Great Northern diver tops another good sea watch

The winds continue from WSW not quite as strong as yesterday, but enough to drive plenty of seabirds into the bay. Heavy, but isolated showers, with some periods of bright sunshine.

Sea watch report by Jean.

Today's seawatch 0850-1050 produced:

Kittiwake 219 

Gannet 38 (all adults like yesterday)

Great Northern Diver -1 out

Red-throated Diver - 3 out

Razorbill/Guillemot - 1 out

Guillemot - 1

Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 15 flew towards Red Nab at 0900hrs

The Brent did arrive at Red Nab, but didn't stay long

They headed off south just after this at 09:30. This clip shows just how well developed the sea was. Even in this weather, they find time to bicker. 

This clip is just a few of the Kittiwakes heading out. Not very clear, but provides a sense of today's movement.

Mediterranean gull at least one 2nd calendar year bird patrolling the south sea wall

There is no doubt that at least one of the birds swirling around was a Med, but the lack
of a face mask on this bird, could mean that it is one of the many Common gull around.
It was frustratingly difficult following birds in the wind. The jury is out. (MD).

Rock Pipits 5 (1 saltmarsh, 2 Red Nab, 1 lighthouse and 1 waterfall)

Oh dear, it looks like I'm (MD) slipping into ships and boats mode again, sorry......

...but I do like this shot. This young Herring gull looks to have a whelk egg cluster.
They don't normally bother with these, but the other two wanted a share.
(I really wasn't just photographing the ship)

This is the Pilot boat it's still in the harbour here, but it's rough.

It was going out, presumably to rendezvous with an incoming vessel. To minimise the storms impact it followed directly behind the StenaLine going out. But even in its wake it was still a rough ride.

It was still right behind the StenaLine at least three miles out and still no sign of another vessel. I wouldn't want to be the Pilot climbing from the Pilot boat onto an incoming ship in any weather. But today......