It was an early start at 0730 at Bideford and a full boat taking both day trippers and stayers over to Lundy for the Bank Holiday Weekend. The weather was calm and bright as we slipped our berth and sailed out along the Torridge estuary. Several Shelduck were feeding along the high tide mark and Herring Gull wheeled overhead.

As we left the estuary waves were breaking over the sandbar at the entrance, but the sea remained relatively calm for the crossing with a mild swell but very little wind. Dolphins had been seen the day before, so all eyes were on the seas looking for fins or tell-tale splashes, but none were seen until nearing Lundy when a pair of Common Dolphin briefly came to the boat but did not stay with us.

Bird sightings were few as is often the case when there is little wind, but several Manx Shearwater were seen, along with Guillemot, Razorbill, and a single Gannet.

Approaching Lundy, the weather stayed bright and several Shag were fishing in the harbour alongside two inquisitive Grey Seal. The weather forecast was for rain so many of us headed across the island to the west coast to see the seabird colonies while the weather held. It was worth the walk, the cliffs were busy with Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, and Kittiwake.

On the walk there and back there were many terrestrial birds to enjoy including Wheatear and Linnet and a Peregrine was seen overhead chasing the smaller birds.

We boarded the Oldenburg just as the rain started to fall and the journey back was wet but at least the sea was very calm with little wind. Again, a few Manx Shearwaters and auks were seen but the highlight for those who stayed on deck was a large pod of 30 Common Dolphins which came to the boat and rode the wake with us for several minutes. This made for some very happy passengers who were then able to seek shelter before we docked back in Bideford.

Many thanks as always to captain Jason Mugford and his helpful crew on the M.S. Oldenburg.

David Jenner, MARINElife Wildlife Ambassador