On arriving at the Oldenburg shore office, a sign proclaimed ‘one seat left’ – it was clear it was going to be a busy crossing despite the overcast day. There was a very excited buzz as everyone boarded and found their own bit of space. The Captain and his crew were very welcoming as I introduced myself, I was grateful for their generous offer of as much access as needed to the bridge and room behind.
We set off with no wildlife in sight, barely a Herring Gull, although the Captain informed me that a Risso’s dolphin had been seen near the harbour the day before. Despite careful scanning, the sky and sea remained eerily devoid of any visible wildlife. Finally, some miles into the crossing, we had our first Gannet sighting, followed soon after by a couple more Gannets and a lone Kittiwake. A number of passengers were keen to find out what could possible be seen and a number of leaflets were passed to eager hands.
Five and a half miles before Lundy, two Harbour Porpoise appeared off the port quarter closely followed by two breaching Common Dolphins. Within a short space of time a further four Common Dolphins appeared and swam alongside the port mid ship for about 30 seconds. A few Guillemots were spotted, five in a group flying close to the water and a few individual birds. A further few solo Gannets passed by the boat at intervals.
On entering the landing bay at Lundy, a few Grey Seals checked our arrival out, one draped in seemingly impossible Daliesque form over a rock on Rat Island.
I made my way up to Jenny’s Cove on the west side in the optimistic hope that I might see a Puffin as it’s occasionally possible after the breeding season ends. No Puffins to be seen but two separate small flocks of Kittiwakes were bobbing on the sea and a number of Fulmars were sitting on the cliffs. A lone Great Black-backed Gull made an appearance too.
On returning to the boat, eight seals seemed to have awoken and spent some time languidly spy-hopping and watching us from the Rat Island shoreline.
The return journey was quieter both in terms of passengers and wildlife. It did, however, provide a few more Gannets and a lone Manx shearwater.
Thanks to the Captain and Oldenburg crew for the warm welcome on my inaugural WLO crossing.
Lundy/MARINElife WLO Sian Davies
Summary of sightings
Marine Mammals
Common Dolphin 6
Harbour Porpoise 2
Grey Seal 8
Seabirds
Gannets
Kittiwakes estimated
Guillemots estimated
Great Black-backed Gull
Manx Shearwater
Shag
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