Monday 20th July

We had a wonderful Ocean Discovery trip in this morning’s sunshine (no trip this afternoon due to scheduled boat servicing). On leaving the harbour the first thing we spotted was a seal out in the bay, lying casually at the surface before doing a slow dive down. The in the distance a few fins appeared  -common dolphins. They were extremely sleepy and slow and not interested in us whatsoever so we left them to it and continued southwards. The trip then became completely porpoise-tastic (new word I just invented) with an estimated ninety animals counted throughout the trip. Calm conditions help of course, but conditions in the bay are just right at the moment. During the summer when shoals of pilchards and other shoaling fish come inshore, the porpoises come together in much larger groups and quite often out-dolphin the dolphins. They are known for shy, boat avoidant behaviour, however we see much more interactive, curious activity from them as they investigate the boat. When the water is calm and still like it is today, you can see them racing around, twisting and turning their little bodies in a very endearing way, and filling the air with their loud “pffff pffff” sounds as they exhale. Just stunning!

At the end of the trip we stopped by the island and there was rather a sad sight. Hauled out on the rocks we saw the female with the scars who we have seen for a number of years now, and next to her there was a male with a really horrible fresh looking injury on his throat. He’s in the best place as the saltwater will help keep it clean, but it must be extremely painful. It’s a reminder than when wild animals are injured, they either have to endure, or succumb. Hopefully he’ll heal well – seals are incredibly tough.