We are lucky in the UK to have 23 species of cetacean seen in our waters, from the little harbour porpoise to the second largest of all the whales, the fin whale. The North and West coasts of Scotland have some of the best places to see species such as orca and Risso’s dolphin. This allows the many dedicated sea watchers and shore watch volunteers to spend time watching our seas for cetaceans. Adding to vital records for both the Seawatch Foundation and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, charities that aim to protect cetaceans and the habitat in which they live. The Seawatch Foundation had its National Whale and Dolphin Watch Week on the 26th July until the 3rd of August. So we decided to take part at Dunnet Head. As the most Northerly point of the UK, with beautiful views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney, Dunnet Head is perfect for sea watching. RSPB staff have previously seen Minke whales feeding off the point, on one day 3 were seen at the same time! Porpoises have also been spotted and I have seen grey seals. Other species such as the common dolphin, Risso's dolphin and killer whales have all been seen in the Pentland Firth so we were hoping for a good day. I arrived at Dunnet Head at 9am on Thursday the 31st of July, armed with my Seawatch recording forms, my telescope and lots of layers (it was a cold morning). Shortly afterwards Colin arrived, he is a volunteer for Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) and takes part in their Shorewatch surveys. Seawatch Foundation surveys and WDC Shorewatch surveys differ, but both have the overall aim of recording cetacean sightings in the UK. If you want to learn more or take part in either contact the organisations:
http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/
http://www.wdcs.org/national_regions/scotland/shorewatch/index.php
The Great Skua, locally called the Bonxie.
WDC Volunteer Colin.
We spent the day at Dunnet Head and as the morning progressed the weather improved turning into a lovely day, with perfect water conditions for seeing cetaceans. Sometimes it can be difficult to see whales or dolphins if the sea is too choppy or if the sea haar is in. Although conditions were good we didn’t see any cetaceans that day, sometimes that’s just the way that wildlife is, you don’t always see it so when you do it makes it extra special! It was far from a wasted day though; a lack of sightings is still a record that will be useful to both Seawatch and to WDC. I was able to see some lovely birds while I was there too! The highlight was probably a passing red throated diver, but with the skuas, fulmar, gannets, auks and puffins there was never a boring minute!
If you are next to one of our shores in the UK it is always worth keeping an eye out on the sea, you never know when you might be lucky enough to see a cetacean. And when you do it really is special!