This morning, just after dawn, we dropped anchor off the island of Skomer in Wales. We were greeted by squadrons of puffins, razorbills and guillemots streaming in off the sea to their colony. The thin fog and soft early morning light made the sky and glass-calm sea indecipherable: a silver canvas, making for great reflections and photography conditions. As we cruised around the island’s tall cliffs, gulls harried the approaching seabirds (laden with sandeels) generating great commotion. Buzzards and a peregrine falcon were patrolling the colony and a common seal was also spotted followed by grey seals en route to Fishguard. Manx shearwaters and gannets passed by the ship as we headed north, straining to stay airborne in the still conditions.
After coming alongside in Fishguard we made an excursion to Traethmawr beach near Newport where we hiked along the Pembrokeshire Coastal path and along the shores of the River Nevern Estuary. As we have become used to in these rich and fascinating British Isles, we encountered a whole range of bird and wildflower species along our route. Of the 24 species of birds recorded, the highlight was most certainly the little stint sporting its beautiful reddish summer plumage. Our eventful day concluded with a folk music concert and dinner in the charming Picton Castle before embarking the ship and heading north through the Irish Sea, bound for Holyhead.
