Marine
Keep your eye out when you are exploring the Trevose Headland and Coastal Path nearby as you never know what you might see passing through the waters of Mother Ivey’s Bay.
Common Dolphin
The Common Dolphin can often be seen in groups, travelling at speed around the coastline. They come close to the shore to feed. The best way to spot a Dolphin is to keep an eye out for the dorsal fin which is tall, triangular and curves slightly backwards. A Common Dolphin can also be identified by its colour, dark grey above and whiter below. They can easily be mistaken for the Bottlenosed Dolphin, but you can tell the difference as the Common Dolphin can be distinguished by the hourglass pattern on its flank.
When to see: All Year Around
Grey Seal
The Grey Seal can be distinguished from the Common Seal by its larger size and longer head with a sloping ‘roman nose’ profile. You can often see their heads bobbing about in the water in Booby’s Bay and in the hidden coves around the Trevose Headland. If you are lucky you might see one come in even closer and nearer to the beach at Mother Ivey’s Bay. Seals often ‘haul out’ to digest their food or rest, so if you do meet a seal on the beach, please give it plenty of space and keep dogs away.
When to see: All Year Around
Sunfish
The Ocean Sunfish is the second largest bony fish and visits our waters during the summer months to feast on jellyfish. They are often spotted resting on their sides at the surface of the sea, supposedly basking in the sunshine. Keep an eye out for a giant grey fish that looks a lot like a swimming head. They have two long fins and can sometimes be seen flapping at the surface.
When to see: June to September
All photographs © Adrian Langdon