May
3
2012
After the fine weather that started the season a strong northerly wind gave us another cold snap with some rough seas. One day the forecast was over 9 metres swell around the Sevenstones so there was no sailing that day. As the swell dropped my next trip had some good sightings of some small schools of Common Dolphins as well as some rather uncommon seabirds. 3 species of Skua were seen on a single trip including a fine adult Pomarine Skua a few hundred yards off Penzance harbour. Close to the harbour there have been regular sightings of Eiders and Common Scoters, both marine ducks.
- Gannets are seen on every crossing
When the wind eventually turned southerly a lot of our summer visitors managed to arrive with hundreds of Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Wheatears and Whimbrels all over the islands. We even had a couple of Blackcaps and Wheatears land on the ship.
Paul Semmens
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- Wheatears have now arrived in good numbers
- Whimbrel flocks are around Scilly and Penzance as well as far out to sea
Apr
15
2012
It’s been a good start to the season with a few sightings of Common Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. A large feeding frenzy of Common Dolphin near the islands involved over 100 animals. Always an impressive sight when these sorts of numbers are here. This year the sea is a lot warmer than last year so hopefully some Basking Sharks will be seen soon. They have already been reported off Ireland so fingers crossed for some good sightings here as well.
- Common Dolphin approaching the Scillonian
Manx Shearwaters’ numbers are increasing and soon they will be back in their breeding colonies. Occasional Puffins are being seen on most trips. Sandwich Terns are always around Penzance harbour with the long staying Eiders and a Surf Scoter.
- Manx Shearwaters were seen in good numbers
With the recent northerly winds migration has slowed down with a few Swallows, Ring Ouzels and Wheatears making it to the islands. A few winter visitors have been lingering on the pools at Lower Moors included a very showy Water Rail, Greenshanks and Snipe. Nearby the Northern Waterthrush from North America continues its record breaking long stay. It is still rather elusive but hopefully I may get to see it again before it finally leaves.
Paul Semmens
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- This Water Rail was showing well on Lower Moors
- Greenshank on Lower Moors
Jan
3
2012
There were a total of 14 Surveys carried out, which included 3 rearranged due to bad weather/unsurveyable sea conditions.
85 Separate sightings logged with a total of 247 cetaceans seen including Harbour Porpoise, Common, Bottlenose and Risso’s Dolphins and 1 Minke Whale (a rarity this year and this sighting on the last survey of the season 15 Oct),
4 Basking Sharks, 36 grey Seals, 4 Sunfish (Mola Mola) plus a wide variety of seabirds and migrating birds.
Needless to say the highlight of the season was the sighting of 3 Risso’s Dolphins in August, not seen before by ORCA surveyors on the Scillonian route - a shy Dolphin usually found in deeper waters offshore, it has a tall sickle-shaped dorsal fin but is most noticeably recognised by the scarring covering its body, moreso on adults. A great ‘first’ to add to our data, which now covers 3 years of surveying on this route.
Oct
1
2011
It’s been an excellent couple of weeks visiting Scilly and onboard the Scillonian. The sea has produced many cetacean sightings with regular feeding groups of Common Dolphins with some coming in to bow-ride. There has also been much larger than usual groups of Harbour Porpoises chasing fish off the coast. We were lucky to see a couple of Minke Whales, one of which seems to have taken up residence for a few days in the area where we have seen most porpoises. Obviously it is here after the same rich food source.
- Common Dolphins are the stars when it comes to thrilling the passengers
A good selection of seabirds included the ubiquitous Gannet, a few Balearic Shearwaters as well as Great Skuas. Terns are migrating through our area, Common, Arctic and Sandwich Terns all being seen on the crossing. Common Scoters, a type of marine duck are passing by in long straggling lines and sometimes they linger in the bay beyond Penzance harbour.
- A Gannet flies over the ship, getting a little useful updraft
On the islands it has been an exciting time for all the visiting birdwatchers. Migration is in full swing and after the recent gales we have had some rare American species touching down. Several species of American wader are still here including the Solitary Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs. Both these birds have taken a liking to Porthloo duck pond where they can be watched from a few feet away. A great opportunity for the photographers. Other waders included Buff-breasted and Pectoral Sandpipers as well as an American Golden Plover on the airfield.
- The second Lesser Yellowlegs here so far this year
- Solitary Sandpiper
There have also been some extremely rare land birds, also from way out west. I managed to see a Baltimore Oriole but so far the Northern Waterthrush has eluded me. It appears in the mornings and evenings so an overnight stay is the only chance you have of seeing it. Though from what I hear, it may only be a few second view.
