It wasn't just about the cetaceans (although you would be forgiven for assuming as much, incredible as it was....). Auks were out and about in good numbers, particularly chimney sweep-like young Puffins, plus plenty of Razorbills and Guillemots from nearby colonies (perhaps some from Filey?). All three of the commoner terns were present, with a huge gathering of over 200 (mainly Sandwich) in the Runswick Bay area, while our best gull of the day was a dainty, dip-feeding adult summer Little Gull, a good eight miles offshore.
Waders were on the move, with Knot, Curlew, Dunlin, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Whimbrel all boat fly-bys, but best of all we had a Curlew Sandpiper whizz by with four Dunlins. Manxies performed superbly (albeit in heavy thunderstorms!), with birds loafing on the water and cruising by over flat-calm seas; Gannets and Fulmars entertained us at point-blank range around the boat.
