An early morning look at Skaw produced a Willow Warbler. I then headed to Lerwick to join the afternoon SOTEAG Eider Survey of the islands in Yell Sound. It was great to be back aboard Shetland Seabird Tours Ayda Ruby II with Captain Phil Harris at the helm. The expert boat-handling necessary to navigate the intricate coastlines of the various uninhabited islands and skerries in the Yell Sound produced not only Eiders but also some good numbers of Arctic Terns congregating before they make their long journey south. Needless to say a few Arctic Skuas were keeping a watchful eye on the Terns. In the virtually calm conditions and without the blanket fog materialising as predicted by some of the weather forecasts the decision was taken to then head offshore northwest from Shetland. A number of trawlers were in the area and there seemed to be increased numbers of Fulmars compared to similar forays offshore last year. Phil picked out a pod of Risso's Dolphins breaching that spent most of their time in view. We were then joined by the first Sooty Shearwater of the day that joined the Fulmars (including a blue) feeding on a chum slick prepared by Glen that was soon attracting European Storm-Petrels too. An adult Pomarine Skua checked us out but decided not to linger. A migrating Meadow Pipit nearly took a break by making a couple of attempts to land on deck. As we headed for Lerwick Phil and Will decided to take a closer look at one of the trawlers that was dragging its net. This proved inspired as in the trawler's wake there was a large flock of hundreds of Fulmars (including several blues), a few Sooty Shearwaters, European Storm-Petrels and best of all a Great Shearwater proving a great finale to the day.
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