Killer Whales

**Gronnuck** · 24-May-10, 17:08

WOW - yeh but - Wow - no but - wow and wow again, fantastic photos.

I've yet to see one but I live in hope. It looks as if I'm going to have to arm myself with binos, camera and folding chair and spend some time at Duncansby Head!

**Seabird** · 24-May-10, 20:42

Originally Posted by Gronnuck

WOW - yeh but - Wow - no but - wow and wow again, fantastic photos.

I've yet to see one but I live in hope. It looks as if I'm going to have to arm myself with binos, camera and folding chair and spend some time at Duncansby Head!

I think we are past the peak of sightings Gronnuck, if the information in Orkney bird group chatter is correct.
I'm pleased to say some of those who went looking got quite a thrilling experience.
But i'm sure some of our Orca visitors will return perhaps not in the numbers seen of late.

Colin

**Anfield** · 25-May-10, 01:03

Originally Posted by Seabird

I think we are past the peak of sightings Gronnuck, if the information in Orkney bird group chatter is correct.
I'm pleased to say some of those who went looking got quite a thrilling experience.
But i'm sure some of our Orca visitors will return perhaps not in the numbers seen of late.
Colin

Is there any way of setting up an early alarm texting/e-mail notification system for when rare species are spotted in our waters

**Seabird** · 25-May-10, 22:14

Originally Posted by Anfield

Is there any way of setting up an early alarm texting/e-mail notification system for when rare species are spotted in our waters

The birding groups use a texting system and they are easy to set up. The problem is the Whales and Dolphins. There movements are unpredictable and they rarely stay in one area for more than a few minutes. The only species i've ever been able to track is the Killer Whale and the Pilot Whale.
When the Killer Whales were off John O'Groats Saturday i received a text from a friend and i sent text to some others but noone was able to catch sight of the pod.

Colin

**donnick** · 25-May-10, 22:43

yes i was working at the castle of mey on fri and spotted 3 killer whales was very impresive they hung about for ten min then headed of to Dunnet head delighted

**Gronnuck** · 27-May-10, 09:22

Originally Posted by donnick

yes i was working at the castle of mey on fri and spotted 3 killer whales was very impresive they hung about for ten min then headed of to Dunnet head delighted

Buggha - buggha - buggha - OH and I were working in the garden and must've missed missed them - Aaaaarrrgh!
Mind you it's difficult to keep an eye on the sea when your digging the new veggie plot,

.

**donnick** · 27-May-10, 10:16

Originally Posted by Gronnuck

Buggha - buggha - buggha - OH and I were working in the garden and must've missed missed them - Aaaaarrrgh!
Mind you it's difficult to keep an eye on the sea when your digging the new veggie plot,

.

ooops we should have given u a shout .the 10 oclock starts in T room thought we were a welcoming committee

**Mrs Sweetie** · 28-May-10, 15:29

Fabulous. My son has just spotted a pod of, he thinks, orcas, heading south from Papigoe and he lost sight at Wick.

**Seabird** · 29-May-10, 00:02

Originally Posted by Mrs Sweetie

Fabulous. My son has just spotted a pod of, he thinks, orcas, heading south from Papigoe and he lost sight at Wick.

Quite possibly the same group of 9 seen outside Lybster Harbour at 8.10pm this evening.
1 large bull and an assortment of females and calves. Last seen heading East.
They were hunting seals this was indicated by the fact they passed Swiney Hill so close to the cliffs that they almost got pass me without me seeing them. Pity the weather was so poor, very grey with rain falling. I did get some pictures with sufficient markings visible on the animals to send them in as part of the Sea watch Foundation photo a fin programme.

Colin Bird
www.Caithness-Sea-Watching.co.uk