Wednesday 9th June comments: Today has seen some major changes on the islands. The breeding birds are bracing themselves for something sinister (and I’m not talking about an idiot with a garden cane!) but my old friend... the weather. A low pressure system has developed over the islands bringing brisk north-easterly winds which could bring problems for our breeding seabirds. Its not just a problem for the birds, as the strong winds also prevented boats from sailing today so no visitors and the team will face a few days cut-off from the outside world. However forget our small inconveniences, its the seabirds which we should worry about...

The next few days will make or break our season - will the storm be strong enough to cause the seabirds some serious problems? Will enough rain fall to start flooding Puffin burrows? So many questions, so few answers at this moment, but I'll be pleased to see out the weekend unscathed. Lets hope the weather gods are looking favourably upon us.

However it wasn't all bad news as although the weather brought uncertainty to the breeding seabirds, small numbers of passage migrants arrived looking for food and shelter. The highlights included a stunning female Red-backed Shrike (which devoured one of our Rock Pipit chicks!), a Common Rosefinch (not that common!) and a Quail. However as Inner Farne had claimed the first ever Black Kite the previous week, it was the turn of the mighty Brownsman to bite back – as they claimed all the birds, leaving the Inner Farne team frustrated but 'fired' for tomorrow. I suspect things are about to get interesting.

On a final note - thanks for all the messages of support regarding the Arctic Tern incident - still in disbelief (and shock) at what happened and don't be put off - we welcome thousands of great people, who enjoy the wonders that are the Farne Islands - so keep on supporting us!