Whale watching and wildlife...
In calm weather Stoerhead is one of the best places on the west coast of Scotland to view cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise). Minke whales are seen regularly April til September, porpoise and dolphin can be seen all year in the right conditions. And in recent years orca (killer whales) have been a frequent visitor in early June.
August 2014 was a highlight month for whale watching from Stoerhead, as we were lucky enough to have a visit from 2 very energetic humpback whales, close to shore. I managed to capture their antics on film. Click here to see part 1 of the video on You Tube , and click here to see part 2. See our photo gallery for photos of the humpbacks breaching and tail slapping.
The picture above shows a minke whale. Although up to 9m long this smallest of the baleen whales doesn't show much of its massive body when it surfaces. Watch for a long black or dark grey back with a small dorsal fin at the end. See the tips on whale watching below for advice on watching for these elusive creatures.
If you are lucky enough to see any of these wonderful creatures then do send your sightings to:
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
And don't forget to tell me at the van so that I can update our sightings board!
To keep up to date with our sightings from the car park follow us on Facebook by clicking in the Facebook icon at the top of the page, and to keep an eye on sightings all along the Assynt Coast go to the Assynt Field Club website (see below).
August 2014 was a highlight month for whale watching from Stoerhead, as we were lucky enough to have a visit from 2 very energetic humpback whales, close to shore. I managed to capture their antics on film. Click here to see part 1 of the video on You Tube , and click here to see part 2. See our photo gallery for photos of the humpbacks breaching and tail slapping.
The picture above shows a minke whale. Although up to 9m long this smallest of the baleen whales doesn't show much of its massive body when it surfaces. Watch for a long black or dark grey back with a small dorsal fin at the end. See the tips on whale watching below for advice on watching for these elusive creatures.
If you are lucky enough to see any of these wonderful creatures then do send your sightings to:
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
And don't forget to tell me at the van so that I can update our sightings board!
To keep up to date with our sightings from the car park follow us on Facebook by clicking in the Facebook icon at the top of the page, and to keep an eye on sightings all along the Assynt Coast go to the Assynt Field Club website (see below).
Basking sharks
Basking sharks are an amazing animal. They are the 2nd largest fish in the sea (2nd only to the whale shark) and can grow as long as 9m feeding only on plankton! We are lucky to have them visit our waters in the summer months (usually July and August) to feed. Watch out for their huge fin gliding through the water - often you will see what looks like 2 smaller fins either side - these are the animal's nose and tail and give an idea of its immense size. Although a shark the basking shark is not dangerous and is a thrill to watch as they often come close to shore and stay on the surface for quite a while.
Please report any sightings to me at the van for the sightings board and also contact the Hebridean Whale and dolphin trust to report your sighting
www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk
Please report any sightings to me at the van for the sightings board and also contact the Hebridean Whale and dolphin trust to report your sighting
www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk
Seals and more
There are usually 2 or 3 resident seals amongst the rocky islands beneath the car park. Watch out for their heads bobbing on the surface. If you walk to the edge of the little headland they will likely come and look up at you as they are just as curious about us as we are about them!
Otter are also occasionally seen amongst the rocks. They are smaller than seals and move more quickly - so keep a look out for this ever elusive creature, seeing one is always a thrill.
Otter are also occasionally seen amongst the rocks. They are smaller than seals and move more quickly - so keep a look out for this ever elusive creature, seeing one is always a thrill.
Birds galore...
The cliffs below the coastal path are a haven for nesting sea birds. Fulmars, kittiwakes, herring gulls, lesser and great-black backed gulls, great (bonxies) and arctic skuas are seen regularly during the spring and summer. In addition gannets, shags, cormorants and various small auk can be seen on the water or flying past to their feeding grounds. Watch out for the wonderful spectacle of gannets diving like white darts into the sea to feed. For closer up views of these birds and others visit Handa Island further up the west coast during the summer months when the birds are breeding.
Tips on whale watching from Stoerhead
- 1. Have lots of patience
2. Choose a calm day, with very few waves and no white caps
3. Bring a good pair of binoculars
4. Scan the sea with the naked eye as well as the binoculars
5. Have lots of patience
6. If you think you see something that is not a wave - keep watching the same spot for a couple of minutes. A whale, dolphin or porpoise will likely resurface in or around the same area 2 or 3 times before diving for longer.
7. If you see birds feeding in an area - look closely at that spot with binoculars - birds feed where there is food so cetaceans may be feeding in the same place.
8. Have lots of patience
8. If you see a disturbance in the water when there is a calm sea elsewhere - look closely. Dolphins feeding are often in large groups and create a lot of splashing - this can often be seen over quite a large distance.
9. If there are current or tide lines in the water ( can only be seen when the water is calm) then watch them closely. These signify water of a different temperature and often fish and other food can be found in these currents - so the larger animals that feed on the fish may also be found there.
10. Remember that all these animals are wild, they live by their own agenda not ours!- you may be lucky and see something or you may be unlucky and see nothing. But don't give up - when you do see something it is a very rewarding and exciting experience!
The Assynt Field Club
If you want to find out more about the flora and fauna in Assynt why not visit the Assynt Field Club website.
www.assyntwildlife.org.uk
The club regularly organises guided wildlife walks and talks locally. Visitors are welcome to attend these events and they are always informative and enjoyable.
Its also a great place to keep up with ALL wildlife and bird sightings in the area.
www.assyntwildlife.org.uk
The club regularly organises guided wildlife walks and talks locally. Visitors are welcome to attend these events and they are always informative and enjoyable.
Its also a great place to keep up with ALL wildlife and bird sightings in the area.