Wales Skomer Island ... Any recommendations?

Quicksnapper

Quicksnapper

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We're off to Pembroke in a couple of weeks and am planning a trip to Skomer Island. I hear the puffins are great so looking forward to trying my hand at getting shots of them. Anyone been, experiences, advice, thoughts .... ?? Thanks all. Will try to post puffin pics when I get back.
 
The Puffins are easy to get, try over at the wick there will be hundreds and not in the least bit shy. Also worth looking out for the Little Owls which tend to be on the walls just past and to the right of the accommodation area. That's South East I think? Keep your eyes peeled for the Peregrine Falcon as well there is a good chance of a sighting although photo opportunities will be a bit harder.
 
Thanks Andy, that's great advice. My bird photography skills are pretty poor tbh, but hopefully being able to get up close might help! Watch this space for the results ....
 
The problem with the Puffins is not standing on them, I even had one perched on my leg

From what I remember this shot was taken with my 10-20mm

puffin1.jpg


They're very hard to find though......

neil_puff.jpg
 
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:LOL: LOL...!!! Thanks for this Brian. I've been advised I won't need my 400mm ... can see why now. I hope I get that close. Even I could miss at that distance!!! (y)

ETA ... I meant couldn't miss, not could, of course!!! Must learn to type as well as take pictures .....!!
 
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I went for my first time last year (stayed three nights) and have another stay at the end of June. So I'm far from a seasoned expert but:

Theres a (slightly too small) map on this page to familarise yourself with the layout of the island.

The main Puffin colony is at the wick. However there is also opportunities in the area noth of High Cliff or from the steps at the landing point; although the number of birds is lower depending on the wind+sun direction thes might provide a useful alternative for flight shots. The map also has a puffin symbol overlooking Pigstone Bay. I don't recall it being a useful location, but others might wish to correct me. While photographing, don't forget to keep track of what is going on around you; sometimes you need to move out of the way to allow a timid Puffin to cross the path.

The steps at the landing point are also the best location for Razorbills and Guillemots.
 
Quicksnapper said:
:LOL: LOL...!!! Thanks for this Brian. I've been advised I won't need my 400mm ... can see why now. I hope I get that close. Even I could miss at that distance!!! (y)

ETA ... I meant couldn't miss, not could, of course!!! Must learn to type as well as take pictures .....!!
Click to expand...

You will need your 400 and a TC if you want to go after the little owls. You will be very lucky if the little owls come close to you. You are not allowed to leave the main paths as the island is riddled with manx shearwater burrows and the wardens get a bit peed off if you wander over them. There is also the opportunity to photograph many other small birds. Going with say a max of 70-200 will limit you. No trips on Monday except bank holidays.

Wick is probably the best place to see them and if the wind is blowing off the land its a nice place to catch the puffins coming in to land but if its blowing off the sea its a bit harder.

Weather can also limit the trips. Usually the skipper of the Dale Princess will decide on the morning if the weather is a bit iffy. It is very popular, you have to queue for tickets for the boat so dont leave it too late arriving or you may find that you dont get on the island. There are limited numbers.
 
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Thanks for the info folks. As I'm going on my own, I've decided to enrol on a workshop so will be escorted and (hopefully) tutored by an experienced pro who's been there loads of times and knows his way around. The other advantage to this is a guaranteed place on the boat. Never thought about not wandering off the paths! Thanks for the tip.... It's next Tuesday, so I hope the weather's improved before then. Watch this space for puffin pics when I get home. I'll take as much kit as I can carry and see what I need when I get there. Thanks again .....
 
Don't take too much kit with you. The path to the (mainland) jetty is narrow & gets very crowded and the steps up from the Skomer jetty are knackering :)

also remember to take food / drink, there isn't a Tesco on the island.

Mainland Jetty (phone shot)

path.jpg


I've stayed on Skomer 3 times & Skokholm once, the only word that can describe it is "Magical" (clichéd but true)

Unsorted photos from TPF Skomer trip 2009
 
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