It was a damp misty morning, with just a hint of brightness out in the bay. I collected my tickets and was soon boarding the Oldenburg, where I was warmly greeted by Captain Jason and other members of the crew. I then headed out onto the deck to join my fellow passengers.
The crossing was very quiet, with just a few Gannet, Guillemot and two Common Scoter.
In the Landing Bay two Grey Seal were resting on the rocks, whilst others swam around waiting for the tide to drop further.
I headed towards the village. Below Millcombe House the bird ringers were busy, and I was just in time to watch them ringing and recording a couple of Blackcap. When I walked on further it became obvious that there had been a large arrival of Blackcap overnight, they were everywhere. After a sandwich in the village, I then decided to look for the Firecrest that had been reported in the pine trees. After first checking out a couple of Goldcrest, the Firecrest appeared close by, giving a good eye-level view.
Back in the landing bay over twenty seals were now resting on the rock, and a few young ones were playing in amongst the drift seaweed.
On the return journey, Guillemot, either singly or in small groups, were seen floating on the water, and a single Razorbill flew past. A member of the bridge crew later reported seeing Harbour Porpoise off Morte Point.
On arrival back in Ilfracombe, I thanked the crew for another great trip.
MARINElife WLA Judith Tatem
Weather: cloudy becoming sunny later, sea state 1-2, swell 1
Species recorded
Marine mammals
- Harbour Porpoise 1 (seen by crew off of Morte Point)
- Grey Seal 30
Seabirds
- Herring Gull
- Guillemot
- Razorbill
- Shag
- Gannet
- Common Scoter
Terrestrial birds
- Rock Pipit
- Chaffinch
- Goldfinch
- Linnet
- Chiffchaff
- Blackcap
- Goldcrest
- Firecrest
- Robin
- Blackbird
- House Sparrow
- Starling
- Raven
- Kestrel
- Carrion Crow
Other Wildlife
- Small White
- Clouded Yellow 1
- Hummingbird Hawk-moth