It was extremely busy at the Poole ferry terminal with holiday makers heading for the Channel Islands, check in was smooth and we were soon being escorted up to the bridge to introduce ourselves to Captain Stephen Ainscow.

Departing early, we had time to enjoy the sail out through Poole harbour passing Brownsea Island and the Sandbanks ferry before starting our survey just before Old Harry Rock. Seabird sightings proved slim in the flat calm conditions for the first hour. A pod of six Common Dolphin and a Grey Seal soon enlivened the survey at this point.

Bird sightings increased as we approached Alderney with three Mediterranean Gull a lovely sight. We were moving at 28knots when a Shag flew by and continued into the distance! 10 Puffin in this sector was an indication of the improved breeding numbers on Burhou Island.

On approach to Guernsey, we encountered dark clouds and torrential rain and the island disappeared into a storm. After about twenty minutes we suddenly saw Guernsey again in full sunshine, much to the relief of the day visitors on board!

A quick turn round and we were on our way to Jersey in very calm conditions with anticipation of dolphin sightings as the crew had reported much activity the day before. Unfortunately, today luck wasn’t on our side, and we arrived in Jersey with nil returns!

On the return leg bird numbers picked up between Alderney and the shipping lanes and we saw groups of Gannet sat on the sea ahead. During the next hour we observed four groups of Common Dolphin totalling 37 individuals much to the excitement of the bridge crew.

No Harbour Porpoise were recorded during this survey, perhaps surprising considering the sea conditions.

Again, we then entered a quiet area before sailing into Poole Harbour and ending our survey. We thanked Captain Ainscow and crew for their kind hospitality and enthusiastic support.

Steve Boswell and Margaret Boswell, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather: Mainly light SW winds throughout, heavy rain for 20 minutes