icterine Warbler in the visitor centre (David Kinchin-smith)

What's this in the veg garden....

...no pea's growing this year!

The 'class of 1973 and 1974 visit for a reunion
Saturday 8th June comments: I'm almost starting to sound like a stuck record, as the weather continues to remain settled with high temperatures and flat seas becoming the 'norm' (please note - we're not complaining!). In complete contrast to last year, we're having a great summer (so far) and things are looking good, so fingers crossed for another few months of this! 

Today was another eventful one, as we got on with our main populations counts across the islands early morning whilst we had a few unexpected visitors today. An Icterine Warbler was discovered on Inner Farne in the visitor centre before flitting out - but was never seen again! More accommodating was the Farne wardens of 1973-74 who were having a reunion on the islands; a lot has changed behind the scenes since then, so it was great to catch up and share stories about times on the Farnes from yester-year.

On the seabird front, our first few Puffin chicks have hatched, more Guillemot young are now present, whilst our two breeding waders; Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover are both now proud parents. Tomorrow Sunday) we undertake our biggest count of the year 'nest count' on Inner Farne starting at 5am, which will hopefully reveal the health of our Eider, Sandwich, Common and Arctic Tern populations. It never rains, just pours....

1 comment:

Ipin said...

There's some good beards amongst that lot Steely - bout time you grew a long grey beard I reckon!