The first of four West Coast Birdwatching charters with Nick on board Celtic Wildcat took place yesterday. These trips head straight out to the Celtic Deep, avoiding the islands, to maximise the chance of scarce migrant seabirds. They involve 'chumming' to attract birds.
We had a great day out in perfect conditions, the highlight was a single Great Shearwater which came to the boat when we were far offshore. At one point it was attacked by a passing Great Skua, quite something to witness: thankfully the shearwater survived and the Bonxie gave up.
Other avian highlights included an Arctic Tern, 8 Storm-petrels (at least of 6 of which, and probably all, were European) plus all the usual Pembrokeshire seabirds (Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar, Kittiwake etc).
Highlight for me though was the 6+ Minke Whales, just incredible to see! Thrown in Risso's and Common Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, and Ocean Sunfish and you have a day to remember.
