It was a lovely sunny day in Poole with several Great Black-backed Gulls circling near the boat, so close that we were able to view their pink legs. There were several young people who were keen to know what they might see along with a regular traveller making the most of the MARINElife day trips.
Brownsea lagoon was the usual thrill with around 20 Spoonbill on the ‘Tamarisk island’ within the lagoon. There were loads of Canada Geese, Oystercatcher and Cormorants interspersed with calling Sandwich Tern and Woodpigeon flying over.
Visibility was very good today and people were already out enjoying the beaches of Shell bay and Studland. Surrounding these were several marker buoys which had Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls perching on them.
As we continued the sun shone on various landmarks making them very clear and the purple heather could be seen on the heaths in Studland and the Purbeck hills.
It seems the Gannets are doing better now as we saw quite a few juvenile Gannets flying around near the Ortac Gannetry. There were also birds of various ages seen, some flying close to the water in small flocks and some keeping up with the boat – a considerable speed. This allowed us to see the different markings on them clearly.
It was a glorious day in Guernsey and the water was more turquoise than I have ever seen and was particularly inviting for a swim in the bathing pools. After this we went for a short coastal walk with stunning views of a Kestrel flying and hovering. This bird was soon joined by a Buzzard being mobbed by Carrion crows.
The view from the Clarence Battery was spectacular, with views out over St Peter Port, Castle Cornet, Herm and Sark. There were plenty of butterflies including several Walls.
Today’s cargo for the Trinity cargo ship included a boat, a climbing wall and a horse box! We watched with intent as they were lifted into the air and placed on land.
Coming back, we again had brilliant views of the Ortac Gannet colony which was alive with adult and young birds and I was delighted to see about 20 Manx Shearwaters flying close to the water.
On arrival back in Poole Harbour there was a Spoonbill feeding in the Brownsea lagoon.
Thanks to Condor Ferries and the crew of the Condor Liberation for the support and assistance.
WLO Christine Arnold
Weather: Sunny and slight sea breeze, sea state 2
Summary of sightings:
Sandwich Tern
Black-headed Gull
Oystercatcher
Canada Goose
Grey Heron
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull
Shag
Cormorant
Gannet
Manx Shearwater
Little Egret
Spoonbill
Feral Pigeon
Kestrel
Buzzard
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