It was a cloudy morning with some mist hanging over the bay. 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. Out on the deck, an excited young passenger immediately drew my attention to several large Compass Jellyfish swimming close to the boat. The water was clear enough for us to see their long tentacles floating behind.

On the crossing Guillemot were the predominant birds, along with Manx Shearwater. Around halfway across there was a brief glimpse of a Harbour Porpoise and, shortly afterwards two groups of Common Dolphin passed the ship, heading up the Channel. In each group a couple of them wheeled allowing good views and identification. Lundy was hidden in the mist so we couldn’t see the island until we were very close. We did, however, see two Puffin and a large group of Shag.

Approaching the Landing Bay a group of Shag stood on the outer rocks, and an Oystercatcher stood opposite the jetty. Walking up the hill I could hear the calling of seals echoing below. Having heard that two Golden Oriole had recently been seen in the Quarter Wall Copse, I headed out along the lower eastern path. A pair of Peregrine Falcon suddenly appeared, both chasing a small bird which escaped into the bracken. Sadly, despite a good time looking, the Golden Oriole proved elusive. Soon it was time to head to the village and then back to the jetty.

With the tide going out several Grey Seal were now resting on the rocks near the jetty. Instead of heading straight out to sea the Oldenburg sailed up along the eastern coast almost to the North Light. This delighted the passengers, allowing views of the small Razorbill and Guillemot colonies that now inhabit the northern part of that area. There were also several Puffin on the water.

Razorbill and Manx Shearwater dominated the journey back, with just one sighting of a Gannet. There were also several sightings of single Common Dolphin. Arriving back in Ilfracombe I thanked the crew for another great trip.

MARINElife Wildlife Ambassador: Judith Tatem

Weather: Cloudy with some sea fog near Lundy, sea state 1