The new access developments into Heysham Port continue apace, but despite the confusion of the new, CLdN port staff efficiently booked us in on the sailing and transported us safely to the upper deck of the Power.  A quick catch-up chat with Don before turning in for some sleep before the early start to the survey on Tuesday morning.

Grey skies and a choppy sea all the way to Dublin Port were graced with numbers of Guillemot flighting across the bows, while only singles of Gannet and Kittiwake were recorded.  A single Grey Seal took an emergency dive as the Power bore down on the animal, while a Great Northern Diver was seen flying low over the waves as we approached the outer reaches of Dublin Port.

Light drizzle while we were docked in port did not put us off a bit of gull identification, with a number of birds using the updrafts along the high sides of the ship to sport in front of our cameras!  A few adult Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull presented few problems for us, but the numerous juveniles and adolescent birds remained challenging!

The Power left on time, and we were immediately rewarded with close views of Black Guillemot and Mediterranean Gull even before the survey began at the outer lighthouse.  However, the expected rain began soon afterwards and persisted for the rest of the afternoon, but we were pleased to see a small pod of Harbour Porpoise as Ireland disappeared into the grey of the afternoon.  A few more sightings of Gannet, Kittiwake, and Fulmar were all that were recorded before the survey ended at dusk.

Rather surprisingly, no Guillemot or Razorbill were seen on the return crossing – perhaps they do not like rain!!

Our thanks go to the ever-helpful Captain Kaarm and his crew for again making us so welcome on board the Power – we really felt part of their family!  Our gratitude also to the CLdN staff at Heysham for their care in getting us safely on board through the confusion of the port!

Don Ainsworth and Rob Petley-Jones, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather:

Outbound: Sea state: 2-4; Visibility: 4-5; Clouds: 8; Swell: 0-1; Wind: E 20-25 knots

Return: Sea state: 3-5; Visibility: 4-3; Clouds: 8; Precipitation: Light rain; Swell: 1; Wind: E 25-30 knots