Med Cruise May 2016-at sea observations continued.

I didn't have much in the way of land migrants landing on the ship which can be put down to the late spring date, past the peak migration time for most species and the generally fine weather with no conditions to create a fall scenario. A Turtle Dove attempted to land on the ship in North Biscay and another two flew around the ship when we were in the Med off Algeria. Collared Doves also came aboard in the Med with a peak of 4 noted on the return journey offshore from Tunisia.
The real highlight as far as encountering land migrants at sea goes, had to be a small number of raptors seen crossing from N. Africa in mid Strait as we left Gibraltar on May 26th; 7 Black Kite and 2 Booted Eagle.

Cetaceans were also well represented with good looks at 3 Sperm Whale the highlight. This species is a summer visitor to feeding grounds in the Strait and Mediterranean Basin. Sightings included one sounding- the first time I've seen one going into a dive with the tail  flukes out at a steep angle. (Too distant for pics). The Bay of Biscay is a well known hot spot for Fin Whale and there were plenty of sightings in the southern end of Biscay as well as off the coast of Portugal. A Cuviers Beaked Whale was seen on the med side of the Strait of Gibraltar and Dolphins were represented by Striped, Risso's, Common and Bottle-nosed.
Other marine wildlife encountered comprised Sunfish, a breaching Swordfish in the Adriatic and Loggerhead Turtle in the Mediterranean Basin off N Africa.

Turtle Dove attempting to land on the ship in the Bay of Biscay

Collared Dove hitching a ride in the Med

Sperm Whale in the Mediterranean Basin off N. Africa. The distinctive single blowhole can be seen located on the left side of it's snout. 

Fin Whale in Biscay.

Common Dolphin

The most impressive pod of Dolphin encountered was 100+ Striped off Portugal, here with an attendant Gannet.

Sunfish in Biscay

Breaching Swordfish in the Adriatic

Not floating rubbish but a Loggerhead Turtle