How to Seawatch

Step 3 Timing.

There will be days when you go seawatching and all you see is the sea.

You can, however, improve the odds;

• Going when the sun is setting or rising over the sea (depending where you are) can increase the chance of seeing birds against the sky.
• Onshore wind, the stronger the better, will bring pelagics closer to shore.
• Avoid heavy rain and fog. You won't see anything.
• Check birding websites for migrations - Spring is good, Autumn is better. Winter is OK, Summer is poor.
• Tides will change the location of roosting or feeding birds, especially if there are open expanses of sand or mudflats (Check the web, or consider investing in tide tables. Tables for individual locations are quite cheap, and usually available from Tourist Information shops or harbour masters).

Consider going at night - you won't see anything, but some species migrate at night, so you may get to hear their calls (I'd love to hear a Manx Shearwater in the field).