For the last two years, large numbers of dead seagulls are being washed up on Brora beach. The tides tend to bring stuff down the coast, so I'm guessing a lot of them come from perhaps the Helmsdale area.
The thing is, these are not the usual dead birds that wash up whole and then get pecked to bits. These are coming ashore fresh but completely sucked dry of all flesh.
I know orcas take birds from the surface, but I'm beginning to suspect they suck them dry and spit out the feathers. Could these be orca kills? I've never seen an orca off Brora, but they could be coming closer if these are indeed orca kills.
The thing is, these are not the usual dead birds that wash up whole and then get pecked to bits. These are coming ashore fresh but completely sucked dry of all flesh.
I know orcas take birds from the surface, but I'm beginning to suspect they suck them dry and spit out the feathers. Could these be orca kills? I've never seen an orca off Brora, but they could be coming closer if these are indeed orca kills.