Whales and Dolphins around the Dumfries & Galloway Coast

Cetacean ID day Mull of Galloway reserveHave you ever wanted to find out more about whales and dolphins?  Well now’s your chance.  To celebrate World Oceans Day, DGERC are running an informal ID day to help local wildlife watchers to recognise the common species of cetaceans – the scientific name for whales, dolphins and porpoises – and to show people how best to look for them and report their sightings.

DGERC are keen to train more volunteers to carry out cetacean watches around the Dumfries & Galloway coast and to report sightings of these species. This information provides essential background on their relative abundance and distribution and helps to shape marine conservation policies aimed at protecting them. The ID day will begin with a short presentation in the RSPB Visitor Centre, which will be followed by a watch from the adjacent clifftops looking out for Harbour Porpoise (frequently seen) or other species, such as Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin and Minke Whale, which are seen less frequently around our coast.

Mull of Galloway Reserve

Meet: Mull of Galloway RSPB Reserve Visitor Centre, 10 am on Sunday 7th June 2015.

Bring: Binoculars, suitable outdoor clothes, folding stool/chair or sit-mat (if you wish). Food/drink, or tempt yourself at the Gallie Craig café nearby.

Cost: Free, but donations gratefully received.

Booking: Please contact DGERC to book a place – all participants booking will receive a free laminated ID guide.

 

If you can’t commit to booking, feel free to join watchers on the clifftop between 11am and 1pm. Sightings will of course depend on the weather, sea conditions and some good luck! Get a birds eye view from the top of the lighthouse too.

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