We did of course see Porpoise, Sooty Shearwater's, Artic Skua's, Gannets and many more so here is some pictures of what we saw on the day and of course the Minkie a few days later.
Showing posts with label Harbour Porpoise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harbour Porpoise. Show all posts
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Mixed Trip
A few weeks ago when the weather was nice and the skies were blue we done a trip out to see some Minkie Whales, Harbour Porpoise and Seabirds. Unfortunately we did not see any Minkie Whales on the day but two days later we did.
We did of course see Porpoise, Sooty Shearwater's, Artic Skua's, Gannets and many more so here is some pictures of what we saw on the day and of course the Minkie a few days later.
We did of course see Porpoise, Sooty Shearwater's, Artic Skua's, Gannets and many more so here is some pictures of what we saw on the day and of course the Minkie a few days later.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Summer/Winter Wildlife Tour.
It was our 2nd Winter Wildlife Tour today and what a day it was. You would never think it was November with the weather the way it was. The seas were calm and the sun was glistening of the water and with a little breeze coming from the south I knew we were going to be in for a cracking day.
As we passed Bamburgh Castle we had a lovely Razorbill on the bow of the boat and 2 Red-throated Divers fly north past the boat. Just a little further north I spotted 2 Harbour Porpoise braking the surface. I stopped the boat but they never appeared again. Ah well hopefully we will get another chance to see them again.
Just passed Stag Rock we saw 2 Divers, but we were not sure what type as we were a little to far away and the sun was bright. A little further on we saw another 3 Divers but again we were not sure what they were. Eventually we they flew past and they were Red-throated Divers.
Just as we were about to get arrive at Holy Island we saw a lone male Long-tailed Duck resting in the water. I grabbed my camera but it was to late. Next time.
Holy Island is a special place and they have had some good birds up here lately so I was hoping it was our turn. I heard they have had a Eastern Black Redstart over the last few days which is a WOW bird. The only way I would ever get to see that little beauty would be to take a day of work, but that was never going to happen when the weather is like this.
All around Holy Islands sand banks we saw Long-tailed Ducks, Brent Geese, Curlews, Turnstones, Redshanks, Shags, Cormorants, Oystercatchers and Eider Ducks.
I did get a picture of the Long-tailed Ducks and a couple with Holy Island in the background.
After leaving Holy Island we steamed slowly along Ross Sands towards Stag Rock passing about 12 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Northern Divers flying south and 3 Grebes but I'm not sure what kind.
On arriving at the Farne Islands we saw Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Seals and a single Merlin hunting above Brownsman Cottage.
I must admit it was a cracking day and the weather was just amazing.
A seal pup waves goodbye at the end of a great trip.
As we passed Bamburgh Castle we had a lovely Razorbill on the bow of the boat and 2 Red-throated Divers fly north past the boat. Just a little further north I spotted 2 Harbour Porpoise braking the surface. I stopped the boat but they never appeared again. Ah well hopefully we will get another chance to see them again.
Just passed Stag Rock we saw 2 Divers, but we were not sure what type as we were a little to far away and the sun was bright. A little further on we saw another 3 Divers but again we were not sure what they were. Eventually we they flew past and they were Red-throated Divers.
Just as we were about to get arrive at Holy Island we saw a lone male Long-tailed Duck resting in the water. I grabbed my camera but it was to late. Next time.
Holy Island is a special place and they have had some good birds up here lately so I was hoping it was our turn. I heard they have had a Eastern Black Redstart over the last few days which is a WOW bird. The only way I would ever get to see that little beauty would be to take a day of work, but that was never going to happen when the weather is like this.
All around Holy Islands sand banks we saw Long-tailed Ducks, Brent Geese, Curlews, Turnstones, Redshanks, Shags, Cormorants, Oystercatchers and Eider Ducks.
I did get a picture of the Long-tailed Ducks and a couple with Holy Island in the background.
After leaving Holy Island we steamed slowly along Ross Sands towards Stag Rock passing about 12 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Northern Divers flying south and 3 Grebes but I'm not sure what kind.
On arriving at the Farne Islands we saw Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Seals and a single Merlin hunting above Brownsman Cottage.
I must admit it was a cracking day and the weather was just amazing.
A seal pup waves goodbye at the end of a great trip.
Monday, 19 September 2011
WHALE OF A TIME (Part 2) Minke Whale
Continued from Part 1
When we get back onto the Helicopter I will get the pilot to have a look around for you and if we see anything we will give you a call on channel 67. I thanked him kindly and off they went.
