Friday 13th September

The wind finally calmed today which was very welcome. On the first Ocean Discovery trip we had an amazing encounter with a single Risso’s dolphin. We initially spotted it sleeping, then waited stationary for a few moments and then it surprised us by noisily appearing right next to the boat. In the still conditions the blow and splash sounded very loud! Occasionally Risso’s exhibit such interested, engaged behaviour and they are incredibly charismatic and intelligent seeming. This was one circled the boat repeatedly looking up at us, doing long lazy somersaults and cartwheels in the water. It then followed us for a while as we slowly moved away. We also spotted a lot of bluefin tuna which occasionally leapt clear of the water, and a grey seal hauled out. This afternoon there were some brilliant, close views of harbour porpoises right next to the boat, as well as repeated encounters with tuna feeding at the surface. These are usually short lived affairs but these went on for a while. At the island we were greeted by the gruesome sight of a great black backed gull attacking, killing then dismembering a poor young herring gull which was taken unaware. It’s difficult not to be repelled by such sights, but it’s all part of life’s rich tapestry, and something we haven’t witnessed before.