Conditions were ideal for sea-kayaking and wildlife photography on the west coast of Ireland early this morning – flat sea, not a breath of wind and sun burning off the early morning mist. Departing at 06:00 am from Schull Harbour in West Cork, Joff, Hugh and Nick kayaked 7 miles to the Fastnet Rock. Following by rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), Liam, Maria & Ken met the kayaks at the Rock just after 08:00 am.
Wildlife seen on the outing included Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale, Shags, Gannets, Shearwater, Grey Seals, Black Guillemot and lots more.
Then it was off to Clear Island for breakfast.
Topaz under Spinnaker
Black Guillemot
We did it!
Three Little Shags
The Fastnet Rock at 8 am
Shag on the Rocks
Shag drying out
Liam approaching Clear
Liam and Maria
Ken enjoys the view
Joff takes a breather
Joff, Hugh and Nick in the Fastnet Channel
Joff at the Rock
Joff approaches the Fastnet Rock
Joff and Nick
Hugh, Nick and Joff
Hugh at the Rock
Hugh and Joff on course for the Fastnet
Harbor Porpoise
Grey Seal
Grey Seal
Grey Seal
Grey Seal
Grey Seal
Grey Seal
Gannet
Gannet
Fastnet Rock with reflection
Fastnet Rock from the south-west
Ken Billington
Ken, a scientist by training held various management positions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries during his professional career, enabling him to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, North Africa, Asia and Japan. Ken has always been a keen photographer and bought his first telephoto lens 10 years ago. This was the beginning of his interest in bird photography. Since then he has also become an active supporter of birding and wildlife conservation.
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