They were only away a few seconds when he shouted on the VHF and told me there were a big gathering of birds and he could see Harbour Porpoise.
I turned the boat and headed towards the flock of birds but we were not even close when a Minke Whale broke the surface. A customer shouted it's on the left hand side about 400 yards away going south. I quickly turned and steamed south towards the Whale when it broke the surface again. We started counting how many times it was taking air before it dived and it was 3 to 4 times. Great, so I grabbed my camera as it was down for a while but I was ready for it. Click Click. I got it.
We followed it for about 15 minutes and it disappeared so we decided to head back north towards the big flock of birds that were still there. We were just about to turn and the Minke broke the surface again but this time it was even closer. That's it I said to myself. Lets get really close so everyone can get a good picture. It didn't just come a little closer but right beside the boat.
When I looked at my chart to see where we were and we had followed the Minke 5 miles south and after everyone had good views and pictures of the Minke we turned said goodbye and steamed slowly north.
While we were cruising north we passed 2 Pufflings and an adult Puffin in full moult. There were lots of Guillemots, Gulls, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Manx Shearwaters and another Arctic Skua. Keith said there was a Manx resting on the water so we went a little closer to get some nice pictures when Keith shouted................
To be countinued.....
When we get back onto the Helicopter I will get the pilot to have a look around for you and if we see anything we will give you a call on channel 67. I thanked him kindly and off they went.
They were only away a few seconds when he shouted on the VHF and told me there were a big gathering of birds and he could see Harbour Porpoise.
I turned the boat and headed towards the flock of birds but we were not even close when a Minke Whale broke the surface. A customer shouted it's on the left hand side about 400 yards away going south. I quickly turned and steamed south towards the Whale when it broke the surface again. We started counting how many times it was taking air before it dived and it was 3 to 4 times. Great, so I grabbed my camera as it was down for a while but I was ready for it. Click Click. I got it.
We followed it for about 15 minutes and it disappeared so we decided to head back north towards the big flock of birds that were still there. We were just about to turn and the Minke broke the surface again but this time it was even closer. That's it I said to myself. Lets get really close so everyone can get a good picture. It didn't just come a little closer but right beside the boat.
When I looked at my chart to see where we were and we had followed the Minke 5 miles south and after everyone had good views and pictures of the Minke we turned said goodbye and steamed slowly north.
While we were cruising north we passed 2 Pufflings and an adult Puffin in full moult. There were lots of Guillemots, Gulls, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Arctic Terns, Manx Shearwaters and another Arctic Skua. Keith said there was a Manx resting on the water so we went a little closer to get some nice pictures when Keith shouted................
To be countinued.....
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
A Mixed Week.
On Thursday there was an old converted dutch barge moored at the islands. She was called The Spirit of Loch Ness and was built in 1930. She looked well for her age. I found out that she has been working as a Luxury Hotel for the last 10 years in the Caledonian Canal.
The day itself was very overcast but every now and then the sun tried to get out. I got some nice pictures of the sun trying to break through over Bamburgh Castle.
On Friday it was very quite and it looked as it was going to rain but it held off. I was pleased it did as we had a Charity Doo up to Holy Island for a few hours. Well they were all on the drink for a few hours. While they were at the pub I went for a walk around the Island. The light was not the best but I did manage to get some nice pictures of Juvenile Goldfinch and Swallows.
On Saturday it was overcast again but with showers. You can tell everyone was heading home after the summer holidays as it was dead. On our last trip it just started to rain when we noticed 3 Harbour Porpoise on the way home. The rain was a problem but all of a sudden when we seen the Porpoise the guests seem to forget about it. We watched them for about 15 minutes before heading home. It was the first time for while we had them really close, plus I switched the engines off as they are very shy and I wanted to see if they would hang around a little longer. It worked for a little bit but they were feeding so it was not long before they were off catching fish again.
On Sunday it was just amazing. The seas were flat calm and the sun was out to play. It was about the best day of the year. I heard over the VHF that 4 Minke Whales were spotted of Beadnell and I had my fingers crossed that they would head towards the Islands. I gave David Steel (The Head Warden) a shout and he went up to the top of the Pele Tower to have a look. I laughed at first but then I heard that he had a new scope. When he told me he seen them about 2 miles of Beadnell Point I just thought WOW, that must be some scope. He also said that he would be surprised if they came up to the Islands as there were boats chasing them around. Sure enough they disappeared.
