One of those magical days in Northumberland ! Having been notified via text from Birdguides that a Bridled Tern had been seen briefly on the Farne Islands I was convinced after no further reports that it had moved on. A phone call though from Alan Tilmouth followed and agreed that a speculative boat trip out in the evening to look for it was a fine plan. So a trip was arranged for 18:30 and 20 of the keenest Northumberland birders assembled. Just before departing we were informed that the bird was back ! Cue a mad rush by several people who had previously not booked ! Out to the islands and there it was sitting unconcerned in amongst the terns assembled near the quay on Inner Farne. Didn’t even have to get out of the boat. After the initial adrenaline rush people did decamp to the quay where further views were available both on the rocks & in flight. The Bridled then decided to wander for a while and an hour passed without ant further views before it came back onto the rocks. We left it quite content having undoubtedly traveled thousands of miles for a happy band to view & then sail back to Seahouses in the evening sunshine. Many thanks to Gary Woodburn & Serenity Tours for organizing the trip. The fifth record for the county. TRD
