The weather was fine and clear as we made our way into the port at Dover and boarded the Delft Seaways, to be greeted with the usual friendly welcome from the crew. As the ship set sail, we took up position on the starboard side of the bridge and started the survey as we emerged from the harbour. Visibility was good, but the sea state was somewhat high for spotting marine mammals.

Having passed a raft of more than two hundred gulls just outside the harbour entrance, we soon recorded our first Gannet, including immature birds of several ages, followed by a small flock of Kittiwake and our first Fulmar.

Nearing the French coast, we began recording terns, including a Commic Tern and several Sandwich Tern, followed by Cormorant as we closed in on the port at Dunkirk.

On the return leg of the survey, we encountered a similar mix of bird species, with the addition of two sightings of skua, both of which were dark phase juveniles. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify them to species.

As with other recent surveys on the Dover Strait, the number of immature Gannet was noticeable, including first, second and fourth year birds.

Thanks to Captain Maciej and his officers and crew for facilitating the survey.

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

Weather

Outbound: visibility good, wind SW force 6-7

Return: visibility good, wind SW force 6-7