Moray Firth latest

The month of May saw many weather changes but also brought some amazing sightings. The weather in the first week was good for getting out on the water and spotting a few dolphins, sightings in general were excellent for this time of year. Aberdeen was still a great area to see them, and on the last Saturday of the month whilst out on a survey around Stonehaven 65+ dolphins were recorded on that stretch of coastline. Over in the Inner Moray Firth dolphins were seen at Kessock, Chanonry Point and Cromarty also further out at Burghead, Hopeman and Lossiemouth. By the mouth of the River Spey dolphins were also seen on a regular basis – all hunting and feeding on fish.

This pattern is not unusual for this time of year and shortly we will have the dolphins back here as July is when you see large pods of dolphins travelling from Strathlene to Cullen Bay, feeding on the herring and mackerel that come in to the area. Sightings on the east coast have been amazing with large groups and lots of calves, sometimes as many as 10. This is very positive news for this population as with an estimated population of only 130 dolphins in the Moray Firth, their future survival is critical.

Harbour porpoise have been seen in various areas including (I am happy to report), along the shoreline which can be easily seen from the rear window of my house. It always makes washing the lunch dishes easier when suddenly porpoises come into view. They were also seen at Fort George, Burghead, Banff and Aberdeen.

Minke whales are back in the Firth which thankfully coincides with the same time as last years’ first sightings, hopefully this means we will see as many again this year. It all depends on the sand eels but unfortunately the Danish fisheries are planning to return to fish for sand eels which in our opinion is totally unacceptable considering the variety and amount of wildlife that depends on them as their food source.

Best sighting of the month came at Burghead when on the May 14 a fin whale was seen travelling past the headland - the second sighting of this species this year, the other sighted on April 24. Such a treat to have the second largest whale in the world right on our doorstep. Pilot whales were seen off Spey Bay and Golspie with Risso’s dolphin recorded off Aberdeen. White-beaked dolphins were also seen further north.

However sadly as much as I would like to, I can’t spend all day out on the water and have been continuing the educational workshop programme in schools; including taking a group of youngsters out rock pooling. I always make sure they don’t touch the marine life but it’s fascinating to watch their faces when they see various crabs etc. I also attended a celebration of dolphins at the Universal Hall in Findhorn and in June we are filming with the BBC – all of which helps to keeps me young!

Ah well, hopefully you will be able to enjoy some warmer, sunnier weather until the next time!

Peter Macdonald