Where are those whales we hear you cry? Why haven’t Roger & Jo been posting up their sightings this year?
The simple answer is that we have seen very little which has been very disappointing as you can imagine! However, we have decided to share with you the delights of other people’s sightings throughout the season so at least you can see what cetaceans have been around our island waters.
May 2008
3rd - 7 Orca’s were seen down at Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay.
11th - A pod of Risso’s dolphins were seen at Grimness Head, South Ronaldsay.
14th - 5 Minke whales were enjoyed by our friends of Orcadian wildlife at Noup Head, island of Westray.
18th - 10 Atlantic white sided dolphins were seen by our creel fisherman friend around Noup Head, Westray.
19th - Approx. 30 Common Dolphins were seen at Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay. A Minke whale was seen at Mull head.
20th - A pod of Orca’s were seen in the Pentland Firth by some happy travellers! A Basking Shark was seen at Hobbister.
21st - A Minke whale was seen at the spectacular cliffs of Yesnaby.
June 2008
16th - 3 Harbour Porpoise were seen in Hoxa Sound, South Ronaldsay.
17th - A Basking Shark was seen around the Brough of Birsay. We didn’t see it!
28th - A Basking Shark was seen in the Bay of Birsay by the Birsay Bay Tearoom. Again we didn’t see it, how frustrating!
July 2008
2nd - At last our first whales of 2008!!!! We were at friends for dinner over at Evie overlooking the island of Eynhallow & Rousay. When suddenly our friend saw a fin. That was it we downed drinks, nibbles, conversations & got outside with binoculars. It became obvious after a short time that there was more than one fin! After a few moments debate amongst fellow whale watchers we deduced that it was not in fact dolphins but a pod of Orca’s! Exciting exclaims resounded around the still air. We watched this family group for about an hour & enjoyed seeing the adult bull coming well out of the water & seeing his grey saddle. We could even see the pod’s blows with our naked eyes. There were a few youngsters with them & adult females. It became obvious that they were feeding on a shoal of fish in the current as they turned & twisted in the water. What a magical moment that was & to share it with friends who are keen on wildlife too, was even better.
10th - 1 Bull Orca shadowed a creel man’s boat in Birsay bay.
27th - Jo decided she should check the sea on this very tranquil, calm day. Standing by the greenhouse looking out across the bay within moments of putting her binoculars to her eyes, she saw something move in the water. As she continued to look she saw 2 shapes arch through the water totally synchronized. It was 2 harbour Porpoise leisurely movng towards the Brough. She watched them for about 15 minutes.
29th - An amazing sight was enjoyed by a group of visitors to Orkney on their way back from Orkney to John O’Groats, a pod of 6 Humpback Whales!! The visitors enjoyed spectacular views of the family group on board the JOG ferry. So near yet so far!!!
Many of these sightings have been seen around Orkney by our good friends Steve & Sarah who run www.orcadianwildlife.co.uk whilst taking their guests out. Have a look at their website for more information as they have a wealth of knowledge & experience in wildlife & have a wonderful place to stay for a holiday with a difference!
