2005 Blackpool Blog (1 Viewer)

[Andrew]

Nice one. Tried for a Velvet Scoter today but the sea at Dawlish Warren was too rough.

 

[Gavin Haig]

Nice one. Tried for a Velvet Scoter today but the sea at Dawlish Warren was too rough.

Andrew - try the Scoter flock off Axmouth Harbour - there's been a Velvet in it for 3 days, and only 100-odd birds to go through, not half the world's population like Stephen!

Hi Stephen, just browsed through your blog for first time - don't know how I missed it - good read, and quite inspirational......if I can get my finger out I may have a go at a Seaton blog......I would probably read it anyway!

Keep up the good work........

 

[Andrew]

Hope to get down to Axmouth sometime soon for it Gavin. A long drive from Tiverton though.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Another classic Starr Gate morning. Sunshine, calm sea, Snow Buntings trilling overhead whilst at least four porpoises fed close inshore.

And off to work with a smile on my face.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

At least 3 porpoises again today, even closer inshore. Also the first Grey Seal of the year and c450 scoter. The Snow Buntings are still in the area. Some geese, presumably Pinks, headed north a long way offshore.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

22 RT Divers today was a welcome increase. The Snow Buntings are still in the area, and porpoises have now been seen four days on the bounce which must be some kind of modern record for land based observations on the Fylde.

Stephen.

 

[christineredgate]

Lucky you,Stephen,Snow Buntings and Porpoises.Very good.Our Seals are still here ,on and off,and at Maryport there is a Dolphin trapped in the harbour.

 

[christineredgate]

"Marra" the Dolphin has been safely removed from Maryport harbour.They drained the harbour and netted the dolphin and took her 100metres (maybe more) out to sea.She was then joined by another dolphin who had presumably been waiting for her.The sex of Marra was not known.So a happy ending.The team which was involved with Wilma the whale helped and many of the services gave their help free of charge.Apparently if the dolphin had been left for any longer in the harbourhe/she would have died.
So she/he swam happily away with his/her mate.The dolphin was named Marra meaning local.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Not been out much lately, but put an hour in today and there were at least 2 porpoises lingering. Never tire of them. Could have done with getting out early on as well for visible migrants, possibly Whoopers in the calm weather.

 

[Andrew]

You'll be seeing Wheatears before too long?

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Probably Andrew.

Delighted to again see porpoises today. Also a couple of Razorbills which I think were the first of the year. A little envious of the totals off Formby today though.

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

A total of 50 RT Divers first thing today. Also among others a movement of Razorbills, a couple of Sandwich Terns and nine Little Gulls as well as my first Gannet of the year. Too windy for much vis but a Grey Wag went north.

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

First Fulmars (4) yesterday in a small blow. Today a couple of Little Gulls about the best, also a drake Merganser south and a couple of hundred scoter.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Grey Seal and 3 Little Gulls today. Should get a bit of coverage in the next few days.

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Of late there have been a few porpoises and a couple of seals. During the week I got to the nature reserve where there was a migrant Garden Warbler and a late passage Stonechat.

Today despite the clam conditions there were over 300 Manxies on the sea, this is unprecedented in such calm weather. Yesterday half a dozen Little Terns passed through.

 

[Rob Stroker]

hi stephen. do get good views of stuff you see or is strictly for the sea watching enthuisiast? dolphins and seals for example.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

If you put the time in you can get good views of porpoises and seals with a scope as they can come close in, dolphins less so. Picking the right days helps - flat calm is always best.

Regards,

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

A really good couple of early morning watches yesterday and today. Yesterday Puffin (Lancs rarity), GN Diver and no fewer than 600 Manxies. Today despite low visibility productive with a Black Tern close in and lingering, two Little Terns and surprisingly a pair of Scaup going south.

Stephen.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

First skua of the year today (an Arctic), but rather outdone by a Pom Skua and a lingering dolphin after I went in to work. Still lots of Guillemots about, and Redpolls going over.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

Just to say after a few months of neglect I have started afresh with a new blog. Anybody interested PM me and I will give you the details.

Regards,

Stephen.