With a good blow forecast overnight myself, Phil and Martin Bevan, headed down to Porthcawl to enjoy the wonderfull aroma of the pavilion opposite the Atlantic Hotel. It was still dark (06:45) when we pulled up, but some massive waves could be seen pounding the coastline - excellent. We were all set up and ready to go by 7am, being joined by Alex Bevan. By 7:20 we had managed to last twice as long as out last go at sea watching at this location, helped by a good movement of gulls, including at least 9 Meds.
As the crew increased, the birds decreased, but news of Leach's Petrels at New Passage and Lavernock, kept us at it. Slowly the list grew with Common Scoter, Gannet, Kittiwake and Fulmar all storm blown, plus Great Northern Diver, drifting up channel, and 2 Great Crested Grebes heading down channel. Then at 11:45, Mark Hipkin got onto a Petrel, to be followed by a frantic couple of minutes until all got on to the bird, and we all enjoyed decent views as it passed not to far offshore.
As the crew increased, the birds decreased, but news of Leach's Petrels at New Passage and Lavernock, kept us at it. Slowly the list grew with Common Scoter, Gannet, Kittiwake and Fulmar all storm blown, plus Great Northern Diver, drifting up channel, and 2 Great Crested Grebes heading down channel. Then at 11:45, Mark Hipkin got onto a Petrel, to be followed by a frantic couple of minutes until all got on to the bird, and we all enjoyed decent views as it passed not to far offshore.
Nice too stay longer than 10 mintues.
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