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This year saw a return of the ‘Solway Pelagics’, but with a twist. Gone was the tricky descent into the boat at Maryport harbour, replaced by easy access in the refurbished Whitehaven ‘marina’. Gone was the exhaust filled cabin of the old boat, replaced by a tidy little vessel with friendly brew-making crew. And gone was the rather restricting choice of a very short trip or an over-long one, as access to Whitehaven harbour is less restricted by the tide. I have to be honest at this point and admit I never went on the old boat from Maryport, but those who have swear all the above to be true. The first trip was on May 6th, when we were blessed with glorious weather all day. The obvious target given the date was Pomarine Skua. The trip got off to a good start for those who had travelled from out of the area with a Rock Pipit in the harbour – the locals I am sure took this in their stride. Once we left the harbour it was clear, despite the relatively sanguine conditions, that it was still a challenge to identify any birds whilst the boat was going at a reasonable clip. Several auks were seen, and a (Red-throated?) diver went overhead. The decision was taken to head out to an area towards the Scottish shore where a proposed wind farm development would make any records valuable. On the way out to this area an Arctic Skua was seen, with a few Kittiwakes, although Fulmars were notable by their absence. The area around the proposed wind farm was relatively quiet, and did not hold any of the anticipated divers and grebes. However a couple of feeding flocks could be seen in the near distance, and we headed for these. On arrival the highlight of the feeding flocks of birds was a few plunging Gannets and perhaps as many as 80 Commic terns (sorry - they were a bit far away and the boat was rocking a bit). After a short period Arnold Strand picked up a Pom which passed through the feeding area and then headed away down the channel. Whilst others looked at the birds around us I tracked this bird, and saw it joined by another before landing in the distance. A decision was made to try and find the point where they had landed; my own view is that we had gone well past this point when we found a Pom sat on the water. The boat stopped quickly, and for a short period we enjoyed superb views as the bird sat tight on the water for a few seconds, and then circled the boat at close range before flying away. A few Common Scoter were seen near the Scottish shore, and more auks etc. We then sped back across the channel and went via the foot of the cliffs at St Bees before returning to Whitehaven. At least two Black Guillemots and seven Puffins were seen under the cliffs, as well as commoner species flying over and around the boat. The second trip on July 15th was clearly well pitched for Storm Petrels. I should explain at this point that Stormies were not high on my list of priorities, as I had found one on the 13th and gone to see the lingering birds at Heysham on the 14th. However after pottering around the foot of St Bees Head without even seeing a Puffin (correct me if I’m wrong fellas) it began to irk me when the first couple of Stormies seen were fleeting and I missed them both. Soon however excellent view of Stormies were had by all, although photography was another matter. The best views of all were probably of one which cut right across the front of the boat, perhaps within ten feet of a couple of us. Estimates varied as to the number of birds seen, but it seems more than likely double figures were involved. With good views of common seabird species and weather which offered it all it was another memorable trip, finished in my case with first ever views of the Bassenthwaite Ospreys on the way back. So if you don’t get seasick and would like close up views of seabirds book for next year’s trips. To be safe, take your fishing rod - 30 or so Mackerel were caught from the back of the boat on the second trip. Stephen Dunstan
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