Visiting Grassholm Island with Voyages of Discovery is an adventure that immerses you in the biodiversity of the Pembrokeshire coastline. The journey begins with the thrill of seeing the UK’s largest population of Manx shearwaters, seabirds known for their incredible annual migration from South America to nesting sites on Skomer Island. These remarkable birds arrive in February and depart around July, making their seasonal presence a fleeting but awe-inspiring sight. En-route to Grassholm, we were lucky to encounter hundreds of shearwaters rafting on the sea.

As we approached Grassholm, the gannets began to appear, flying in companies, lines, and groups of up to 20-30 birds, almost as if they were guiding us to their sanctuary. The sky gradually filled with these magnificent seabirds, their presence growing denser as we neared the island. Gannets are fascinating birds, boasting an impressive wingspan of up to 2 meters. Their blue eyes are a striking feature, although those that have survived bird flu now have black eyes, a testament to the disease’s devastating impact on their population. The closer we got to the cliffs, the more intense the experience became. The air was filled with the cacophony of thousands of gannets, the smell of the sea and the birds mingling to create an atmosphere of awe-inspiring chaos.

We also saw the 22 degree halo in the sky; this bright circle is formed by sunlight passing through high altitude ice crystals, which bend the light into a halo. It can also be seen around the full moon.

The sight of these seabirds nesting on the cliffs, diving into the waters, and interacting in their natural habitat is mesmerizing. Gannets are known for their high-speed dives, plunging into the ocean at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour to catch fish. Their colonies are bustling with activity, and being amidst this spectacle is a humbling reminder of nature’s raw beauty and power.

Adding to the excitement, we spotted dolphins during our voyage. At one point, several dolphins swam under and alongside our boat, offering a brief but magical encounter before disappearing back into the deep blue. These moments with dolphins are always special, as they bring a sense of connection and joy to the journey.

However, the sea conditions changed rapidly, and we found ourselves navigating swells of up to 2-3 meters. The waves crashed over the sides of the boat, soaking us completely and adding an element of adventure to the trip. Despite getting drenched, the thrill of the voyage and the incredible wildlife sightings made it all worthwhile.

Our voyage with Voyages of Discovery was nothing short of spectacular. Their Offshore Islands Whale and Dolphin Voyage is a must-do for anyone passionate about marine life and adventure. The experience of seeing Grassholm Island’s gannets and the journey through the wild, dynamic waters of Pembrokeshire will remain etched in my memory forever.

For those interested in experiencing this incredible journey, you can find more details about the trip here.

10 Tips for photographing birds from a moving boat

1. Use a Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens (200mm or longer) helps you capture close-up shots of birds without getting too close and disturbing them.
2. Stabilize Your Gear: Use image stabilization (IS/VR) on your lens or camera to compensate for boat movement and ensure sharper images.
3. Fast Shutter Speed: Birds in flight require a fast shutter speed (1/1000 sec or faster) to freeze their motion and avoid blur caused by both bird movement and boat vibrations.
4. Anticipate Movement: Birds move quickly, so anticipate their flight paths and movements to position yourself for the best shots.
5. Continuous Shooting Mode: Use continuous shooting (burst mode) to capture a series of images in rapid succession, increasing your chances of getting a perfectly timed shot.
6. Adjust for Lighting Conditions: The lighting can change rapidly on the water. Adjust your camera settings (ISO, aperture) accordingly to maintain optimal exposure.
7. Focus on the Eye: Ensure the bird’s eye is in focus. Use single-point autofocus mode and aim for the eye to create a sharp, engaging photo.
8. Waterproof your kit: Make sure your photography kit (and you!!) is waterproofed – salt water is not good for cameras!
9. Use Natural Elements: Incorporate elements like the sky, water, or other boats to add context and interest to your bird photographs.
10. Practice Patience: Bird photography from a moving boat requires patience and persistence. Be prepared to wait for the right moment and be ready to capture it swiftly when it arrives.