SKOMER’S PERFECT PUFFINS
May 2024
May 16th - 18th - SOLD OUT
June 2024
June 4th - 6th - SOLD OUT
June 11th - 13th - SOLD OUT
June 20th - 22nd - SOLD OUT
June 25th - 27th - SOLD OUT
June 27th - 29th - SOLD OUT
Location
Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
JOIN AWARD-WINNING SEABIRD PHOTOGRAPHER & AUTHOR OF PUFFINS: LIFE ON THE ATLANTIC EDGE KEVIN MORGANS. TO ENJOY THE MAGIC OF A TWO/THREE-NIGHT STAY ON PEMBROKESHIRE'S SEABIRD OASIS, SKOMER ISLAND.
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Skomer Island is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A small oasis situated just off the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline. Once on the island, our main focus will be one of the UK's most loved seabirds, known for their brightly coloured bills, comical waddle, and inquisitive nature; the Atlantic Puffin. But Skomer offers so much more than just puffins. Each spring, the island becomes a bustling seabird metropolis, home to countless breeding birds, such as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and chough, to name a few. and, if we are lucky, we may encounter any breeding short-eared owls.
The Atlantic Puffin population on Skomer has increased by a massive 240% over the last ten years and is now home to a whopping 42,513 puffins to be exact. This is in stark contrast to other puffin numbers across the UK, especially in the north, which continue to fall. This makes Skomer Island of critical importance to the future of the Atlantic Puffin, not only in the UK but worldwide,
Puffins are one of, if not the world's most photogenic seabirds. Inquisitive in their nature, they are always a joy to spend time with. Skomer is a perfect place to build a portfolio of images showcasing these endearing birds. Spending two/three nights on the island allows us to be on hand to experience many different situations with the birds and weather. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of staying on the island overnight is that it allows us to avoid the day visitors, and as the sun sets and rises each day, we can enjoy the island in complete solitude.
As well as seeing puffins, there will also be a chance to witness the phenomenon of Manx Shearwaters. Skomer is home to about half of the world's population of Manx shearwaters (roughly 350,000 pairs) and watching them return to their burrows under a shroud of darkness is a magical experience that can only be experienced by staying overnight on the island.
ITINERARY
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We will meet at West Hook Farm (SA62 3BJ). Your bags will be ferried to the jetty ready for our crossing to Skomer Island. Following disembarkation, we will be met by the island visitor officer, who will give us a short briefing about the island and its wildlife. We will then make our way to the accommodation, where our baggage will arrive shortly after. The warden will brief us, and we will show you your rooms. Then it's time for a quick tea, coffee, and snack, followed by a tour of the island, showing you the best spots for photography. Later that day, we will return for a hot meal, followed by our final session of the day. As the evening draws in, the magic really begins. The day vistors have long gone, and we have the island to ourselves. The warm evening light can be beautiful on the island, as it sets over the horizon. You can spend as much (or as little) time as you like photographing the birds. We will be on hand to advise on techniques and help whenever needed.
At the end of the day, under a shroud of darkness, we will head out and witness the amazing spectacle as Manx Shearwaters return to their burrows.
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Day 2 will begin with an early photo session at sunrise, as the puffins awaken ready for another day at the colony (this is an option; you may want to rest after a late night watching the manx shearwaters). We will have the island to ourselves for this session before the day visitors arrive. Then back to the accommodation for breakfast, a perfect way to start a day on the island. Following this, the day is yours. We can continue to photograph throughout the day, or simply relax and enjoy your island. We will always be on hand to offer any photographic help if required. Later in the day, we will follow a similar routine, with a hot meal followed by an evening shoot at the colony.
If you missed the shearwaters the previous night, we can try again, or whether you just want an early night and relax, the option is yours.
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Day 3 is our last day of the adventure. There is time for another morning session for whoever would like to join us.
After this final session, it is time to pack our bags, have breakfast, and get ready for our departure back to the mainland. Once back on the mainland, we will ferry your bags back to the farm and sadly say our goodbyes.
Whats Included
Return ferry from Martins Haven to Skomer
Two nights’ accommodation on Skomer
All meals
Baggage transfer on Skomer
Whats Excluded
Accommodation night before departure
Car park fees, West Hook Farm
Snacks & Alcohol
Personal/Travel Insurance
GET IN TOUCH.
Kevin Morgans Wildlife Photography
Email: kevinmorgans@outlook.com
Phone: 07578798667