Re: My Trip To: Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales - 14th June 2012

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share with you a video I filmed last week when I visited Skomer Island. I booked the few nights away back in January (how time flies!) and had planned to visit Skomer on Thursday & Ramsey on Friday. 

Anyway with the weather as it has been it threatened to jeopardize my whole trip. I visited Cwm Clydach reserve near Swansea on Wednesday on the trail of Pied Flycatchers, needless to say I didn't see any but I did see some Dippers down on the river which was really nice, my first of the year (my local patch which is normally top notch for Dippers has been very poor this year) - had the usual woodlands bird species too there.

On Thursday I was up at 4.30am to then travel from Swansea (where I had stayed the night) to the Dale area where I would attempt to catch the boat to Skomer, on arrival at about 7.45am there were already a few cars. The wind was picking up though and I was wondering if we would be able to sail .... fortunately we were but we were told we would have to return slightly early due to the increase in winds predicted (we returned at about 3.15pm, so plenty of time to look round), this though I didn't mind. I was finally going to Skomer for the first time!

The boat departed at about 10am, there were long queues by this point - as we approached the island I got my first glimpse of Puffins on the water & flying out to sea - a magical sight! We landed on the island and had the talk from the warden about what to do & what not to do then we were on our way.

Overall saw plenty of Puffins / Guillemots / Razorbills (even filmed the two birds near the landing point at Skomer swapping over on the egg, a first for me) / Manx Shearwater flying out at sea / Grey Seal / Gannets over the boat on the way back / & all the other usual sea birds.

Overall despite the wind & persistant light rain I didn't let this dampen my spirits and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.

We didn't sail to Ramsey on Friday due to the worsening conditions which was a shame, to be honest Skomer was always going to be the highlight for me & I'm just glad I managed to get there, I didn't fancy waiting until next year to get to see the Puffins.

I visited Strumble Head on Friday where from the observatory I saw Gannets diving just off shore, Manx Shearwater, Shag, Razorbill & some Harbour Porpoise which was nice.

I did visit Stackpole Nature Reserve on the evening on the trail of the Otters they have there but I was out of luck - maybe next time!

If I lived closer I would head down for a day trip, I can't wait until next year already, I want to head back & hopefully this time I will get to Ramsey & have some nicer weather! Still I can now say I have been to Skomer Island .... at last!

A video I filmed:

Best Wishes,

Rob

Glad to hear you had such a fabulous trip Rob.  I've really enjoyed reading all about it and the video is just gorgeous.  So many different shots packed into one!  Loved the puffins rubbing beaks, the fish and later the flower in its beak.  Amazing to see the close up of the razorbills on the egg, and background music lovely!  Thanks for sharing.  I am still waiting to see my first puffin - next month hopefull!

Thanks for the kind comments Christine :)

I hope you have a nice time next month, good luck with the Puffins - where are you heading?

Great trip report Rob, thanks for sharing!

Thanks for this Rob, brought back memories of our trip to Skomer, a few years back. Must do its again soon.

Great report Rob thanks for posting.

Hi Rob - brilliant video! Really enjoyed as I've never seen a puffin. Thanks for posting.

Best wishes, Jayne

Wonderful report and film, Rob! I had to smile at the razorbills' nest, they don't waste much effort on making it cosy, do they?

Skomer is a place I've been wanting to visit for a while, maybe next year...

I think it's the magic of Skomer that stays with you forever Rob.

Great video.

Robert

I am so pleased you won the June Good Egg for this thread, Rob, because I missed it completely. (I was in Pembroke when you posted it, and unable to get to Skomer - personal reasons, not the weather .) So I am delighted to be able to read your report and see your fabulous video. Thanks for sharing it.

Loved the video Rob, thanks so much for sharing, proper little stars those birds, I'm sure they posed for those shots.

Thanks for the kind comments everyone - it really is appreciated.

With regards to winning the "June Good Egg" that is a top bonus :)

One more video from Skomer that I have only just got round to putting online (!) -

"Skomer Island, More Puffins!" :

Once again brilliant video Rob, you sure enjoyed yourself.

Fantastic video Rob, they have lovely faces don't they.