[kas]

The last week has provided the North coast of Scotland with some fantastic views of cetaceans, but one of them in particular is causing alot of excitment.

Killer Whales have been spotted on numerous occasions this week, and last Friday one of the Orkney ferries witnessed a feeding frenzy of 20 whales, the sea was red with the seals blood. The pod consisted of males, females and young. The dorsals of the males were up to 2m.


Personally I have to be content with Minkie whale, White beaked dolphin and porpoise, which would normally be enough. But I so wish I could get a glimpse of these orca. Will be on the lookout.

Below is a link to some photos taken last week.

http://www.highlandeye.com/gallery.asp?catid=29

[StuartReeves]

Stunning stuff kas, amazing to see photos of Orcas so close to shore off of Scotland.

Cheers,

Stuart

[Andrew]

Super stuff, glad someone took piccies for us to admire. I'd love to see some one day.

[delia todd]

Ooh Kas, thank you for the lovely pictures and reminding me of a sighting we had of them on Fair Isle. The whole island came down to the South Light to see a pod of them pass it was brilliant.

Actually we nearly missed them as we were facing the wrong way with our backs to the wind looking into a small bay hoping for otters. One of the locals came running over to us shouting the news. What a holiday that was.

D

[LJH]

What fantastic pictures Kas!
We are hoping to get up to Sutherland/Orkneys next year - would love to see some cetaceans - and puffins!

[Micky]

Hi,

There are some really nice photographs here as well,

http://www.pennington.charitydays.co...tcetaceans.htm

http://www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk/latest.htm

good luck,

Micky.

[Stevie babe]

Oh Boy, are you lucky - that is a "must see" for me

well done

Steve

[kas]

Still havent seen them.Everybody else seems to have, there is at least 2 pods on the go maybe even 3.
Been on a boat trip and on a rib trip but no joy. However we have had a mass evasion of Minkie whale, some White beaked and Atlantic white sided dolphin and Porpoise. There is also reports of 2 Basking sharks 20 miles west of here.

Here is some more pictures a friend gave me. They were taken from the North Coast Explorer, a rib that operates out of John o' Groats. If anyone is ever up there it is well worth a trip, especially during the breeding season. The seabirds are amazing and you get such close views

[LJH]

kas, I know I'm showing my ignorance here but what's the difference between a boat trip and a rib trip? Come to that what's a rib anyway?

[kas]

Sorry , its a ridged inflatable.
Heres a photo of it.

[LJH]

Thanks!

[kas]

At last I eventually saw some Killer whales.
We were crossing the Pentland Firth to Hoy in Orkney, from John O' Groats by Ferry.

They were totally amazing.

I wasnt in the best postion to see them all, and as everyone was trying to catch a glimpse of them you had to jostle about. The skipper reckons there was about 12 in the first sighting and then 10 mins later we saw a few more. The time delay on my camera prevented me getting any good shots, but I got evidence. After trying a few shots I just watched them, and became engrossed in them that I never thought to try and take any more photos. One of the males was massive and he had what I think was a young one beside him. I am praying that someone else has managed to get good photos.
The time delay on the digital camera is a complete pain when it comes to situations like this.

I am on cloud nine and it was a sight I will never forget as long as I live.

The rest of the trip was good as well. The Old man is quite something. I had tingling toes and butterflies in my belly due to the hieght. We didnt see anything out of the ordinary. 2 pairs of RT divers, hundreds of Bonxies including a mating pair, lots of pale phase and dark phase arctic skuas. Lots of terns, pufins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and gulls. A good day was had by all and the weather was lovely.

[Jane Turner]

So pleased for you!