Shearwaters on the move
10 Aug 2018
Leading a largely pelagic life, shearwaters are only likely to be encountered on boat trips or during seawatches. While only one species breeds in Britain, several can be encountered with good planning and a little bit of luck. Manx Shearwater is the most widespread species, breeding in large colonies on islands off the west and north coasts, and is likely to be encountered along all coasts in autumn.
From late July, it is possible to see several other shearwater species offshore with Balearic Shearwater moving north from the Mediterranean and Cory's Shearwaters from the east Atlantic. Two more species – Great and Sooty Shearwater – are on their way south to breeding grounds in the south Atlantic, having spent their 'winter' in the north Atlantic off Greenland.
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