Cetacean spotting Belfast Lough and Isle of Muck 11 August 2022

 

Leaving Bangor heading north

With a heatwave underway and an XC Weather forecast saying it would be calm we planned a late afternoon jaunt to look for cetaceans in the mouth of Belfast Lough.  The heatwave was spot on, XC Weather told porkies - the wind was much stronger than forecast, and thus not perfect for spotting porpoises, dolphins or whales.  

Initially we were planning to motor through the Copelands before turning north to Muck.  However, a fog bank over the Copelands and Orlock Point meant that we cut that bit out and went straight to the Gobbins. Sarah Jane, Susie and David, Heather and Geoffrey were all happy no matter what route we were to take.

Cetaceans were in short supply, though we did see two Harbour Porpoises albeit briefly.  The Gobbins still had quite a few Kittiwakes with young on the nests, and Cormorants and Shags on the rocks. A beautiful evening below the cliffs.

The main seabird cliffs at the Gobbins above the seven sisters (the caves)

Our bird list for the trip was:   Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Shag, Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Common Tern, Gannet, Oystercatcher.  Not a long list, but then we weren’t birdwatching.

A visit to the Isle of Muck was followed by a warm gentle cruise home. Wonderful.



Our route:



And to top it all Gordon not only serviced the freshwater pump, but even got it working again!


Serviced freshwater pump being tested. Working.  Whoop whoop!






































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