Sunday 7 July 2019

Peregrine watch and the north coast boat trip

Fair Head from Ballycaastle Bay
We signed up for a long awaited boat trip along the North Coast from Cushendall to Carrick-a-rede, and then to Bull point and round the north coast of Rathlin, down the east coast, into Church Bay and back to Fair Head and Cushendall - seven and a half hours at sea on a 12 seater RIB.  The aim was to check nesting peregrine falcon sites from the sea and we did get good views of nests, chicks and flying adults. Where and how many must remain a secret. The trip turned up 29 species including fabulous views of auks off Bull Point, Carrick-a-rede from a boat and and stunning views of all three of the Rathlin lighthouses from the sea. Throw in a millpond sea, the odd rock dove, blue sky and the chance to see parts of the coast inaccessible from the land and you have some idea of what a perfect day would be like. Thanks to Jim Wells and Charlie Stewart for organising a trip I have long wanted to do.

Fair Head from the sea is just stunning
Grey Man's path, and since you ask, yes I have climbed it.



Kenbane Head
Port More, inaccessible from the land without serious effort

Different viewpoint from below

Scary/not scary, delete where applicable
Amazing colours
West light and Bull Point
Auks at Bull Point

East light
South light at Rue Point
The RIB at Cushendall, we detached the tractor before setting out.



1 comment:

  1. Sounds a brilliant trip DEREK. I saw the two Oeregrines at Scrmabo the other day.

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