Moray Firth Dolphins

[larachmor]

If any members are planning to visit The Highlands this year, I'm sure you'll find a trip to Chanonry Point on the northern shores of the Moray Firth, east of Inverness, well worth while. At this time of the year the dolphins can be seen daily, coming in as close as 10 yards from the shore. Boat trips are available from the village of Avoch, but they only last an hour - you may as well save your money and just go to The Point. The dolphins here are the world's most northerly population and number around 140. Most days will see several dolphins fishing, and on a good day you can see 30 or more....

One performing ......



One fish that got away ......


.... and one that didn't ...

[Ann2]

By pure coincedence, I was there today and the dolphins put on a fantastic show. I've also been lucky with Otters on Mull and sea eagles on Skye. Just gotta find me a Pine Marten now before I head for home.

Ann

[Tracey.A]

Hi Larachmor, great shots of the dolphin and I will try and get up there and see them soon hopefully
Ann, how wonderdul seeing Sea eagles and Otters, I hope you find the Pine Marten - Good luck

Tracey

[mh68]

Cracking shots Bill, perfect timing on all of them

Mark H

[Kayleigh]

Great shots Bill, I love dolphins.

[deer boy]

Lovely shots bill well done & good luck with the Pine Marten Ann

[aeshna5]

Great shots- they are such charismatic animals!

[The Black Rabbit]

They're wonderful photo's again Bill.
I had the great pleasure of visiting the Isle and the Moray Firth a long time ago - and the dolphins were spectacular!
Then a little trip down the coast to Findhorn Bay to see seven ospreys fishing simultaneously, crested tits etc...
Great memories indeed - brought back to life by your superb photies.
Doug

[jennyb]

What great photos! I wish you had posted this thread a few weeks ago. I would have loved to have seen them. When you say "at this time of year", can you be a bit more precise? When are they likely to arrive?

I was there first week of June and saw Minke Whales off Neist Point on Skye. I am probably going back next year at a similar time (before the midges get too bad!)

Jenny

[larachmor]

Originally Posted by jennyb

What great photos! I wish you had posted this thread a few weeks ago. I would have loved to have seen them. When you say "at this time of year", can you be a bit more precise? When are they likely to arrive?

I was there first week of June and saw Minke Whales off Neist Point on Skye. I am probably going back next year at a similar time (before the midges get too bad!)

Jenny

Hi Jenny - The dolphins are around most of the year, but it is only in the summer months that you can be more or less guaranteed dolphin sightings at The Point - they tend to range wider in winter months. Activity tends to start in May and will run through till August or September. The level of activity is dependent on the run of fish in and out of The Firth, and this tends to peak during mid to late July. The only other thing you have to consider is the state of the tide. I always aim to get to The Point at low water, and usually stay for two or three hours. The low afternoon/evening tides are best - there tends to be more of the livelier activity, and if you're taking photos you won't have the problem of early-morning sun in your lens. One last thing - the lower the tide the better. Low water can vary from 2.0 metres down to 0.2 metres. Whether the lower tides concentrate the flow of fish I don't really know, but it also generates quite fierce currents at The Point as the tide starts to turn and I have always found that the jumping activity seems to increase.
Everybody is surprised at how close to the shore they come, blowing loudly. The three photos were all taken from the shore, and if you note - on the third (with the fish in its mouth) I'm looking DOWN on the dolphin, so it gives you an idea of how close they get - literally within 10 metres at times.
Great for you getting sightings of Minke Whale - If you're going back up that way there is a scheduled trip that takes you to the islands of Rhum Eigg and Muck, but it also doubles as a wildlife cruise. The skipper is always on the lookout for dolphins and whales, with occasion sightings of killer whale. Whilst the outward trip is largely a "scheduled service" - if you ask what time the boat returns, the answer is always "dependant on what the skipper spots on the way back." Last time I went we saw a minke and had a holdup on the way back as he stopped to rescue a gannet tangled in fishing net. (I'll try and dig out the details for you - Put it in your diary for next year, you won't be disappointed)

Edit: Trip details:
http://www.arisaig.co.uk/index.asp

[rlchew]

Excellent photos Bill.

I have been to Chanonry Point on many occasions and nearly always been lucky seeing the Bottle Nose Dolphins. However, I did miss them this year though when the Point was heaving with the BBC Springwatch OB.

One year I did take a boat trip out from Avoch. This was disappointing .... the only views of the dolphins were very distant ones with the animals quite obviously giving exceptional close up views to those on dry land at the Point!

My advice .... go to the Point .... and follow Bill's advice regarding tides, etc.

Richard