Farne Islands - Birds and Seals Photo Opportunity, Sunday June 20th 2010, 7:00am - 6:00pm.
Fellow Photo Enthusiasts, another excellent opportunity to try your hand at some amazing nature shots on the renowned Farne Islands. Our new chairperson Fred is organizing this club photo outing to the bird nesting grounds on Staple island and Inner Farne Bird Sanctuaries. What we can expect to see (quite close up) includes Puffins (35,000 pairs), Guillemots, Razorbills, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Roseate Terns, Arctic Terns, Shags, Cormorants and Eider Ducks, as well as Gray Seal colonies.
This will be an all day event, and is planned for Sunday June 20th, starting at the Institute Hall at 7:00am and returning at approximately 6:00pm. The Bus will be available for this trip, as well as some members going by car and hopefully can carpool. The costs will be (per member) fuel for the bus drive approx £4.00, plus £25.00 for the boat transportation, plus the National Trust fee £5.80 for entry onto the islands (NT members land for free), totaling £34.80. (+ Parking - in the council (pay and display) carpark).
Again the emphasis is not on fancy equipment, so you do not have to have the latest and greatest models. We will be getting quite close to the birds and seals so the opportunity is there to get some great images with quite modest equipment. The emphasis is on learning photography, getting great pictures, and having a great day out.
There are 12 seats on the bus, and we will have to see how many are going by car and are willing to car pool. Payment for the boat will have to be made before the end of May as we will have to book the boat in advance. Also please be aware that the general public will be on the islands while we are there. (Please note: Any cancellations after booking, may incur a loss of the boat deposit). If the seas are unexpectedly too rough on the day, and the boat will not go out (Fred will call the day before), Barnburgh Castle (nearby) is always available for photography.
Sturdy foot ware for the wooden paths. There is a total of about 2 miles of paths on both the islands. Waterproof clothing in case it rains. A poncho or raincoat works quite well, as well as waterproof pants in case you find you want to sit on the grass to get a shot (it can be soggy at times). A hat is a must, as the terns can be a little aggressive. A plastic bag for your camera, and a bigger one for your camera bag, in case of sea spray and rain on the trip out. Extra batteries and extra memory cards or film, as there will be lots to photograph. A tripod or monopod will come in handy, as will a zoom lens if you have one.
Sandwiches as well as something to drink for lunch , as there are no food facilities on the islands. There is a toilet on the Inner Farne Island.
After we return to the mainland,
Fred reports that there are several excellent fish and chip eateries nearby if anybody fancies staying for a local supper.
Where to meet - At the institute hall - Mid Calder, no later than 7:00am if you are going by bus, or wanting to follow the bus in your car.
At the location, if making your own way there - meet at the council car park by the Lifeboats Building (see photo below), no later than 9:30am (not the car park behind the ladies (pay) toilets) There is a 5 min walk to the harbour and the boat.
DirectionsMid Calder to
Seahouses1. Head northwest toward A71 374 ft
2. Slight left at A71 Go through 1 roundabout 7.9 mi
3. At Calder Jct, take the 3rd exit onto the A720 ramp to Berwick Upon Tweed/A1/Edinburg 0.3 mi
4. Merge onto A720 Go through 1 roundabout 11.1 mi
5. At Old Craighill Jct, take the 3rd exit onto the A1 ramp to Berwick Upon Tweed/Tranent/Haddington/N Berwick/Cockenzie/Port Seton 0.4 mi
6. Merge onto A1 Go through 3 roundabouts Entering England 48.5 mi
7. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A1 heading Alnwick/Newcastle Go through 2 roundabouts 17.0 mi
8. Turn left at B1342/Station Rd (signs for Waren Mill/Bamburgh/B1342/Seahouses/B1340) Continue to follow B1342 1.7 mi
9. Turn left to stay on B1342 0.5 mi
10. Turn right to stay on B1342 2.4 mi
11. Continue onto Church St 0.1 mi
12. Continue onto B1340/Front St Continue to follow B1340 3.1 mi
13. The destination car park will be on the left.
RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station, Seafield Road,
Seahouses, NE68 will be across the street.
Further Information
http://www.farne-islands.com/boat-trips/index.htmhttp://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-farnes NEW!Or contact
Fred fred@midcaldercameraclub.org.uk or
Willie willie@midcaldercameraclub.org.ukIf you wish to go on this club outing please indicate by response below, and whether you wish a seat on the bus, or you would be taking your car and carpooling, or would be willing to join a carpool.
See you all there!
Best - Willie
