This morning I did something that I've been meaning to do for the last five years,I wnet on a Puffin Cruise around Coquet Island.
Coquet Island is just offshore from Amble where I live. It is a bird sanctuary and no landings are allowed apart from the RSPB warden and the two wardens that live there for six month stints. No gas ,no electricity,there are two ladies there right now doing eggs counts and recording details. Whilst the baotman was saying what an odd job it was for a lass I was thinking "Perfect!". Maybe thats just the weekend I've had ;)
The Duke of Northumberland owns the Island. When Trinity House asked permission to build a lighthoue on the Island he gave his blessing provided the lighthouse was built to resmbel a castle. Reflecting Warkworth Castle on the River Coquet and Dunstunbrough Castle which is visible up the coast from the Island.
Today I saw Puffins loaded with sand eels taking them back to their nests. Couldn't catch them on camera ,nippy things they are. They are the birds mostly flying in the photos. The other seabirds I can't dare name without checking up.
Common seals were bobbing about in the water and I was delighted to see the seal pup in the last picture.
There is a cottage on the Island which has fallen into disrepair.(Third pic above) Lighthouse keepers are no more and the Duke can't rent it out. The seabirds have moved in and the aga is now deep in bird poop!
Waffling here as I can't get the pictures to post.
The cruise lasts an hour.
Doesn't keep the owner in bread and butter so he does it as a hobby...so come up here and help the him out! His dad started the cruises in 1970.
The seal pup atlast
Fantastic pics Heldi! What a great day out. Cor, my two would love that, and seeing seals to! Wow! I have only ever seen them once in natural circumstances, and I was swimming in the sea a the time!
Thanks EJ.
It's only £2 each for the kids and what do you get for that these days? Fiver for us bigguns. Well worth it I think.
Sometimes the seals come over to the harbour when the fishing boats come home but not very often. It's lovely when they do though as you get to see them up close.
Remember the dolphin that came to visit last year? He's gone unfortunately and I could kick myself...why didn't I go out on the boat when he was there?!
You lucky lucky lucky wotsit!
Last year we were on holiday in your neck of the woods and did the Farne Islands trip - well, to say I was gobsmacked is the understatement of the century. Saw seals, puffins, shags, guilliemots, and a million other birds. I'd have moved in if my wife had let me! Heldi, you live in a very lovely part of England.
Cheers,
Rob ;)
I too have been to the Farne Islands.....fantastic. The only problem was that the terns, protecting their eggs and young, were attacking people and my OH was pecked on his bald patch and blood was drawn. :( Next time he will wear a hat. ::)
Seeing the puffins, guillemots, razor bills etc at close quarters on the rocks was fantastic and the noise they made will be in my memory forever. ;D You certainly live in a lovely part of the UK Heldi. :D
fab :)
We went on May bank hols this year up to the Farne Islands. Those terns were awful, but the puffins were adorable! So many birds in one place. Boy, did it stink! Really enjoyed our trip up there, already making plans to return.
One thing about the Puffin,
That tickles me to death,
Is although he's always Puffin'
He is never out of breath!
told ya before Held. go to lundy island, you can get on that and the arctic skuas attack you and you see puffins on the ground 5ft in front of you, and comorants, shags, all gulls etc, and there babies. come on Held its only off the coast at seahouses!!!!! ::) ;D ;D ;D
Gonna go downstairs now and get the leaflet. back soon
sorry, its not lundy island, thats one i've been to off coast of devon! :P
Its the farne islands, you can see the seals there as well. I'm telling ya gal, its amust especially this time of year when the terns have got their young to protect, not kidding, you have to watch where you walk cos of all the babies and nests all over the islands, incl. paths, but beware, wear a hat as you are likely to get bombarded by a tern, great fun though ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Just look what Heldi has started .....................
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/lowrieT/IMG_1846.jpg)
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/lowrieT/IMG_1848.jpg)
well I did look, but...... don't like boats
Carol,you were in my town and didn't drop in for a cuppa??!!
Littlegem...I've finally done it !
Well i was looking all over for you Heldi. I would know you if I saw you??!!!
So come on you been to the Farnes where are the pics of the seals?
You wouldnt get me on no boat to the Farnes Islands in the choppy North Sea, no no no........will see the seals in Eyemouth Harbour instead.
:D :D :D