Weather: clear throughout the survey, around 10% cloud and light winds
Summary of Species Recorded
Seabirds
Gannet Morus bassanus 2
Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis 4
Razorbill Alca torda 7
Herring Gull Larus argentatus 11
Guillemot Uria aalge 145
Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 3
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 5
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus 70
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 4
We were welcomed on board in Ilfracombe by the friendly crew, then headed up to the
bridge to meet the Captain who showed us to our survey location. We set off from
Ilfracombe at around 10:00, the weather was clear and sunny.
Seabird sightings began shortly after we set off, but were slow to begin with and only picked up closer to Lundy Island. Numerous Guillemot were spotted flying and on the water on our
outward journey, as well as several Manx Shearwater, Shag and various gulls. We arrived at Lundy Island around midday and were greeted with sightings of Grey seal in the harbour.
We spent several hours walking around Lundy Island, taking in the sights of the stunning
coastline and enjoying the glorious weather. As well as observing several more Grey seal
along the coast we also spotted a variety of birds, including Puffin, Wheatear, Rock Pipit and
Swallow as well as the resident Highland cows.
We returned to the MS Oldenburg for our return journey and set off at around 16:00. The
weather on the way back was once again clear, with a little wind, and sea conditions were
excellent. Our return journey was much more fruitful, with numerous bird sightings,
including Great Black-backed Gull, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill and Fulmar.
We arrived back in to Ilfracombe at around 18:00 and disembarked the MS Oldenburg. Once again our thanks go to the Captain and very helpful and friendly staff and crew of the MS Oldenburg who made this a very enjoyable crossing.
Alan Sumnall and Nicola Simpson Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity
No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)