As I walked along the quay the last patches of early morning mist were disappearing off of the river.  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.

In the river the tide was high with most of the mudbanks covered. Herring Gull were around the covered shipyard and Fish Quay at Appledore. Halfway out to Lundy, a small mixed group of Manx Shearwater, Guillemot and two Razorbill floated past. An additional Guillemot suddenly popped up to the surface of the water with a small fish in its beak, which was soon eaten. Approaching Lundy five Gannet were seen flying in the distance.

The Oldenburg had made a quick passage across to the island, so instead of heading straight into the Landing Bay, she headed out much further along towards the north end. The boat then turned for a close passage along the east coast, giving passengers great views of Grey Seal in the water and Shag on the rocks.

After disembarking I walked up to the Millcombe Valley where the wild Fuchsias and Red Valerian were in full flower. Loads of Silver Y moth and a couple of Hummingbird Hawk-moth were flitting around the flowers. At the top of the steps, I turned onto the upper eastern coast path. There was plenty of signs of migration with Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler in the woodland trees and Stonechat and Wheatear along the wall and path edge. Reaching Quarry cottages, I turned back to the village for an early picnic lunch.

It was now approaching low tide, so I walked back down to the Landing Bay and spent the afternoon on the beach snorkelling. The water was clear with good visibility. It was fun just watching the various seaweeds and Snakelocks Anemone swaying in the current. I also saw a couple of Green Shore Crab and one wrasse, which I wasn’t able to identify to species from the quick view I had.

The journey home was very quiet, with just a few Manx Shearwater and one Gannet and, approaching Bideford a Little Egret stood on the marsh banks.

After we moored up in Bideford, I collected my bags and thanked Jason and the crew before disembarking to walk back along the quay and head home.