This morning I joined the last RSPB shearwater cruise of the year with the Yorkshire Belle. The tide was high on arrival, a few Kittiwakes and a flock of Redshank were roosting on the sea wall. Despite the early start, 9:00, I was surprised to find there were people queueing since 8:00. The trip was full and we set off prompt. Two Red-throated Divers were just off the harbour wall, with many more passing through offshore. A few Sandwich terns were also about early in the trip, the only terns seen. The highlight of the trip was a Basking shark, who swam and then dived just next to the boat. I didn't get any photos but managed to see its dark grey triangular dorsal fin. Several grey seals and harbour porpoises were also seen. I didn't managed any photos of the Sooty Shearwater and I missed the Manx Shearwater (who flew at the same time we saw the basking shark). But added Puffin to my year list, a young one.
Red throated Diver.
Guillemots.
Young Razorbill.
Hundreds of Gannets, with many young were off Bempton Cliffs, some times diving for the chum thrown from the rear of the boat.
Two Great Skuas by the boat. The count was 6 or 7. We could see three at the same time at one point.
Skua with Flamborough as a backdrop.
In the middle of the trip the RNLI boat approached the Yorkshire Belle in a training mission. The boat came very close and paramedic jumped aboard and then back into the rescue boat.
Another couple of photos of Great Skuas or Bonxies. We did have repeated close views of them.
Great black-backed gulls and a Great skua following the boat. My best skua shot would have been the top shot but a great black-backed gull photo bombed it!
Kittiwake,
Cormorants and shags on the buoy off Danes Dyke on the way back.
The Bridlington harbour light at the end of the North pier.
There were more Kittiwakes at Bridlington than off the cliffs.This one, sat on a nest.
One of five purple sandpipers, off the south harbour wall, in the company of Oystercatchers, Turnstones and Redshanks.
A Cormorant fishing in the harbour.
A Great Black-backed gull portrait.
Oystercatcher with mussel. Watch the clip to see how it dealt with opening the shell.
On the way to Flamborough I was sat facing east, sheltered from the wind, on the way back though the relentless wind had a strong chill factor, and I needed a hot drink before driving back. Altogether an unforgettable day!
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