- Robin Mawer was lucky enough to get this image of the Baltimore Oriole
Birds are also heading south from Europe as the evenings pull in. Groups of Swallows congregate on the wires before leaving us for the winter. Warblers, flycatchers and Wheatears are also moving by and hopefully if the sightings continue it could be an October to remember. So far Scilly is the leading spot in the number of super rare birds seen!
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- A Swallow about to start its southerly journey
Sep
16
2011
As expected last week it seems that West Cornwall and Scilly are attracting new American waders every day as the remnants of a hurricane fizzles out on this side of the Atlantic. Particularly obvious were Buff-breasted Sandpipers with each day adding another one to the group on St. Mary’s airfield. So far 8 birds are present making it easier to see this species here rather than in the States where this bird is quite scarce. Also spotted recently were Lesser Yellowlegs and Semi-palmated Sandpiper.
- This Semi-palmated Sandpiper is just one of many American visitors now arriving
While on the islands this week I was lucky enough to see a Solitary Sandpiper that had just arrived on Newford duck pond. It was very tame and could be photographed from only a few feet away. When it was discovered first it was walking along the road, closely followed by one of the local cats. Luckily it soon made it onto the safety of the muddy pool. It was a new species for me so felt very lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
- My only new species so far this year, an obliging Solitary Sandpiper
On the Scillonian there was a feeding group of Common Dolphins which although rather distant, did breach occasionally to show themselves to the passengers. Harbour Porpoises were also feeding nearby. The breeze made for a good selection of seabirds. Several Storm Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters were close off Land’s End and the odd skua, both Arctic and Greats were pirating offshore. Lots of Arctic Terns have been moving through the bay in the last few days on their way from the north to winter in the south Atlantic.
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- Good numbers of Arctic Terns are currently moving through our area
Sep
14
2011
The weather conditions on the 9th were rather murky to say the least but the indicated strong winds did not materialise. As usual please amend the following to suit.
It just goes to prove that an inclement weather forecast is not a reason to forego a trip on the Scillonian. Strong winds were forecast but in the event the visibility was poor but the wind speed was little more than a southerly force 3 and quite warm.
It was a rather surreal experience with the ships fog horn sounding, the Cornish coast hardly visible, no commentary from the Purser on where we were and Gannets drifting in and out of sight in the murky conditions. It was noticeable that there were many more birds loafing on the sea surface than normal – particularly Gannets, indicating that feeding conditions were difficult. The sighting of a single Cory`s Shearwater and a solitary Sooty Shearwater lifted the gloom somewhat prior to passing an fog shrouded Wolf Rock lighthouse and into somewhat brighter conditions where a westerly passage of Manx Shearwaters was noted.
The intelligence on where any interesting birds were to be found on the Scillies brought up a number of options but the choice was made to visit Higher Moors NR using the services of the Community bus service. The target was a Bee-Eater which had been reported in the area that morning but unfortunately it proved elusive. However, reward came with excellent views of a pristene Pectoral Sandpiper viewed from the lower hide. The plumage of this bird was immaculate and considering its North American origin its condition was impressive.
Weather conditions were moderate to good on leaving St Mary`s and remained so for the reminder of the trip. Two small dolphins where sighted off Scilly and 25 minutes later a further pair were seen but the main cetacean activity came with two Harbour Porpoise off the coast and within 10 minutes of arriving at Penzance a group of 20 plus Common Dolphins, which came to the ship, providing a notable finale. Also seen on this leg of the trip were about 100 west bound Manx Shearwaters, 11 Storm Petrels and two Sooty Shearwaters.
For a day when all the weather indications were unfavourable it was an undoubted success.
Regards, David Curtis.
Sep
8
2011
Quite a gusty day today with a large Atlantic swell making for a rough crossing. Luckily the wind dropped later making our return very pleasant. A good number of Gannets and Manx Shearwaters passed by the ship and with them I spotted Sooty and Balearic Shearwaters. A small number of Storm Petrels appeared and disappeared in amongst the wave troughs. It always amazes me how these birds can survive in some of the seas we get here. One of the Gannets was seen to be entangled in fishing line, a too common problem with the amount of marine debris floating around.
- This Gannet will probably not survive with the amount of rope it had entangled
- Manx Shearwaters have been recorded living over 50 years
Despite the choppy conditions a couple of small groups of Harbour Porpoises were seen feeding and nearer to the islands there was a school of Common Dolphins which breached as the Scillonian passed them by.
Whilst on the island a visit to the airfield had me watching 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers from North American that had just arrived on the gales. It wasn’t until I returned home that I realized I discovered two of them! Also a Pectoral Sandpiper arrived from the states at the same time. With the forecast we may expect more American waders in the next few days.
