Shortly after passing the chain ferry and leaving the harbour behind us we saw our first Gannet of the day which was striking as it was so close to the harbour. Approaching Old-Harry Rock we discussed the sea-horse population in the bay at the southern end of the Studland peninsula. Settling into the journey we saw more Gannet, Cormorant, Great Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull.
Approaching Alderney and Ortac rock we were joined by more passengers and enjoyed seeing the Gannet colony there as we passed close-by. Shortly after we entered the straits between St Peter Port Harbour and Herm Island there was an increase in the abundance of Fulmar, Herring and Great Black-backed Gull and Gannet.
We docked in the harbour at St Peter Port on schedule and disembarked promptly. We then walked to the castle breakwater lighthouse where we ate our picnic lunches. Whilst there we watched the fishermen catch Cuttlefish and Squid and were fortunate enough to have a Rock Pipit feeding by the steps of the lighthouse almost at our feet so were able to get very good views. We then walked up to the Clarence Battery which was very interesting with a history dating back to 1779 and stretching to the German occupation. On the way we had a look at the sea water swimming pools equipped with changing room, a café and toilets. On a sunnier day it would have been very tempting to go for a dip. We stopped for a coffee whilst taking in the harbour and then ambled back to the boat for our return journey.
On re-boarding the Liberation, we learned that the crew had seen a pod of dolphins close to the harbour whilst making their way to Jersey. We were very vigilant as we left for our return journey to Poole but sadly there was no sign of any dolphins. As we again approached Ortac rock and Alderney we caught sight of a Harbour Porpoise and, when almost parallel with the rock, a Cory’s Shearwater banked and showed us its plumage perfectly. We enjoyed the views and the sea air until it got dark and then went into the cabin where we had some food and topped up on duty-free shopping.
Many thanks to Condor Ferries team for making us so welcome on-board and for the help and assistance provided!
MARINElife/Guernsey Wildlife Officers Glynis Northwood-Long & Chris Hilder
Weather:
A sea state of 4; cloudy with a maximum temperature of 18C and moderate winds
Species recorded
Marine mammals
- Harbour Porpoise 1
Seabirds
- Cory’s Shearwater
- Fulmar
- Gannet
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Herring Gull
Brownsea Lagoon birds
- Oystercatcher
- Spoonbill
- Avocet
- Black-headed Gull
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Cormorant
Birds on Guernsey
- Blackbird
- Cormorant
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Herring Gull
- Robin
- Rock Pipit