The day began with a spectacular sunrise spilling over Poole Harbour – a hopeful start to the day. David and I boarded the ‘Levante Jet’ ready for the crossing to Jersey, full of enthusiasm and anticipation. After a speedy boarding we were welcomed and looked after very well by DFDS’s staff in the Premium Lounge, and we enjoyed a light breakfast before heading up to the bridge. The air was fresh, the sea was calm, and we even had a rainbow arching briefly across the Channel as sunshine and some showers appeared out over the channel.
Once out into open water however, conditions proved to be a little challenging with the winds and swell, and visibility came and went between bursts of rain and dazzling sunshine. Despite the challenging sea state, a few hardy seabirds were spotted – mainly Guillemot bobbing on the choppy water and Gannet soaring effortlessly above the swell, their white plumage brilliant against the stormy sky.
After a brief turnaround in Jersey, it was time to conduct the return leg of the survey. Conditions were still a little challenging, but the conditions allowed for a few more observations. Again, no cetaceans showed themselves this time, but a scattering of Gannet and Guillemot kept us company as we made our way back towards the Dorset coast. As the daylight began to fade, the sea gradually smoothed out, and the golden glow of the setting sun made for a peaceful end to what had been a memorable day.
Although wildlife sightings were limited, the survey was a testament to the dedication and good humour of MARINElife’s volunteers – and a reminder that not every survey is about numbers and data. Sometimes, it’s about resilience, teamwork, and the unpredictable beauty of the sea.
We would like to express a HUGE thank you to the DFDS Ferries crew and shore-based staff for their support. We were very well looked after by the ship’s crew who remained kind, happy and smiling throughout our time onboard.
David Jenner and Tess Milton, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)
Weather
Outbound – Good visibility, with moderate cloud, wind between force 3-6
Return – Good visibility, cloudy, wind between force 3-6
Species recorded
Inland birds
- lack-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 6
- Gannet Morus bassanus 42
- Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 7
- Herring Gull Larus argentatus 8
- Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 3
- Guillemot Uria Aalge 193
- Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus 8
- Auk sp. 20
- Gull sp. 4