And still those megas keep coming.........BRIDLED TERN on the FARNE ISLANDS

Monday afternoon saw visiting Norfolk birder Rob Wilson and ranger Will Scott independently discover an adult BRIDLED TERN on Inner Farne (Northumberland) - the first to be recorded in Britain for several years. It was roosting with Arctic and Sandwich Terns in the vicinity of the quay and remained on view for 50 minutes or more before flying out to sea. It then returned about two hours later, beginning a pattern that was to continue for several days. With news of its discovery breaking at 1430 hours and with daylight continuing until 2200 hours, it came as no surprise to hear of 27 observers connecting before nightfall, including a Lancashire team consisting of Chris Batty, Andy Holden and Stuart Piner; Vicky Holden made it too.

The bird was still present next day (Tuesday 2 July), allowing a further 219 observers to visit - 21 of these unfortunately dipping as the bird disappeared for six hours due to a period of inclement weather.

Being the first twitchable Bridled Tern in the UK in at least 20 years, the bird proved very popular, prompting me to visit today thus securing my 5th individual. Thanks to *Billy Shiels, we were on the island by 0620 hours, the Bridled Tern entertaining us for just under 45 minutes before flying out to sea.....

Early morning looking expectantly out towards the Farnes...

After a night of heavy rain, the sun emerges not long after dawn...

Take ones pick, a choice of options on sailing - £15 per return trip

Seahouses Harbour - picturesque, quaint, with breeding Common Eider and Rock Pipit

Approaching intrepidly...

.....and disembarking on the Inner Farne quay

A welcoming from one of the summer residents...

....And the beauty itself - an adult BRIDLED TERN

Roosting with the Arctic Terns on rocks by the quay

And all this enjoyed with some great birding friends - including the legendary JOHNNY MAC - What a Day !!