Today it was beautiful to start but by the end of the day we had very heavy showers. Keith spotted a Peregrine on Staple Island. I grabbed the camera as 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were chasing it. Only got one picture but I was pleased with it as I could hardly keep up with it.
We should start to see a few birds of prey throughout the rest of the year now. Longstone Island seems to be the place for the birds at the moment and the Golden Plovers count is up to 900 now. I'm also looking forward to our 4 hour winter trips soon, and it will not be long before we will see our first Grey Seal Pups so hopefully I will see enough to write about over the Autumn and Winter.
The day itself was very overcast but every now and then the sun tried to get out. I got some nice pictures of the sun trying to break through over Bamburgh Castle.
On Friday it was very quite and it looked as it was going to rain but it held off. I was pleased it did as we had a Charity Doo up to Holy Island for a few hours. Well they were all on the drink for a few hours. While they were at the pub I went for a walk around the Island. The light was not the best but I did manage to get some nice pictures of Juvenile Goldfinch and Swallows.
On Saturday it was overcast again but with showers. You can tell everyone was heading home after the summer holidays as it was dead. On our last trip it just started to rain when we noticed 3 Harbour Porpoise on the way home. The rain was a problem but all of a sudden when we seen the Porpoise the guests seem to forget about it. We watched them for about 15 minutes before heading home. It was the first time for while we had them really close, plus I switched the engines off as they are very shy and I wanted to see if they would hang around a little longer. It worked for a little bit but they were feeding so it was not long before they were off catching fish again.
On Sunday it was just amazing. The seas were flat calm and the sun was out to play. It was about the best day of the year. I heard over the VHF that 4 Minke Whales were spotted of Beadnell and I had my fingers crossed that they would head towards the Islands. I gave David Steel (The Head Warden) a shout and he went up to the top of the Pele Tower to have a look. I laughed at first but then I heard that he had a new scope. When he told me he seen them about 2 miles of Beadnell Point I just thought WOW, that must be some scope. He also said that he would be surprised if they came up to the Islands as there were boats chasing them around. Sure enough they disappeared.
Today it was beautiful to start but by the end of the day we had very heavy showers. Keith spotted a Peregrine on Staple Island. I grabbed the camera as 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were chasing it. Only got one picture but I was pleased with it as I could hardly keep up with it.
We should start to see a few birds of prey throughout the rest of the year now. Longstone Island seems to be the place for the birds at the moment and the Golden Plovers count is up to 900 now. I'm also looking forward to our 4 hour winter trips soon, and it will not be long before we will see our first Grey Seal Pups so hopefully I will see enough to write about over the Autumn and Winter.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Harbour Porpoise
Its been a mixed week with the weather but it's been a great week for Harbour Porpoise. We have seen them everyday this week.
The Harbour Porpoise is one of the smallest of marine mammals and is quite hard to spot with it being so small. The dorsal fin, tail fin and back are dark grey and because they don't breach out of the water very much they are hard to see. If the sea is a bit choppy it becomes really difficult to see but thankfully this week its been calm all week and our sightings have varied from day to day.
Some days we have seen up to 6 on each trip but others we have just seen 1 for the whole day. We have also noticed that they have been in different areas all week to. We tend to see them roughly in the same place every time but a different times of the day. Yes, it all depends on where the feed is, but over the last week they have been at the Farnes, Stag Rock, below Bamburgh Castle and at the Harbour Entrance, hence the name Harbour Porpoise.
I read somewhere, that in Scotland, Bottlenose Dolphins have been attacking and killing Harbour Porpoise without eating them because they have come into their area and due to the decreasing food supply it's the only way Bottlenose Dolphins can survive.
Thank god we have an abundant of sand eels, herring and small fish to feed our birds and certations. They are also very shy so if your very patient you will be able to see them but they will not come very close to the boat.
I have also had some friends up for the week and they have been out nearly everyday and they have missed them everyday, until today. Bless, she was so excited to finally see them, that she was not even bothered about taking a picture.
The Harbour Porpoise is one of the smallest of marine mammals and is quite hard to spot with it being so small. The dorsal fin, tail fin and back are dark grey and because they don't breach out of the water very much they are hard to see. If the sea is a bit choppy it becomes really difficult to see but thankfully this week its been calm all week and our sightings have varied from day to day.
