Questions about Skomer

Jelster

Jelster

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Steve
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Right, I've booked a place for a long weekend in Pembrokeshire, with a view to getting at least one day on the Island.

So, I wanted to know, is there anywhere on the Island to get at least a coffee, or do we need to dig out the mega thermos flask ??

Secondly, I was thinking of hiring a either a 300 f2.8, or maybe a 100-400, what say you ? (I found the 300 f2.8 terrific on Farne).

Answers on a postcard please.... :D

Steve
 
I went with college years ago and took a 500mm f/5.6 manual focus - worked great for some puffin shots near the nests but TBH, the guillimots and most of the puffins were well within range of a 300mm as you pull up to the harbour.
 
Came back from a dive trip there fortnight ago. Only one firm have licence to take you onto the island and they got full pretty quickly. A non-diver took herself there just after 9 to get the 930 boat and was told there was only one space left that day to get out to Skomer and that was on the last boat at lunchtime!! Lots of unhappy punters were already being turned away.

Not a lot on the island other than a visitor centre. She said there wasn't any catering available but there is one toilet. There's also a 'suggested route' but she found it better to go straight to the main puffin area as the birds had settled offshore later in the day (it will be different for you in June as they'll be feeding chicks rather than just incubating). As for lenses, she only had a kit lens on basic Canon and still came back with some very decent shots as the birds are quite used to the visitors and you have to stick to the paths. Can be a bun fight near the obvious vantage points though.

I was on a boat and we didn't have permission to go ashore - I'm jealous!!
 
I spent a few days on the island two years ago. I used a 100-400 and got some pretty good shots. When I return next year I'll be taking a 300 2.8 and a 70-200.

It really is worth trying to book a couple of nights on the island. Yes, it's a pain having to take food and drink for your stay, but it's worth it just to experience the Manx Shearwaters flying in once it's got dark.
 
Thanks for the input, I'll be opting for the 300 f2.8 then, and the BIG Thermos.

I did think about staying the island, but it is our wedding anniversary, so maybe not quite as romantic as what the Mrs is hoping for :lol:

Steve
 
STOP!!! I was on Skomer in April for the first time and my main lens was a 70-300VR. This zoom range is ideal and there were alot of other photographers there with 70-200's and one chap with a 600mm f4 that didn't get used on the puffins at all!

The puffins are very habituated to humans and at the prime puffin spots you can get up to within a few inches of them. I even used my 10-20mm for a bunch of shots as they were so close.

A zoom range is necessary as they are flying all over the place and you can track them and zoom in for each shot. The longer reach of the 100-400 would be great for the other seabirds on the cliffs and the other spots on the island where you can't get as close to the birds.

The main point for viewing the puffins (in April) was The Wick. There was also a school of porpoises just off shore that we watched for almost an hour. There are no facilities on the island other than toilets and some accessories (water, binoculars for hire etc) at the drop off point.

BTW, if you can get to stay on the island I'd highly recommend it. When we were there the first boat left at 10am and you had to be on the 3pm boat back. This wasn't enough time at all and we missed loads of birds. Everyone we spoke to that stayed the night had seen peregrine, owls, sheatwaters, and a bunch more I cant remember. They could go out at dusk and first light and were much more relaxed compared to us as we were constantly watching the clock to make sure we could get back to the boat in time. We only saw 40% of the island!

Also, if the weather is even slightly windy with a northerly wind, the boat won't go as landing passengers can be tricky, so they don't take the risk. So have a backup plan and phone ahead the evening before to see if they are sailing or not. The Pembrokeshire coastal path is stunning and there are some gorgeous secluded beaches to explore.

Just my 2p worth!
 
Lazgoat said:
STOP!!! I was on Skomer in April for the first time and my main lens was a 70-300VR. This zoom range is ideal and there were alot of other photographers there with 70-200's and one chap with a 600mm f4 that didn't get used on the puffins at all!......
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I will be taking my 70-200 and 50mm lenses with me as well, so I think I have most things covered.

I took the 300 f2.8 & 2x converter on my trip to Farne last year and got a few decent shots from the boat, plus it's a great combo to walk along the shore with.

However, I've sprained the medial ligament in my left knee (again) so I hope I'll be recovered enough to walk around the island :(

Steve
 
Jelster said:
However, I've sprained the medial ligament in my left knee (again) so I hope I'll be recovered enough to walk around the island :(

Steve
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It's over 100 twisty steps from the dock up onto the Island, I hope your knee can handle it
 
Steve, if you're joining the TP trip for a day then you're more than welcome to a coffee...and a decent one at that. Last year we were photographing Puffins with anything from 10mm to 500mm and at The Wick the birds are literally walking past your feet. I'm hiring a 500mm f/4 to try and get a shot of the Short-eared Owl and Little Owl, I have a 400mm f/5.6 for Puffins in flight and I'll also take a 70-200.

My sympathies regarding the injury. I've recently aggravated an old Achilles Tendon injury and am resting it this weekend.
 
I'm from Pembrokeshire originally (Fishguard) and am going back for 3 weeks from mid September. I've never been to Skomer and quite fancy it. Is it a good time of year to visit the Island?

Thanks - Simon.
 
Now is just about the best time of the year for the Puffins. They will have gone by September.

Most of the overnight stays for this time of the year have been booked sinse last October. You may be lucky if you give them a call.
 
Well I managed to get around without the crutch today - so things are looking up :)

Off to the LFH website to get my order in, and have sorted out the "MegaFlask".

Steve
 
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