Lundy WLO report 8 June

I walked along Bideford Quay to the Lundy office to collect my ticket. Captain Jason and the crew welcomed me on board the Oldenburg where I collected my hi-viz vest and headed out onto the deck.

In the river the tide was high with all the mudbanks covered, so the variety of birds we could see was much reduced. In a small cove near Boathyde we passed a group of Shelduck and there were Herring Gull and a few Great Black-backed around the covered shipyard and fish quay at Appledore. After we crossed the bar, Manx Shearwater appeared, and continued to do so throughout the crossing. Later, Guillemot, Razorbill and one Puffin were seen. On reaching Lundy we were welcomed into the landing bay by a couple of Shag and a bottling Grey Seal.

Bottling Grey Seal (Library photo: Peter Howlett)

With a long day on the island, I had decided to aim for a picnic lunch at the North Lighthouse. I headed up the hill to the lower east coast path where I would be sheltered from the north-westerly winds. Raven flew overhead and one Peregrine Falcon swooped along the cliffs below, while Stonechat and Wheatear sat on the bracken or flew along the path.

Arriving at the North Lighthouse I was surprised to see how many Puffin and Guillemot were now nesting on the cliffs to the west. I found a sheltered spot to have lunch and enjoyed listening to the Oystercatcher calling from the rocks below. Just after climbing the steps back up from the lighthouse, I saw a group of small yachts approaching the Island and realised that it was the annual ‘round the island’ race from Ilfracombe. I stood for a while watching them sail around the disturbed waters of the north-west point.

Manx Shearwater (Library photo: Peter Howlett)

Walking back along the west coast there were lots of delightful Soay sheep lambs.  After a brief stop at Jenny’s cove to see the nesting birds it was time to head back to the village. In the field by the Old Lighthouse three Sika Deer just stood watching the people walk past. Back at the Landing Bay I noticed a pair of Oystercatcher had a nest just across from the jetty and two small chicks were exploring the tussocks of Thrift nearby.

Soon after leaving Lundy one Gannet was briefly seen. Otherwise, the bird sightings were the same as seen on the morning crossing.

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.

MARINElife/Lundy WLO Judith Tatem

Summary of sightings:

Marine Mammals

Grey Seal 20 (seen during the day)

Seabirds

Gannet

Manx Shearwater

Guillemot

Razorbill

Puffin

Shag

River birds

Shelduck

Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Wildlife seen on Lundy

Mammals

Soay Sheep

Goat

Lundy Pony

Sikka deer

Birds

Puffin

Guillemot

Razorbill

Kittiwake

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Oystercatcher

Blackbird

Robin

House Sparrow

Starling

Wheatear

Meadow Pipit

Raven

Carrion Crow

Stonechat

Skylark

Linnet

Peregrine Falcon

Butterflies

Small Heath

Meadow Brown