The tide was flooding in at Bideford as we waited to board but at least it was dry. We set off promptly at 09:00 with 230 passengers, among them were a group of Americans for Millcombe House, the farrier who was going over to check the horses’ hooves, and 50 from the Royal Geographical Society who were accompanied by two Lundy Ambassadors., including.

We passed a Danish bulk carrier as we left the estuary and shortly after could see two RFA vessels that were probably on exercises in the area, a passenger’s son had served on one of them last year.

I passed around the decks and had some wonderful conversations with people about their hopes for the day, or for those staying on the island, of their plans for the time that they would be there. As it is peak breeding season for Puffin they were the focus for several and now that the numbers are up to around 2,000 they can be seen in many areas along the west coast.  Wardens on the island were at Jenny’s with a scope to let visitors see the birds more clearly. I encouraged people to join the Lundy Ambassador on his guided walk and on the return trip several passengers commented on how good it was to have a guide. The mist that greeted us on arrival soon lifted to give a sunny afternoon.

The only marine mammals seen on this trip were the Grey Seal in Landing Bay but we had large numbers of Manx Shearwater and Guillemot on the way across, along with a few Gannet and Fulmar that made for good discussion points with passengers. On the return we had close sightings of Razorbill as they flew up across the ship and a immature Gannet with dark plumage that surprised many.

Recent bird reports of a few Golden Oriole in Millcombe Valley and the Subalpine Warbler were the draw but as confirmed with the warden, these had passed through, and we were down to breeding birds now. The whole island sea bird count was completing when we went over so results will be revealed shortly with many auks and other sea birds on the west coast. For some of those staying on the island the Manx Shearwaters were the attraction and it’s incredible to realise that some 25,000 of them now call Lundy home. Northern Wheatear, Linnet and Meadow Pipit were in abundance and there were plenty of Willow Warbler singing.

Day visitors had a good time on the island with lots of sightings of wild goats, Soay Sheep and Highland Cattle with their magnificent horns. I met a couple of groups who were interested in the Mirror Carp in Rocket Pole Pond and the Golden Orfe in the Quarry Pond.

On our return journey we made good time, docking on schedule in Bideford and mooring with precision alongside the Shore Office. As ever huge thanks go to Captain Jason, the officers and crew of the ‘Oldenburg’ for all their help and assistance.

MARINElife WLA Kevin Waterfall
Weather: light to moderate on passages, sea state 4, wind force 2-4