The onshore gale which was forecast brought John and me onto the castle again. Luckily, during the time we were there, 8.10 to 10.10, the heavy showers which were also forecast held off, and we enjoyed long sunny periods.
Gannet was again the most numerous species; we logged 51 which included a good proportion of 2nd year birds. Also, 16 Kittiwakes, of which 11 were in one party, three Mediterranean Gulls, a group of 13 Ringed Plover close in, two Fulmars towards the end and three Great Skuas.
A break from seawatching at 9 o.clock found us chatting and looking towards the Old College. Very luckily as it happened, as it dawned on us that one of the large gulls hanging in the gale above the college was in fact a Bonxie. We watched, fascinated as it came closer, and though it seemed to be heading south over the castle at one point, it came back and soon ended up directly over our heads (and not very far over our heads).
Before long it made its way down to the sea and continued southwards past the point. Luckily John had his camera handy and will post some pictures here later.
The other two Bonxies were picked up at 9.15 and 9.25, heading south offshore in a more conventional manner.