Today was my first trip to Lundy since last year and it was one that departed from Bideford at 08:30am and returned at 7:30pm. I boarded MS Oldenburg and made my way to the bridge and was greeted by Jason the Captain. Also on board was Judith and Kiera who were doing the MARINElife monthly survey. 
 
Out on the decks, I chatted to many of the passengers about our work and what we could possibly see during today’s sailings. The sea state was calm, and the sun shone on us for most of the day. 

As the ship navigated the Taw estuary many common birds were observed, then once out into the Bristol Channel and open sea, we started to pick up some of the expected seabirds, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill and Fulmar. Halfway over, a flock of five Common Scoter passed by from the port side of the ship. 
 
Arriving at Lundy’s landing bay a few Grey Seals were seen, much to the delight of many of the passengers. 

My time on the Island was split between Milcombe, exploring the wooded area, then on to the cliffs on the western side, where I got to see some Puffins as they rafted on the sea in the company of Guillemots and Razorbills. Fulmar circled the cliffs and a large contingent of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (predators) were seen very close to where the Puffins have their burrows. 
 
The return sailing was again a calm one with not so many birds this time. Sadly, there were no sightings of any cetaceans this trip. The ship arrived back in Bideford and before I disembarked, I thanked Jason the Captain and his crew for supporting MARINElife and I look forward to my next trip.
MARINElife/Lundy Steve McAusland