Some days we have seen up to 6 on each trip but others we have just seen 1 for the whole day. We have also noticed that they have been in different areas all week to. We tend to see them roughly in the same place every time but a different times of the day. Yes, it all depends on where the feed is, but over the last week they have been at the Farnes, Stag Rock, below Bamburgh Castle and at the Harbour Entrance, hence the name Harbour Porpoise.
I read somewhere, that in Scotland, Bottlenose Dolphins have been attacking and killing Harbour Porpoise without eating them because they have come into their area and due to the decreasing food supply it's the only way Bottlenose Dolphins can survive.
Thank god we have an abundant of sand eels, herring and small fish to feed our birds and certations. They are also very shy so if your very patient you will be able to see them but they will not come very close to the boat.
I have also had some friends up for the week and they have been out nearly everyday and they have missed them everyday, until today. Bless, she was so excited to finally see them, that she was not even bothered about taking a picture.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
No two days are the same
Only a few 1000 Guillemots a day ago over 10,000+ today.
Loads of Razorbills today as well. We counted over 50 on the Inner Farne cliff face alone, and 84 in total.
The weather was a real mixture today with a strong north west wind this morning which made i really cold and then turned out beautiful.
We have had 4 Golden Eye's in the harbour over the last couple of weeks which is nice to see, and as we left the harbour this morning we saw a single Red-breasted Merganser fly past the bow of the boat.
About half way across to the islands we noticed 4 Harbour Porpoise heading south and about 4 Long-tailed Ducks. I'm not really sure the except amount as they were close to the water and it was very dull.
With the wind the way it was this morning their was hardly any seals about but enough to for the customer's to enjoy. Saying that their was still a good few but just not hundreds like we have seen throughout the winter.
As the day went on the sun came out and turned beautiful, so i decided to have a little wander around a few places.
Loads of Razorbills today as well. We counted over 50 on the Inner Farne cliff face alone, and 84 in total.
The weather was a real mixture today with a strong north west wind this morning which made i really cold and then turned out beautiful.
We have had 4 Golden Eye's in the harbour over the last couple of weeks which is nice to see, and as we left the harbour this morning we saw a single Red-breasted Merganser fly past the bow of the boat.
About half way across to the islands we noticed 4 Harbour Porpoise heading south and about 4 Long-tailed Ducks. I'm not really sure the except amount as they were close to the water and it was very dull.
With the wind the way it was this morning their was hardly any seals about but enough to for the customer's to enjoy. Saying that their was still a good few but just not hundreds like we have seen throughout the winter.
As the day went on the sun came out and turned beautiful, so i decided to have a little wander around a few places.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Fantastic January Day
The morning may have been cold but it was more than compensated for by the winter sunshine and the incredible array of wildlife around the islands. With calm seas and the attention of many birds increasingly turning to looking their best for the coming breeding season we had some superb views of some of the many species that breed on The Farnes. Even before leaving the harbour small parties of Common Eider, the males displaying by throwing back their heads and doing a bit of a body flip were resplendent in black and white, with subtle greens and pinks.
Whilst Guillemots dominated by sheer force of numbers, other birds around the islands included Fulmars, Shags, a single Razorbill, 2 Peregrines and a good count of over 50 roosting Purple Sandpipers. Some of the Shags were showing early signs of pairing off, displaying and even carrying nesting material.
As always though it's not just about the birds, January offers perhaps some of the best opportunities to view the Grey Seal colony that can call The Farnes home and they certainly didn't disappoint today with large numbers hauled out around the islands 'singing' as we got close.
It was hard to take your eyes off the beauty of the Northumberland coastline as we sailed out to The Farnes this morning. Bamburgh Castle was resplendent in the morning light just behind the long sandy beach stretching north from Seahouses, with the snow-dusted Cheviots providing the perfect backdrop as streams of Guillemots moved past.
The Guillemot numbers were simply spectacular this morning, measured in the tens of thousands providing an impressive assembly as they stood on the rocky outcrops and ledges that will see them raise the next generation in the coming months.
The constant movements of individuals between land and sea and the steadiness of the twinned hull Serenity offered some great opportunities for flight photography today.
As always though it's not just about the birds, January offers perhaps some of the best opportunities to view the Grey Seal colony that can call The Farnes home and they certainly didn't disappoint today with large numbers hauled out around the islands 'singing' as we got close.
The return trip back to Seahouses provided brief views of a small pod of Harbour Porpoises picked up by on-board wildlife guide Keith not too far from the front of the boat.
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