Wildlife on the Farne Islands - Northumberland Coast

It's June, it's hot - heatwave hot. Thankfully a couple of boat trips to the Farne Islands to see the wildlife cooled things down. 

Of course, I went to spend some time watching the Puffins and getting lots of reference photos and inspiration for my sculptures, but I got so much more! 

The boat trips I took were about 3 hours long with an hour on the Inner Farne. 

We got to see a small number of Grey Seals, all happily snoozing in the sunshine. 

The seals weren't the only ones who were catching some Z's. This sweet little Kittiwake was sound gone.

This one having a big yawn...

Sleepy Puffins too

As was this Razorbill. There's something so completely endearing to me about sleeping creatures. Trust, peace and contentment are what I'd like to wish for them, but they're probably just exhausted. 

Maybe the chicks had kept them up feeding all night...

The rocks were lined with plenty of sleek black and white Guillemots

Some had fluffy chicks, and the ones who had made it into the water with their parents are known as "Jumplings" rather than "fledglings" because they jump! 

I love the look on this ones face;

This one looks like it's caught some kind of squid...

Having not long since got back from a trip to Skomer Island I wasn't sure what to expect, but the Inner Farne Island where they do the boat landings under supervision of the National Trust, was much more contained and compact. 

The path leading up to the island is lined with nesting Arctic Terns who understandably weren't keen on people loitering.

I spoke softly to them and kept my eyes down as I calmly walked through but it did feel a bit mean that they're disturbed as often as they are with so many visitors. 

This one was taken with my long zoom! Having watched them squabble at Long Nanny they weren't shy about squabbling with humans!

There were a couple of Shags on the rocks with youngsters who were as big as them! Striking, statuesque birds with beautiful plumage.

As amazing and beautiful as all the birds and creatures are. Puffins will always be special. 

The following photos I took are to help remind me of their characters, and the many shapes they seem to be able to morph themselves into. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and look forward to capturing them in clay too.

Standing mid-stretch like a gentleman in a dinner jacket having been sat down too long...

Running away like they've just played a practical joke on someone.

Squashed, marshmallow Puffin 

Ever get the feeling you're being watched...?

A bird in the hand is worth... two in a burrow...?

Shouty Puffin

Sweet, tender Puffins

Leg it Puffin (I didn't realise their feet were like concertinas, I thought they were just paddles! 

"It wasn't me" Puffin

INCOMING!

OUTGOING!

Obviously off on a mission to cause mischief. 

Bobbling about on the water