Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Friday 22 July 2016

Terns on inner Farne

Inner Farne is the largest of the Farne Islands and home to thousands of Terns. The majority of these are the Arctic variety, but there are also, Common and Sandwich.
You can here the cacophony of noise when you are approaching on the boat, and it increases the minute you step off on to the island. The Arctic Terns are very protective of their young and their nests. A lot of them choose to nest on or next to the path that winds around the island. As soon as they see someone step across their imaginary boundary they leave the nest and attack. Screeching and dive bombing. A canvas hat is essential.

The Arctic Tern

To me it looks as if their feet don't grow after birth. They seem very small for the size of the bird. I'm sure there is a reason for it. Nature is good like that.

Sat on one of the many fence posts around the island. The blue rope is to stop members of the public stepping off and unwittingly onto a nest. They make nice perches.


I thought this bird was actually quite restrained, until it drew blood from my finger, while attacking my phone. If I look scared, it's because I was.

A much more civilised selfie.

The Common Tern with it's longer legs and black tip to the bill.


The Sandwich Tern. Quite different in size (larger) and has the black bill with a yellow tip and black legs.





12 comments:

  1. Your gorgeous captures put my little cardinal to shame. He cannot hold a candle to your terns. The coloration is beautiful. Oh, please, let me come back to England and stay. It is my favorite place in the world. Loved the “civilized selfie”. Too cute. And that amazing wingspan of the Sandwich Tern... awesome. genie

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  2. Great captures - I especially like the terns in flight.

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  3. I love to see these birds and your photos are just fantastic! Your selfies are great :)

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  4. Lovely photos!

    Look at those beak!!! Definitely something to be scared of!

    #photofriday

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  5. Don't know when I've enjoyed a post more - the expression on your face and the continual close ups SUPER thanks

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  6. To every season there is an Arctic tern....

    (Lovely shots, Adam!)
    ~

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  7. Fabulous flight shots, Adam! I love Terns.

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  8. I especially loved the selfie :) Great timing

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  9. I especially loved the selfie :) Great timing

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  10. Wonderful up close tern shots. Lucky you with one landing on your head. Very cool!

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  11. The terns are very pretty birds. Love the selfie.

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  12. Hello, great shots of the Terns and your selfies. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy day and week ahead!

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