Monday 13th April

We had an Ocean Discovery trip this afternoon in bright breezy conditions. Stopping at the island on the way out, we saw two grey seals hauled out even at high tide and two more bobbing around, sleeping in the water. Hearing the curlews bubbling evocative call, we saw a flock of them flying past, their long beaks silhouetted against the sun. We then had to motor into the onshore wind southwards for a few miles before hoisting full sail and turning to sail to the west, shortly after that spotting a handful of common dolphins! It was a brief encounter but everyone got to see the pod, which including a mum and a very small new calf. Though they can be born at any time of year, summer is when you more frequently see the real tinies. We then had a lovely sail offshore then into the coast and back to the east, with masses of auks flapping past, several shearwaters, some kittiwakes and some gannets. Next trips are on Thursday.