The morning was cloudy and therefore it was dark for longer, so we only managed an hour of survey before we docked in Dublin. In the grey light it was difficult to spot and identify birds to species, but several auks were seen with a group of Kittiwake and Herring Gull. Almost all birds seen were flying.
Red-throated Diver (Library photo: Rick Morris)
Approaching Dublin, Cormorant and Common Gull were added to our species list along with a single Red-throated Diver. Unusually there were very few birds just outside the port, although the captain pointed out a Grey Seal loafing on the surface just inside the dock. There was the usual large flock of mixed gulls around the power station outfall along with a few Wigeon and Teal. A disappointment was the lack of Black Guillemot and Brent Goose, always regular in the port on past winter surveys. Perhaps they were deterred by the major construction works taking place to expand the port? A Hooded Crow was the only land bird that we saw during our time in Dublin.
After an excellent lunch we were back on the bridge in time to learn from the captain about how the ship is maneuvered during departure, and we started our return survey as the ship left the port, past the outer lighthouse on the breakwater. For about 30 minutes we were treated to many sightings of Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull with a few Guillemot, Razorbill, and a Puffin.
As we got further from Dublin the numbers of birds seen gradually declined and thoughts turned to a mug of tea and a break. Those thoughts were rapidly dropped as a group of three Common Dolphin appeared and treated us to two synchronised leaps in unison! With full sun reflecting off their bodies they made a fantastic climax to our survey. All too soon the sun was setting, but in the fading light we saw the first of four Fulmar.
With the relatively early finish at this time of year there was time in the evening to sort out our notes and have another excellent meal.
Our thanks go to the ever-helpful Captain Kurach and his crew who made us so welcome and showed great interest in what we are doing and the results that we are getting.
Don Ainsworth and Tony Marshall, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)
Weather:
Outbound: Sea state: 5-2; Visibility: 5; Clouds: 8; Swell: 1-2 metres; Wind: NW 17-24 knots
Return: Sea state: 3-5; Visibility: 6; Clouds: 1-2; Swell: 1-2 metres; Wind: NW 19-30 knots
Species recorded
Marine mammals
- Common Dolphin (Short-beaked) Delphinus delphis 3
- Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus 1
Seabirds
- Auk sp. Alcidae 8
- Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 2
- Common Gull Larus canus 13
- Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 4
- Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis 4
- Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 2
- Guillemot Uria aalge 13
- Gull sp. Laridae 8
- Herring Gull Larus argentatus 75
- Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 19
- Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 3
- Puffin Fratercula arctica 1
- Razorbill Alca torda 4
- Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata 1
- Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 1