It was a warm morning, with the clouds breaking to give hints of brightness. On arriving at the pier, I collected my tickets and was soon boarding the Oldenburg, where I was warmly greeted by Captain Jason and other members of the crew. I then headed out onto the deck to join my fellow passengers, many of whom I found were watching a local gig boat being tossed around in the strong swell that was running straight into the outer harbour.
On the crossing Guillemot, either in pairs or small groups, were the predominant bird. Two sharp-eyed little boys sitting near the bridge spotted a dolphin and this was confirmed by one of the crew.
Approaching the Landing Bay, a large group of Shag stood on the outer rocks. In the bay a few seals were swimming around and two were mating close to the rocks. Walking towards the Landing Bay beach notices alerted people not to disturb the resting seal pup below.
I headed towards the Castle, where I sat in the shade to eat my lunch. Looking down into the Devil’s Kitchen, several Grey Seal could be seen resting on the rocks, whilst others swam around the bay. After lunch I walked to the Village to get a drink in the shop and as I left two Clouded Yellow butterflies were flying around the longer grass in the field to the left.
On the return journey the swell was, thankfully, considerably reduced. Guillemot were again the predominant bird, although around half-way back a couple of large groups of Manx Shearwater were seen rafting and a few Gannet flew over.
On arrival back in Ilfracombe, I thanked the crew for another great trip.
MARINElife WLA Judith Tatem.
Weather: Cloudy becoming sunny later, sea state 2-3, wind force 3-4.
Species recorded
Marine mammals
- Dolphin sp. 1 (seen by passengers and crew)
- Grey Seal 25
Seabirds
- Herring Gull
- Guillemot
- Shag
- Manx Shearwater
- Gannet
Wildlife on Lundy
Terrestrial birds
- Rock Pipit
- Pied Wagtail
- Chaffinch
- Swallow
- Goldfinch
- Linnet
- House Sparrow
- Starling
- Raven
- Carrion Crow
Other wildlife
- Red Admiral
- Painted Lady
- Small Tortoiseshell
- Common Blue
- Small Heath
- Small White
- Clouded Yellow 2
- Silver Y
- Hummingbird Hawk-moth