The previous day was very hot and sunny, so it was a pleasure to drive down to Dover in pleasantly warm weather.

The last weeks in July can be extremely busy in Dover and it consequently took a while to get to the port to undertake our survey. We missed the original sailing check-in time, but the ticket office kindly arranged for us to sail on the next available vessel.

We went to the information desk and the officers there managed to obtain permission from Captain de Villars for us to survey from the bridge.

Sightings were steady with Gannet, Great Black-backed Gull and Kittiwake with Mediterranean Gull appearing as we neared the French coast. A couple of the Gannet had been born in the last two years which was encouraging. We entered the shelter of Calais harbour where eight Harbour Seals were hauled out. This area is particularly safe for seals as there is no public access to the beach.

Returning to the UK bird sightings were fewer with only nine species seen. Gannet, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake and a group of Sandwich Tern were recorded.

Sadly, no marine mammals were seen on this survey.

We left the bridge as we neared the harbour arm. Our thanks go to DFDS Cote de Dunes, Captain de Villars, his officers and crew for being so welcoming and enabling our survey to be completed despite the short notice. Our apologies go to the Officers and crew of the Cote d’Opale for missing their sailing.

Patrick Hatch and Carol Farmer-Wright, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Outbound: wind SSW-WSW 4-5, cloudy and dry, good visibility

Return: wind WNW-WSW 5-4, cloudy and dry, good visibility