Research - West of Shetlands

Puffin carrying sandeels

Oystercatchers and whimbrels

An Osprey!

Lesser black-backed gull

Kittiwake

Gannet (frontal view)

Gannet taking off

Gannet flying overhead

Arctic skua

Arctic skua attacking kittiwake

Bottlenose dolphins

Since the 2006 summer we are conducting (biennial) research in an area to the West of the Shetlands and East of the Faroese Islands. In previous years the most abundant cetacean occurring in these waters is the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. However, this summer the Risso's dolphins were most dominating. Other species seen included sperm whales, long-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises. The highlight of the survey was a rare view of a Sowerby's beaked whale.
The seabird activity was high and good numbers of the Northern gannet, fulmars and kittiwakes were seen. In addition, Pomerine-, Arctic- and Great-skuas were seen. An unexpected visit of an Osprey surprised us all! A brief visit to the Shetland Islands was filled with puffins....