The hot weather in the southeast of England had still not abated, despite some impressive thunderstorms moving northwards the night before the survey. So, taking advantage of the cars air conditioning, I drove down to Dover and waited to join the Dover Seaways. Once on the air-conditioned bridge, protected from the sun’s heat by anti-glare blinds, I was greeted by Captain Reed and his officers and settled in ready to begin observations.

As the ship left Dover Harbour, I started recording Herring Gull, followed by sporadic sightings of Black-headed Gull, Kittiwake and Great Black-backed Gull. A couple of Gannets were also seen, immature birds born in the past 2 years.

Between Calais and Dunkirk there is a Nature Reserve, La Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Platier d’Oye. As we headed parallel to the reserve, I started to record Sandwich Tern and Mediterranean Gull, both species share nesting sites in the area. The occasional Common Tern was also recorded. All birds were flying beyond our vessel to the Flanders banks to feed, the birds returning to their nest scrape on the reserve carrying small fish in their bills.

During this time, I recorded my only marine mammal of the survey, a Grey Seal that surfaced close to a couple of Herring Gull. It looked towards the ship, the gulls swam towards him, and he quickly returned sub-surface to avoid the bird’s attention.

During the turnover period, Captain Reed showed me some pictures he had taken of the lightening storm the previous night.

The journey back to Dover was much the same in terms of weather, with warm sunshine and calm seas. Although patches of mist remained mid-Channel, visibility never deteriorated enough to suspend the survey. Bird activity remained steady, with the same species being recorded on the return to England. One notable exception was a solitary Great Skua patrolling the Channel. The last recording was an aggregation of large gulls, predominantly Herring Gull, waiting just outside the outer breakwater for any ferries churning up the sediment and food in their wake. I thanked Captain Lloyd for his hospitality and returned to the passenger decks to await disembarkation.

My thanks go to DFDS, Captains Reed and Lloyd of the Dover Seaways, their officers and crew for making my survey possible. I also wish to thank the staff on shore for their assistance and support.

Carol Farmer-Wright, Research Surveyor for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Outbound – wind variable force 2-3, sea state 2-1, visibility good to moderate, sunny with occasional glare and light mist

Return – wind variable force 4-1, sea state 1-2, visibility good to moderate, sunny with glare and light to moderate mist