Seven species of cetacean seen in four days on northern coast of Caithness, Scotland

The northern coastline of Caithness has been spoiled last week with seven species of cetacean being recorded in just four days. Counts of sightings included 4 White Beaked dolphins, 8 Minke whales, 13 Risso’s dolphins, at least 16 Harbour porpoise, at least 30 Short Beaked Common Dolphins, 5 Orcas and 5 Long Finned Pilot whales. Most sightings were reported by Karen Munro, a regular observer for Sea Watch who mainly watched from her home in ThursoBay. Sightings were also reported off Dunnet Head to Karen by local boat charter and angling operators. Those that attended a planned Sea Watch, organised by Paul Castle, the Highland Council North Sutherland ranger on the evening of the 22^nd were rewarded with sightings of Short beaked Common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Harbour porpoise and Minke whale in just two hours. The watch which was included as an event during ‘Biodiversity Week’ sponsored by Scottish National Heritage, occurred between 1700 and 1900 hours at Strathy Point. Sea Watch Regional Coordinator, Colin Bird also spotted five Orcas off Duncansby Head on the 21^st. The past few days have highlighted the rich diversity of cetacean species in the north of Scotland. There are a number of land watches planned for the season and particularly during National Whale and Dolphin Watch (18^th-26^th July), which the public are invited to attend. A list of the planned watches will be available on the website shortly. For further information on these watches contact Sea Watch Regional Coordinator Colin Bird.