Minke Whales off Hastings

Fisherman reported a group of 5-7 minke whale off Hastings yesterday. This is quite unusual for Sussex and a fascinating report.
Even more valuable, they have posted the following link on Youtube which clearly identifies them as minke whale.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chluNZ8h6jE

Grey Seal sighting at Brighton

A grey seal was observed near the Brighton Marina today. It was observed eating a large fish

Another fascinating grey seal sighting.

Grey Seals off Eastbourne

I received the following sighting of grey seals off Eastbourne 27th May.

"Today as I was swimming in the sea in Eastbourne, I was very surprised to spot a few of some Seal's heads coming up from the surface and came rather close to me which was very impressive! They were very close to shore and were at about the level of The Western Lawns in Eastbourne. It was a big surprise but I thought I would let you know what happened! Is this normal (migration?) In any case it was a nice experience!"

While we do see seals from time to time off Sussex, these are usally common seals and then usually on their own, so this is an interesting sighting.

More dolphin sightings

Three dolphin sightings have just come in relating to March and April.

26/03/2012
11:51
6 bottlenose dolphins sighted heading west to east in position 50’45.70n 000’30.30w the pod headed towards F.P.V. observers vessel and continued in the opposite dirrection.

27/03/2012
11:40
 I single dolphin 50’43.94N 000’16.83E (Near Beachy Head) Heading west unable to take pictures or identify any markings (report from Sussex IFCA, from FPV Watchful as above sighting)

13/04/12
 06.22
2 bottle nosed dolphins 50'43.26N 000'43.90W (off Selsey Bill) at heading east (reported by a commercial fisherman.

Whimbrel

I spotted from the car, a whimbrel standing on a clump of vegetation in the Adur estuary as the tide came in. This was in the RSPB reserve just west of the Norfolf Bridge. I have seen whimbel on many occasions in tenerife where they are a winter visitor.This is the first time I have seen one in the river Adur. I have heard that they are seen on occasions.

Bottlenose dolphins off Ferring

I recieved a report of 4 bottlenose dolphins (3 adult and 1 juvenile ½ adult length) seen off Ferring, swimming east, at 11.15am yesterday (11th March).

More Sussex Seal Reports

I received a report from BDMLR of a seal they visited in Eastbourne on Tuesday (March 6th). The seal was in the outer harbour and was reported to have been there for 2 days. The seal looked a bit thin and so BDMLR medics are keeping an eye on it. The seal is not considered to be too thin that it needs to be caught. We first thought it might be Twinkle but this has turned out to be a small seal.


They also passed on anecdotal reports that the Lewes seal (regular visitor we see each year) was spotted in Lewes on Monday. There is also a good possibility that the rescued and released seal Twinkle was spotted on the same day in Newhaven.

You may remember we followed Twinkles movement between the river Cuckmere, the Ouse and the River Adur for many months last year due to the orange flipper tag and the facial markings identified.It would be very exciting if he has returned to the same rivers this year - fingers crossed