Orkney birdwatching, wildlife & culture
holidays.
Self-catering also available.
|
|
|
Cetaceans - whales & dolphins - and seals The Orcadian waters teem with marine life and especially cetaceans and seals. It is estimated that up to 30,000 seals (20,000+ grey and 8,000 common) frequent the seas in and around Orkney and so showing our visitors seals is straightforward and enjoyable. Come in mid-late October to see the gorgeous fluffy white grey seal pups! Click seal pups for more pics and information.
Watching cetaceans is more difficult - or skilful - but if the sea conditions are good at the right time of year we can usually find harbour porpoises for you to enjoy. Lucky guests may also see other species of cetacean - we see minke whales and Risso's dolphins reasonably regularly, whilst other species of dolphin including orcas or killer whales are present in our waters but much more difficult to see...there's a lot of water out there!
The best time of year to visit to see cetaceans is May - October inclusive. For example, minke whale sightings in 2007 began on 1 May and continued up until 30 September. Harbour porpoise sightings are pretty consistent over the summer months, with orcas in 2007 being seen in May - July. 2007 was a great year for basking sharks, with several being sighted, often very close to shore. For lovers of cetacean jewellery see Roger Philby's website www.flukejewellery.com - we like to visit Roger's gallery to catch up on his whale and dolphin sightings in Birsay, West Mainland.
Please
|
|
|
