Moray Firth latest

December was a fairly busy month and it has been good to ponder over the work we have achieved here over the past year. During our surveys and watches there was plenty of rain but some great days too!

The Moray Firth is, as ever, a fantastic place to work and live and of course the wildlife is as good as anywhere in the world. We may not have had hot summer days but even bad weather has its beauty at times. When out on the water, I was lucky to have seen some amazing sights - watching seals hauled out on the rocks, large rafts of birds feeding and harbour porpoise coming up close to the boat as they hunted for their food - fantastic.

The dolphins as ever standout as great encounters, every one different yet the same. It’s like each encounter is a chapter of a page of a book with each month a chapter and the kind of book you never want to put down or end. Whales were quite a feature around the Firth too with minke, sperm and even humpbacks being spotted. I even had two sightings of killer whales from the back of my house – not many people can say that!

Watching out for fins is always fun, especially over the winter months. One day I was over at Burghead, freezing and wondering what I was doing out on such a cold day when from the headland I spotted a mother with a calf. Minutes later two more adults passed by and then I knew why I was there but the more you look out for these marine mammals, it makes you realise how special and vulnerable they are and must be protected. There are plans to drill for oil in the Firth close to where I was standing watching these animals and this must not be allowed to happen. If our government allow such a thing then what about all the other less high profile marine species that also live in the area? 2008 will be a testing time for everyone here regarding this matter.

On a personal note, I’m looking forward to 2008 with once again being a dad in May (I know I mentioned it last month but I am rather excited!). It will bring its own magic to our lives along with hot summer days and the sight of cetaceans living and playing freely - what more can a person ask for!

Wishing everyone a great year.

Peter Macdonald