Moray Firth latest

Like the rest of the country the Moray Firth was plagued by some awful weather in June – so much so that we never got the boat out on the water due to the high winds and sea states; however we did have some good land based sightings - with bottlenose dolphins being seen off Aberdeen harbour and also along the east coast as far south to Dundee and St Andrews.

Early June I was involved in a survey around the Stonehaven area where we sighted over 70 dolphins in various groups. We managed to photo-ID 45 of the animals and amongst them I spotted three of the charity’s own adopted dolphins – all looking fit and healthy! Both minke whale and harbour porpoise were recorded on the east side, but no sign of the white-beaked dolphins just yet.

More bottlenose dolphins were recorded at Burghead, but in smaller numbers than those of 2006. Towards my part of the coastline at Spey Bay/Findochty and Cullen Bay I saw quite a few animals but my main concern was that they appear to be travelling further along the coast in search of food and the birds have not been out feeding on the water in their usual numbers either. There is plenty of mackerel around so perhaps it’s the change in the weather state that is slightly disturbing their usual patterns, even having studied these animals for many years it is sometimes difficult to say for certain why their behaviour changes.

Harbour porpoise were seen off Burghead, Fort George and Macduff in small groups of up to four, one of which was a calf. June 23-30 was ‘National Whale and Dolphin Watch’ week but due to the weather most watches were cancelled or sightings were very poor. I have been busy exhibiting at different events, fairs and galas which is always a joy as it gives me the opportunity to reach more people about the important conservation work we carry out, here in the Moray Firth and of course worldwide.

At least I have been more fortunate than people in some other parts of the country and my house has not been flooded. Let’s hope for some better weather in July when once again I can get the boat out of the harbour to carry out our important survey work once again.

Until next time, bye for now.

Peter MacDonald