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15th May 2019

Survey Report for 15/05/2019 - Uig-Tarbert/Lochmaddy

A sunny day greeted us as the survey team met outside the terminal at Uig on Skye.  We boarded MV Hebrides and were soon settled on the bridge for the morning leg of the survey to Lochmaddy on North Uist and back.

Soon after leaving port, as we passed Waternish point, a pair of common dolphins were spotted in front of the bow.  This was in a similar location to where a dozen commons had been seen by the Wildlife Officer the day before.  6 harbour porpoise were seen near the same tidal race on the return sailing - an area where porpoise are regularly seen feeding.

The afternoon sailing to Tarbert, Harris and back produced excellent conditions as the sea state dropped to 1-0.  We were convinced that we would pick up a minke whale in such conditions but despite working hard the Minch was quiet and we just recorded 4 porpoise over both legs.  There were, however, lots of puffins on the water to enjoy, no doubt breeding on the nearby Shiant Islands.  All members of the team managed to see animals on the survey including the two new surveyors and it had been a successful day.

 

Many thanks to the crew and both Captains of MV Hebrides for making us so welcome. 

 

Marine Mammals Seen:

  • Harbour porpoise - 10
  • Common dolphins - 2

 

Birds Seen:

  • Arctic tern
  • Gannet
  • Kittiwake
  • Black guillemot
  • Guillemot
  • Razorbill
  • Great black-backed gull
  • Puffin
  • Shag
  • Cormorant
  • Manx shearwater
  • Great skua

 

Survey Team Members:

Andy Gilbert, Jan Storie, Jen Folley, Ann Sweeney

List for 15th May 2019

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