Welcome to Day 4 of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch! The sun has finally returned and hopefully will continue to shine for us during the rest of the watch. So far 180 sightings across 8 different species of cetacean have been reported! The NWDW team is very busy processing your recording forms and getting the sightings verified, so keep checking the sightings page.
My Watch
It was a warm sunny afternoon at Fort Bovisand, Devon where I did my watch. A slight breeze and sea state 2-3, but beautiful views across the horizon. I am yet to see any cetaceans, but plenty of sea birds flying overhead and feeding in the water, which is still a joy to watch. The number of sightings that have been reported is inspiring me to keep on getting out there!
Your Watches
There have been 60 watches today; 20 in Scotland, 9 in Wales, 30 in England and 1 in the Channel Islands. The NWDW team are receiving an exciting number of bottlenose dolphin sightings on the North East coast of the UK, including eight bottlenose dolphins seen from Arbroath Cliffs, Angus by Denis Kennedy and ten bottlenose dolphins spotted by John McConnon from Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear. Becky Smith reported one minke whale from Elishader, North West Scotland today too.
Take a look at the map below for the full list of today’s sightings so far:
With warmer and drier weather forecast for the rest of the week, I hope you’re all looking forward to your next watch. If, like me, you are yet to see any cetaceans, don’t be disheartened! This information is still extremely important and plays a key role in protecting marine life.
Remember there are lots of ways we can support the Sea Watch Foundation’s research that is dedicated to protecting whales and dolphins. Take a look at the research page of the website to find out what projects are taking place both in the UK and internationally.
Well done to everybody who took part in the NWDW today. Remember to keep spreading the word to your friends and family – there is still time to sign up! Keep submitting your sightings online and sending in your forms to formsswf@gmail.com
I’d love to hear more stories from you all. Send me an email at formsswf@gmail.com with “NWDW 2020 Diaries” in the subject line to be featured! For those who aren’t able to take part in the watch this year, I hope you are enjoying these diary entries and still feeling part of the action!
Have a good evening everybody.
Jasmin
Sea Watch Research Intern
NWDW Feature Blogger
