We don't have comments switched on on this blog but before I start my entry I have to mention the posting by Richard Crossen who joined us yesterday for our trip out to the deeps. A lovely bit of video work Richard which adds another dimention to the static images I/we usually post. Lovely to meet up again, stay well.
Things they are a changing. I say that because this trip as with the last, the dolphin numbers out off the west coast are down on previous seasons, well at least the sightings are. It seems that as we were stuggling to find any pods greater than twenty or so our friend George Mee was seeing hundreds of Commons off Strumble Head. (see previous post) Something is displacing them and I wonder is it down to sea surface temperature making bait fish move to more favourable areas. The north Atlantic is up to 5 degrees warmer in some areas than in previous years, termed a marine heatwave it is affecting may species.
Anyway, now to our day. We slipped the mooring at our usual time of 10.am and made our way out of the Haven. Quite quickly we came accross a small group of Commons who were happy to come alongside for a few minutes before moving off to the South. Shortly after that one of our guests became ill and with at least another six hours to go and after consulting all on board it was generally accepted that under the circumstances a quick return to shore would be the best course of action. With our guest safely ashore and his family informed and en-route we slipped the berth once more and headed back out.
Much as earlier it was eye straining trying to pick out any signs of cetaceans in the residual swells of the previos days. We turned SE for a time and did start to find more but still small pods of Commons. Some active and happy to approach the boat while others kept their course and ignored our presence. Regardless though it was a pleasant day and I had the privilage of bringing my youngest Grandson out for his first deep water trip which he really enjoyed. Thanks to all on board for the good company and especially to Skipper Andy and crew Rob for another excellent trip and a safe return.
Due to the smaller numbers of sighings the number of images to select from are also down so you take what you get and hope for better next time.
Some of the bird life we spotted along the way.
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