Birdwatching

The seabirds of Northumberland are perhaps its greatest bird watching asset. Many different species come to the various offshore islands throughout the summer to breed before departing for their various winter homes.

Then the puffin, guillemot, shag and kittewake winter out at sea; whilst the sandwich, common and arctic tern head for their African winter quarters.

Farne Islands

The 30 small islands are owned by the National Trust and two, Staple and Inner Farne, permit landing, daily, in April - September (2005).

The breeding season is from 1 May - 31 July. Tel: +44 (0)1665 721099 for further information. \Breeding season £5.00, non-breeding season £4.00 (2005).

The 3 main boat companies are: Billy Shiel, tel: +44 (0)1665 720308. Hanvey's, tel: +44 (0)1665 720388  and W McKay, tel: +44 (0)1665 721144;

Be sure to take a hat with you on your visit to the Farnes! Some of the terns will "dive bomb" visitors to protect their young.

Holy Island

On shore coastal areas can be interesting for birds all year round. Holy Island, for example, is an internationally important area for birds on migration and as winter quarters.

Large numbers of shorebirds. Bar-Tailed Godwits, Knots and Redshanks can be seen on the extensive mudflats in both spring and autumn whilst fields and gardens on the island gather large numbers of Thrushes and Warblers during migration times, especially autumn.

In winter, the mudflats hold large populations of wildfowl including thousands of Wigeon and a significant proportion of the world Light-Bellied Brent Goose population.

For further information on birdwatching on the Northumberland Coast see our publications page.

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To downlaod a copy of the 'Birdwatching Guide to the Northumberland Coast' go to latest news.