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- Lots of Sanderlings are feeding on Shark’s Pit beach at the moment
- Pectoral Sandpiper is the most regular American species to occur in the UK
Aug
28
2011
After last week I at last managed to photograph some Risso’s Dolphins though they were rather distant this time. As they moved north they made quite an obvious splash so they were quite easy to follow. There has been a good run of sightings for this species recently so hopefully there will be more opportunities for the classic photograph! It was a bit choppier today but even so a small group of Harbour Porpoises were spotted feeding, though the associated birds did help.
- Risso’s Dolphin
- A classic view of a Risso’s Dolphin with its pale scarred appearance
A Balearic Shearwater was seen in amongst the more common Manx Shearwaters and at the moment there seems to be more Fulmars about. We came across a large group resting on the sea as we left the Cornish coast and they were still there when we returned in the evening. During bird migration sometimes a bird hitches a ride on the Scillonian and today a Wheatear rested briefly on one of the cargo crates. With hurricane Irene moving up the east coast of the States there is a lot of anticipation amongst British birders about all the birds that may be blown this way. Let’s hope that Scilly will have one of its classic years when rare American species are on every island.
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- Lots of Fulmars were seen today
- No crossing is complete without seeing lots of Gannets
- This Ostende registered beam trawler probably heading to Newlyn with its catch
Aug
21
2011
A couple of trips this week in flat sea conditions that made spotting the elusive Harbour Porpoises rather easier. A good number were seen including some close in to shore. A couple of groups of Common Dolphins were either moving or feeding in the distance and none came near the ship. A group of Bottlenose Dolphins were farther offshore than normal but the highlight was a Risso’s Dolphin that passed so close it was easy to point out to the passengers and all were rewarded with excellent views. Sadly it was drizzling at the time so didn’t have my camera close to hand. There’s always the next time. No sharks this week but a couple of Ocean Sunfish included one breaching.
- Harbour Porpoises in Mount’s Bay
There were a good number of Great Skuas or Bonxies seen harassing the gulls and Gannets or heading towards fishing boats that were bringing in their nets. While close to the islands several Sandwich Terns included parent birds followed by constantly wining youngsters. A couple of Sooty Shearwaters passed us by near the Wolf, also a Whimbrel crossed us on its long journey south.
- A Bonxie or Great Skua chases towards some feeding gulls
- A young Sandwich Tern continually begs from its parent
A Whimbrel heads south for the winter
- At this time of year Sooty Shearwaters are regularly seen on the crossing
With the lowest tide around midday it’s been a good week to look in rockpools. Apart from leading an event on Scilly I am also involved in a project on the seaweeds of Stackhouse Cove. Here several species were named for the first time by John Stackhouse who built Acton Castle. There is always a great variety of life between the tides and I sometimes see a species that I’ve never seen before. This week I was given the task of carrying a rare Sponge Crab back to the mainland for a photo portrait session and it will now be living in Portsmouth Blue Reef Aquarium.
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- A Hermit Crab emerges from its shell
- The Seven-legged Starfish is commonly found in Scillonian rockpools
- Cystoseira tamariscifolia, one of the more beautiful seaweeds
- This rare crab enjoyed a VIP voyage to the mainland
Aug
11
2011
The sightings are continuing well with a couple of Basking Sharks in the last few days. The numbers seen locally have picked up slightly but all the hotspots such as Brittany, Ireland and the Isle of Man have seen much lower numbers so far this year. Hopefully we might get an autumn influx as I sometimes see sharks well into November. We have also spotted several Ocean Sunfish including one not far out from Penzance Harbour. A couple of small groups of Common Dolphins and scattered singles of Harbour Porpoises were noticed here and there on the crossing.
- This Basking Shark was several miles off the Cornish mainland
We had a bit of excitement this week when we had to make an avoidance manoeuvre around a large rogue cargo ship. It was coming down on our port side and should have passed behind us. They didn’t change course in line with international shipping rules and when Peter, our captain contacted them they still refused to alter their course. In the end we had to change our course and the incident was reported to the Marine Coastguard Authority. I know you can get cut up on the roads but at sea!!
- A year old Gannet flies alongside
Autumn migration of birds is beginning now with a few waders such as Greenshanks, Common and Wood Sandpipers seen at Porthellick Pool but the highlight this week was a juvenile Woodchat Shrike, an occasional visitor from southern Europe.
- A rare Woodchat Shrike
In the late afternoons and early evenings at the moment the hedges ring out with the loud calls of Great Green Bush-crickets. They are so loud that they can be heard even in a passing car!
Paul Semmens – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trusts
- Great Green Bush-crickets are very common here though quite elusive