Saturday off Skokholm (and a couple of other islands)

Echoing Steve's comments from Skomer, the cliffs and seas around Skokholm were notable for really very large quantities of Guillemots and Razorbills. Interestingly, no Puffins or Manxies were seen on either day. A few Gannets, including two diving right in the mouth of Martin's Haven; Grassholm looks pretty white, though, so probably many more there now.

On Skokholm the two over-wintering Whimbrel were notable by South Haven. A Red-throated Diver over-flew Jack Sound, and Stack Rocks had at least 25 roosting Canada Geese.

A quick trip in towards Little Haven at Low Tide showed that the main area that the flocks of Common Scotor often spend the winter (and which is over-looked from the Goultrop watch point) has no more than 11ft of water depth at the Low, and that this shallow water extends out for well over half a mile. It should be obvious from a chart, but it is fascinating to discover the extent of this feeding area when on the water.

As for mammals, a couple of singleton porpoises, one off Skokholm, on off Wooltack Point, and at least 150 seals on the beach in Skomer North Haven: quite a noise!