Yesterday Saturday 11th October, we set sail from Neyland Marina moving down the Haven for a day on the high seas counting dolphin and hoping for much bigger things.
The wind was light and the seas calm although the forecast was for the wind to increase later in the day. The sky was overcast but that didn't dampen the spirits on board at all. We cleared the heads around 10am and headed to the SW. We were only three or so miles out when we encountered our first group of Commons which happily came into the boat to the delight of those that wanted a close up view from the bow.
Intern Ruth in particular was really enjoying watching them bow riding
As we made our way further out toward the Celtic Deep we encountered many more small groups of Commons and in contrast to the rather quiet groups of the previous outings, these were realatively active both around the boat and further out.
Of course there were some that were not bothered by the boat at all and showed no interest in any interaction.
While some were just happy to play in the wake then carry on their way.
As expected the numbers of bird sightings were down as the Autumn migration is now well underway. Just mostly Auks and small numbers of Gannets but a lovely close pass from a Fulmar brightened my day and thanks to Andy Wise for spotting and putting me onto it.
And finally. A happy accident at the wrong shutter speed produced an image full of movement and vitality which I love and hope you do too.
That just leaves me to thank our skipper Andy and crew Rob for yet another amazing trip out to the deeps and a safe return, and also our supporters who join us and help finance the work we do in dolphin research off the Pembrokeshire coast.We couldn't do it without you. Diolch!
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