Another afternoon out in the boat and what a difference a few days make. After catching dozens of Mackerel a few days back, today all we could manage was 3 small ones which all all went back to fight another day.
Having failed miserably at The Hood and Balaclava Bay we headed off to the north entrance where we found shoals of fish just inside the breakwater. Turns out they were Scad, a fish I've not caught in years.
Also about were 2 Barrel Jellyfish, a jellyfish sp., a strange Shrimp-like creature again and an amazing view of a Squid.
Flying over the water there was a Painted Lady heading towards the main land and also the most vivid black and orange bee I have ever seen flying alongside as we were coming across Portland Harbour.
On the bird front we had Cormorant, Shag, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull with one individual with a leg ring, a Common Tern and a Rock Pipit.
Here are a few images from this afternoon:
HThe north entrance to Portland harbour
A "roost" of Cormorants
An Oystercatcher on the breakwater.
A Great Black-backed Gull waiting patiently on the water.
Here another sporting a leg ring..............
...............OL3. However I suspect they maybe another letter in front of the O.
A Scad. Also known as: Horse Mackerel, Atlantic Horse Mackerel and Common Scad
Here are two more which were also safely returned to fight another day. More on Scad Here.
A Barrel Jellyfish drifts under the boat.
Ships Today
Out on the Shambles there were at least 14 fishing boats. One day hopefully our boat Star will be out there with them.
This is the Maltese Tanker "C Force" on its way into Weymouth Bay from Le Havre. More on this vessel Here.
This is Moonfleet. More on this vessel Here.