Tuesday 3rd September

We had two Ocean Discovery trips today in great sailing conditions particularly this morning. There were lots of seals hauled out on the island on both trips, including adult males and females and juveniles. Sailing further south we were watching a kittiwake when up popped a group of three harbour porpoises who gave us some lovely views – even in the breezy conditions we could hear them “piffing”. A little while afterwards we were joined by a pod of common dolphins who swam round the boat before continuing on their way. Lots of seabirds still about, and as well as the shearwaters this morning we also saw an Arctic skua. On the afternoon trip, further offshore the wind had calmed a little and we saw lots more common dolphins and seabirds, as well as an elusive porpoise.