We completed the formalities at Felixstowe port with relative ease and were soon collected and transported to the ship. Once on board the Suecia Seaways, we met the stewardess and were able to go to our cabins and get some rest.

Rising at dawn for the morning’s survey we had a quick breakfast and then were taken up to the bridge where we were welcomed by the bridge officers and were able to start the survey. It was a beautiful sunny day, with clear skies and the sea state was calm, with no appreciable swell, but the downside was the glare from the sun which stayed with us all day.

Several Great Black-backed Gull were sighted and our first Kittiwake and Gannet. The majority of Gannet on the trip were adult birds, many in breeding plumage, so it was nice to see one group with a young bird in tow.

As we entered the Maas River we began to record large numbers of duck. Gadwall, Wigeon and Teal were in large numbers, but we also saw three Eider and two Red-breasted Merganser.

After a few hours in Vlaardingen, during which the ship was unloaded and loaded up again, we set sail for the return voyage. It was still a beautiful sunny, mild day and we recorded our sightings as we sailed back down the river. Once again, numerous duck, Cormorant, Coot and gull species were recorded, along with an occasional Grey Heron and Great Crested Grebe.

Leaving the river behind we spotted two Harbour Porpoise swimming slowly off the starboard bow. There were also quite a few seabirds in the area so they may have been heading to feed.

Further offshore we began to encounter large numbers of Kittiwake, both adult and immature birds, Gannet and a few Razorbill and Guillemot.  We also found a fine adult Common Gull.

We continued to survey until the light faded and then thanked the bridge crew and retired below for some welcome food and to await our arrival at Felixstowe.

Our thanks go to Captain Kristian Christensen, his bridge officers and crew for their warm welcome and hospitality and for facilitating the survey.

Pat Hatch and Jeremy Burgess, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367) 

 

Weather

Outward: Sunny, good visibility, wind NE-S, sea state 2

Return: sunny, good visibility, wind S, sea state 2