It was a bright, sunny morning with very clear views of the Welsh coast.
I collected my tickets and was soon boarding the Oldenburg, where I was warmly greeted by Captain Jason and other members of the crew, then headed out onto the deck to join my fellow passengers.
On the outward passage seabird sightings were dominated by groups of Guillemot and Herring Gull. Three Harbour Porpoise were briefly seen by some passengers. Approaching Lundy and the Landing Bay, we were welcomed by a large group of Shag and a dozen Grey Seal resting on the outer rocks. A couple more Grey Seal swam close by.
Walking up to the Millcombe Valley I noticed how the autumnal colours of the bracken along the eastern cliffs portrayed the seasonal change since my visit of just a month ago. In the valley a bird ringer was trying to catch an elusive Yellow-browed Warbler.
Further up the path, I was watching a Spotted Flycatcher when it took off and caught a Red Admiral butterfly. The Red Admiral escaped briefly; however, the Spotted Flycatcher soon caught it again. By the pines I was delighted to have very clear views of a Firecrest. I walked up to the village, before returning down to the jetty.
Seabird sightings on the return journey were similar those on the outward passage, with the addition of two immature Kittiwake. Halfway back a bottling Grey Seal was seen. On arrival back in Ilfracombe I returned my jacket and thanked the crew for another good trip.
MARINElife/Lundy WLO Judith Tatem
Weather: sunny, sea state 2-3, visibility very good
Summary of sightings
Marine Mammals
Harbour Porpoise 3 (reported by passengers)
Grey Seal 25
Seabirds
Herring Gull
Gannet
Shag
Guillemot
Razorbill
Kittiwake
Wildlife on Lundy
Grey Seal
Shag
Cormorant
Swallow
House Martin
Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Starling
Woodpigeon
Carrion Crow
Herring Gull
Greater Black-backed Gull
Rock Pipit
Raven
Robin
Blackbird
Dunnock
Blackcap
Chaffinch
Wren
Blue Tit
Chiffchaff
Spotted Flycatcher
Goldcrest
Firecrest
Linnet
Pied Wagtail
Wheatear
Red Admiral
Small Tortoiseshell
Small White
Comma
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