For anyone visiting the Farne Island off the UK, there are two essential items a good hat to protect fthe head from the Arctic Tern attacks and a short lens. This is my friend Steve about to receieve another attack by a screaming tern.
Didn't know these artic terns were attack birds Rich. I f I ever get to your part of the world I will be sure to wear a helmet , Thanks for sharing this image and wonderful timing !
Thanks Alfred and Judy. The arctic terns are ferocious and start on you as soon as you step off the boat. The path up to the island leads right through their nesting area (which is fenced off). however they sit on the posts and if you even look sideways at them they start screaming and fly up. A good technique is to follow behind a person in front of you, as you can get some nice flight shots of the birds above their 'victim'. However, you are also being attacked while trying to do this which is a bit distracting. I had one bird sat on my hat for about 3 minutes doing a woodpecker impression and those beaks are sharp!!!
If you are ever in the UK in June / July put the Farne Islands on your list as an essential place to visit.