UK Puffins & Gannets Photo Adventure with Denise Ippolito
June 15 through June 22, 2019: $4999, 7 nights. Limit 8 photographers-spots available
This UK trip offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph Atlantic Puffin, Common Murre, Razorbill, Shag, and Gannet. As well as Arctic, Sandwich, and Common Terns. On one of the islands that we stop at Arctic Tern chicks line the pathway. Black-headed, Lesser-Black-backed, and Herring Gulls are constantly harassing the Puffins trying to grab their fish that they bring in by the mouthfuls. This makes for some great photography. But don't worry the Puffins are quick to slide into their burrows. To sign up CLICK HERE.
Itinerary
During this photo adventure we will have 5 scheduled Puffin landings at two of the Farne Islands. We also have one Bass Rock Landing scheduled. Bass Rock is one of the world's largest gannet colonies with over 150,000 gannets at peak season. To land on "The Rock" is truly a special event. You will have the opportunity to walk through the colony and see the interaction at point blank range. These large seabirds will most likely be on eggs during this time. There will be many different types of behavior to capture including; mating, squabbling, landing with nesting material, nest care, eggs being warmed by their feet, sky pointing and more... We will be briefed by one of the Bass Rock caregivers before landing and they will be there to assist us while we are there. Please keep in mind this landing is weather permitting and the boat captain will have the final say as to whether or not the boat will sail on the scheduled day. Participants wishing to sign up must be in good physical condition -able to climb a flight of stairs.
There is a beautiful castle nearby and we will go there one evening after dinner to capture a sunset shot of the castle from one of my favorite spots. We may also visit a second castle if the schedule permits.
Details
Fly into Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) on the first morning of the trip -June 15th. I will meet you at the airport and we will drive to our cottages from there. Group meeting time will be in the detailed PDF file so be sure to book your flights accordingly. In the PDF I will also go over gear selection, clothing selection as well as electrical outlets, currency and much, much more...
We will be staying in two upscale country cottages that are lovely with beautiful views of the countryside. The cottages boast a large living area and lots of open space for informal image sharing and Photoshop sessions. The shared rooms are nice-sized, each with a private bathroom. There are also two laundry rooms, so no need to bring loads of clothes! Single supplements are limited, please inquire within.
All ground transportation including a group transfer to and from the airport is included. All boat fees, national trust fees, and permits are included in the price.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. All boat lunches will need to be prepared by you in advance, taken with, and consumed at your leisure. I usually eat mine on the short boat trip from one island to the other. There will be at least one or two nights of take out and one fish and chips dinner. All other dinners will be at local restaurants. Desserts and all beverages as well as all snacks are not included.
Deposit Info
A non-refundable $2,000 per person payment is required to save a spot. Please be sure to check your schedule carefully before committing to the trip and see the travel insurance info below. Your balance will be due on January 29, 2019. Please make all checks payable to “Denise Ippolito LLC”. Overseas folks can pay their balances via wire transfer; the registrant is responsible for the fees on both ends. If I do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date above I will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. If your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for big international trips is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options.
*All scheduled landings are weather permitting.