It is always exciting to arrive at the pier in anticipation of what we will see on the trip to Lundy. This time I was to be joined by the monthly survey team, my fellow MARINElife colleagues Fiona McNie and David Jenner. We collected our tickets and were soon boarding the Oldenburg, where we were warmly greeted by Captain Jason and other members of the crew.

I headed out onto the deck to join my fellow passengers. The visibility was good, and the sea state slight. Shortly after leaving the harbour, we saw a couple of Fulmar, the rest of the crossing was mainly dominated by Guillemot with a few Razorbill. Nearing Lundy a large group of Manx Shearwater flew past.

The Survey team reported that during the crossing they had a very brief view of a Bottlenose Dolphin. On approaching Lundy a small dinghy was seen struggling to make headway in the rough waters around Mouse Island. The Oldenburg diverted to give assistance, before the imminent arrival of the Ilfracombe Lifeboat, which happened to be out training nearby. Under the cliffs of Lundy several Shag, in full breeding plumage, were swimming around.

On arriving on Lundy, I walked up to the Millcombe Valley where the bird ringers were busy at work. Two female Blackcap were weighed and found to be in tiptop condition after their long flights. With rain forecast and the clouds building up I decided to dash across to Jenny’s Cove to see the Puffin, and hopefully the Ring Ouzel which had just been reported there. As I walked across, I was delighted to see lots of Sand Martin swooping around. Unfortunately, the arrival of the rain almost coincided with my getting to Jenny’s Cove, so after a brief view of the Puffin I headed back to the Marisco Tavern for a cup of coffee.

Soon after we departed from the island the rain clouds cleared, so we had a dry passage back. Guillemot were again the most prominent bird on the return crossing. About twenty large Barrel Jellyfish passed close to the boat. On arrival back in Ilfracombe I collected my bags, thanked the crew for another good trip and said goodbye to my survey colleagues.

MARINElife Lundy Wildlife Ambassador Judith Tatem

Weather: Mainly cloudy on both passages, sea state 3