Our first Razorbill eggs

Wednesday 21st April comments:

It’s been all go as the hectic pace of island life continues. The rapid start to the season continues as the first Razorbill eggs were discovered yesterday – the earliest ever in Farnes history and another record broken. Despite the quick start we’re still waiting the arrival of some birds, most noticeably the Arctic Tern, although it’s only a matter of time.

The number of pairs of Puffins and Guillemots on eggs has increased again and as the Sandwich Terns settle in the main colony, it may be only a matter of days before we report those! On a sad note, the Ringed Plover nest was predated, with the chief suspect being an Oystercatcher, but thankfully (and as expected) the Plovers are having another go.

Monday proved to be a proud day for one ex-warden of the islands as St.Cuthbert’s Chapel on Inner Farne welcomed some special guests, as friends and family of David (ex-Farne warden from 2003-04) and Susannah Parnaby visited the islands for a blessing of their daughter; Grace. The short service, delivered by local vicar Jane Wood, was well received and although we do have several services a year, its only our second blessing in modern history. Following the service, Grace was introduced to the breeding seabirds of the islands and I’m sure she’ll be back with her family in future years.

On a personal note, a well-known BBC politics show phoned me asking for comments on the Liberal Democrats chances at the up-and-coming general election. Slightly confused, I inquired why they wanted comments from the head warden of the Farne Islands – before they realised I wasn’t Lord David Steel…..not yet anyway.