Great Skua (left) and Kittiwake (right)
September is the start of autumn , and this one certainly felt like it with most of Scotland covered in thick fog. As Blair and I drove west, it thankfully lifted. Ten members had made the effort, and all on board, the first bird was seen by an enthusiastic Josh - a dark Arctic Skua followed by a Peregrine (not often seen hereabouts) over Loch Broom chasing waders!
Auk flocks were on the sea; Great Skuas and Gannets were around the Summer Isles, With a cold north wind temperatures were more like winter. Just before we left the shelter of the Isles and Loch Broom, I caught sight of the first Storm Petrel of the day, flying low and west over choppy grey seas. It was frustrating not to get other people on to it! It is often the case with small seabirds and with no reference point to show people exactly where the birds are.
However, more stormies followed – around twenty in total with most members getting a sight of one. Also of interest were 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Sooty Shearwaters with one coming close and showing really well for folk. About 40 Manx Shearwaters in two groups near the Shiants, a count of 30+ Fulmars and a single Sandwich Tern made good sea watching, albeit a quiet crossing due to the dour conditions.
Auk flocks were on the sea; Great Skuas and Gannets were around the Summer Isles, With a cold north wind temperatures were more like winter. Just before we left the shelter of the Isles and Loch Broom, I caught sight of the first Storm Petrel of the day, flying low and west over choppy grey seas. It was frustrating not to get other people on to it! It is often the case with small seabirds and with no reference point to show people exactly where the birds are.
However, more stormies followed – around twenty in total with most members getting a sight of one. Also of interest were 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Sooty Shearwaters with one coming close and showing really well for folk. About 40 Manx Shearwaters in two groups near the Shiants, a count of 30+ Fulmars and a single Sandwich Tern made good sea watching, albeit a quiet crossing due to the dour conditions.
Lunch was a bit of a highlight from the upper deck area with a pair of White-tailed Eagles soaring above Stornoway. Common dolphins and porpoises were also enjoyed by all but any whale in the Minch kept their distance today. The Viking Gull (hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull) was present on Ullapool pier as we departed for home.
Ten days later I went back out on the ferry and had success with two Leach’s Petrels, and minke, fin and humpback whales showing well. It goes to show that no two crossings are the same, but always worth the effort in this beautiful part of the world.
With thanks to all
Alan Macaskill
Ten days later I went back out on the ferry and had success with two Leach’s Petrels, and minke, fin and humpback whales showing well. It goes to show that no two crossings are the same, but always worth the effort in this beautiful part of the world.
With thanks to all
Alan Macaskill
Viking (Glaucous x Herring) Gull
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