BAY OF BISCAY 17th-20th AUGUST 2006

BAY OF BISCAY 17^th-20^th AUGUST 2006

TRIP REPORT

Summary

There were 28+ cetacean encounters (and more distant blows seen by the BDRP from the bridge) with 5 to 6 species seen by the group. Conditions were slightly choppy but with good numbers of Fin Whales plus a few Sperm Whales and good views of one school of Common Dolphins. Small numbers of seabirds were seen (c 16 species) with Cory’s Shearwaters starting to pick up in numbers. On the walk it was good to see Griffon Vulture.

17^th August (Thursday)

After boarding the Pride of Bilbao in the evening we set sail about 21.30 - just after dark. After eating we had the introductory talk in the Whale and Dolphin room at 22.00, everyone looking forward to the next few days.

18^th August (Friday).

Just after dawn in partly cloudy sunny conditions we were in the outer Channel well off the Brest Peninsula, the main activity being the number of Gannets, before going around the peninsula and Ile d’Ouessant later in the morning.

Considering the forecast, the conditions were not that bad, about a force 3 with good visibility, and a slight chop, lessening our chances of spotting a Harbour Porpoise or a Minke Whale, winds picking up slightly to force 4+. The first cetacean encounter occurred on the outer shelf around 13.45 with a group of 30+ Short-beaked Common Dolphins that were briefly at the bow, then riding the stern waves.

We were soon on the approach to the start of the continental slope, seeing one Great Shearwater then the blow of our first Fin Whale at 14.30 and some claims of more dolphins. Things then quietened down for a while, apart from an occasional Cory’s Shearwater. An increase in Cory’s Shearwaters at 17.30 was the first indication of more activity and this was followed by a Fin Whale sighting at 17.35 and brief views of Common Dolphins, then more Cory’s and some Gannets around 18.20 with 6 more Fin Whales from 18.30 to 20.15. None were too close and it was difficult to see the animals, but all the group got to see the blows.

The bonus for the afternoon was a Sperm Whale at 18.55 and a second one at 19.20 where people were able to get an idea of the different kind of angled blow and to see the back of the animal and the knobbly fin. By dusk we were over the abyssal plain.

19^th August (Saturday).

We approached Bilbao around dawn and everyone was ready to go ashore at 07.00. Most of the group went on the walk into the nearby hills around El Mazo where we saw a range of birds (e.g. Red-rumped Swallow, Red-backed Shrike, Melodius Warbler, heard Cetti’s Warbler, Corn Bunting etc.) and various butterflies including the Cleopatra and the Long-tailed Blue. We also saw Honey Buzzard, Buzzard and Kestrel, and the real bonus was a Griffon Vulture. At this time the skies were clear and the sea conditions looked to be ideal. On the way down we were able to pick up some food and have a relaxing coffee before returning to the ship.

On the return leg we set off slightly late around 12.40 instead of 12.15. By this time cloud had come in with force 5 to 6 winds, making sea conditions more difficult as we approached the shelf edge and the Cap Breton Canyon. We also just picked up the edge of a squall with strong winds, but we managed to stay dry, so it could have been worse. Conditions then improved slightly as we moved across the canyon with the first blow (a Sperm Whale) at 15.00.

This was followed by the sighting of two Cuvier’s Beaked Whales about 10 minutes later, and two more around 15.30, closely followed by a probable Sowerby’s Beaked Whale. However - typical of beaked whales- they only appeared briefly to the side of the ship at either ‘11.30’ or ‘12.30’, observers having to be looking at just the right place.

Things were then quiet for a while before sightings increased from around 17.30 with some more Sperm Whales, followed by an excellent number of encounters with Fin Whales scattered to each side of the ship until dusk. Striped Dolphins were also seen, but only in the distance. Several of the Fin Whales were close enough for everyone to see the actual animal. The area was also quite good for Cory’s Shearwaters.

With the choppy sea conditions (but not rough), sightings weren’t ideal as they could have been, but great to see so many Fin Whales and some Sperm Whales.

20^th August (Sunday).

We rounded Ile d’Ouessant near to dawn and started to head into the outer reaches of the channel. With lighter winds from behind it was more comfortable on deck 11. There was still some chop so cetaceans were elusive in the channel, although some observers saw Minke Whale and Harbour Porpoise with telescopes. The main seabird of interest was the sighting of several Great Skuas – and at least one Sooty Shearwater.

Most of the group attended the BDRP lecture to find out what had been seen and in the late afternoon we rounded the Isle of Wight as the weather deteriorated, heading into the strong wind once gain. We finally docked about 18.30, roughly on time.

Although the wind and sea conditions were not ‘ideal’ for most of our time at sea, there were no really bad sea conditions and we managed to miss most of the rain squalls. All 17 of the group enjoyed the whale watching experience on the trip and most were keen to try whale watching again.

Kevin Morgan & Colin Wood.

Summary of the sightings:

Cetaceans

At least 28 encounters (some loose groups of Fin Whales have been put together) of 5 to 6 cetacean species. Other cetacean species were elusive, but some observers saw Minke Whale, Bottle-nosed Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.