A work trip in the Barents sea for the first time in many years:)
Whales were seen pretty much daily, probably Minke Whales grindehval but always rather distant. Several blows in quick succession followed by extended dives was the pattern.
The usual Fulmars havhest (including several "blue" ones), Kittiwakes krykkje, Herring Gulls gråmåke and Great Black backed Gulls svartbak were present throughout.
On 20 September the first passerines started turning up with at least five Snow Bunting snøspurv onboard. The following day just one Snow Bunting and a Meadow Pipit heipiplerke were seen. A distant auk looked rather dumpy but had to remain unidentified.
On 23 September at least 50 Snow Buntings were around, some flocks seemed just to pass by whilst others rested on the vessel. A Wheatear steinskvett, two Brambling bjørkefink and a Common Redpoll also spent time onboard. Unusually two Long-tailed Duck havelle also turned up and fed actively. As the water depth at the work location was over 230m I can only guess they were feeding on stuff in the water column rather than at the seabed.
The 24th was pretty much more of the same although a Gannet havsule and a Great Skua storjo flew past:) A few pods of Orcas turned up, one of which came right past the bow just as I happened to be outside - nice timing:)
After that it was transit down to Tananger with heavy seas for the first couple of days.
More whales and dolphins were seen off Florø/Måløy on 27 September where Guillemots lomvi were feeding well offshore and several Red-throated Diver smålom headed south. Just one passerine onboard - a Redwing rødvingetrost
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