Puffins On Farne Islands

snaphappy1952

snaphappy1952

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John
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I have always wanted to go and photograph these birds. I could do with some advice from anyone that has done it before please.

1) When is best time of year to go?
2) Any suggestions on which boat trip to use
3) Are you there all day?
4) Will a 70-300mm Zoom be okay to use?

Anything else I should consider?

I am a reasonably confident and competent photographer, although wildlife is not my main area of expertise.

I just see pictures of these wonderful birds and I would love to try and photograph them.

Any help or tips would be appreciated.

Regards

John
 
1) Now basically. Bird population is highest in late spring/early summer

2) I think they are all much of a muchness other than that some of the boats have covered areas if you're unlucky enough to get rained on. I was there in April and used Billy Shiels.

3) There are some all day trips advertised (starting at 10am) but maybe worth checking first. I was there on a Thursday and there were no all day trips running though if you ask nicely some of the operators will drop you off on one of the islands and one of their later trips will pick you up. Personally, I think a half day is probably sufficient but you may be more patient.

4) A 70-300 VR is what I used. There were occasions when more reach would be nice but 300mm will get you some good shots. Check my FlickR link. Most of my recent shots on there are from the Farnes with the 300.

I'm no wildlife tog either so don't have too many tips. All I will say is that puffins are fast little buggers. You'll need fast shutter speeds for sure. My best results came from following birds in the view finder for a long time and just hope they fly close to you, making sure the AF is tracking the whole time. Most of the birds seem to follow standard flight paths so you see patterns emerging.
 
1) agree with Graham.

2 & 3) Again agree mainly, Billy Shiels I used Im pretty sure. I booked in advance I think but you can risk it on the day. There are various types of trip, inner Farne and outer Farne or both. I did both(all day). For Puffins you have to get out to outer Farne. Arctic Terns are on inner farne and they are an experience not to be missed also. They dive bomb you as you wander along the tracks(wear a hat) which I loved and also will perch up very, very close. Take good waterprooofs for outer farne if it looks like rain as there is absolutely no cover there if it starts.
I did an all day trip, I think outer farnes were in the morning, inner farnes in the afternoon.
Other birds you will see are Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags,(all very close up) plus common terns, fulmars dotted about. Probably Seals visible from the boat as well.

4) You should be fine with a 300, extra reach is always nice wherever you go but if you are half decent with your 300 you should be fine. You can get very close to the puffins, almost near enough to pop your lens down the burrow but not quite. :)

Hope you have a good time.
 
Basically I have to agree with the other replies.

Now is good, maybe early June. Last time I went was early May and they didn't have young, so no shots with the Puffins carrying Sandeels. Saying that, with the good weather we've had recently, they may be more advanced this year.

A 70-200/300 is fine as you can get quite close to most of the birds. Just make sure you're wearing a hat, or the Terns will have you :nuts:

Billy Shiels is a good place to start. They used to do a whole day trip, morning on Staple Island and afternoon on Inner Farne. Staple Island has Gannets as well as all the other species.

I must get back up there next year.... Here's a set from a couple of years ago.

Steve
 
Thank you all....that info was exactly what I was looking for.

Appreciate you taking the time to answer.

I will let you know how I get on.

Now if the early May weather comes back in about 2 weeks time!!:)
 
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