North Ayrshire RSPB group visits MV Caledonian Isles

How do you spend your time onboard?

"We engage with the passengers at our stall on the aft deck 5, answering questions about the wildlife that can be seen on Arran and pointing out the birds that are seen from the ferry."

What wildlife did you spot at Ardrossan and Brodick?

"On the first crossing we met some children who were fascinated by the black guillemots nesting in harbour walls at Ardrossan.

"At Brodick we observed that a pair of common gulls had nested on the flexible joint of the top of the passenger walkway to the ferry. The unfledged chicks could be seen wandering around the roof awaiting the return of parents with food."

How many species of birds did you see?

"In spite of the poor weather and cancellations, over 30 species of birds were seen. At the two harbours, black guillemots had a good breeding year, with up to 10 individuals being seen at each harbour. We also had birds coming onto the deck at each end to pick up scraps from the passengers' snacks, including gulls, starlings, pied wagtails and rock pipits.

"From the back deck at Brodick, our volunteers saw curlew, oystercatchers, buzzard, kittiwake, mute swan, house martin, swallow, goldfinch and white wagtail.

"At Ardrossan, sandwich terns, eider ducks, cormorants, shags and a little egret were spotted. On the crossings, manx shearwaters and gannets were seen every trip, and also sightings of common guillemots, fulmar and great skua or bonxie."

Did you see other wildlife during your visits?

"Adding to the list were grey seal, porpoise and buff-tailed bumble bee. Even the crew joined in and told us that otters had been seen in Brodick bay."

We look forward to welcoming the group onboard again in 2024.