Recent reports

Friday 18th September, 6-7 Bottlenose Dolphins off Holy Island

Saturday 19th September, Humpback Whale 2 miles E of Newton by the Sea - it's still out there!

The Humpback Whale was found at 11:45 by a very surprised lobster fisherman. Well, you would be surprised if a 12m cetacean that you weren't aware of suddenly breached next to your boat! John Dawson on Glad Tidings V set out from Seahouses to search for it, but it had moved away by the time they arrived off Newton. Several hours of searching didn't reveal it's location. Surely the same animal seen off Longstone on Sunday 13th.

The porpoise of seawatching

On a 4-hr seawatch yesterday afternoon/evening, at least 4 Harbour Porpoises were just offshore at Church Point, Newbiggin

NEWT Pelagic 12/09/09

Despite excellent viewing conditions, and the finest weather you could wish for on a pelagic, the whales and dolphins evaded us. We covered a lot of sea, from Dunstanburgh in the south to Holy Island in the north, but there was a distinct lack of flukes and fins. With some of the finest, and most experienced, cetacean watchers in the Northeast on board, we would have spotted any cetaceans that were around.

Atlantic Grey Seals were everywhere as far as the eye could see, Gannets were flying by (but not really showing any interest in feeding) and we had a couple of Red-throated Divers and a very obliging Arctic Skua. Eventually we did find some cetaceans; Harbour Porpoises. Although they're generally not keen on boats we had excellent views of one that surfaced within 20ft of the boat and then swam across the wake. Still too fast for my camera though!

We've booked the boat for the same Saturday next year, and we're taking advance bookings already so give us a call on 01670 827465 to reserve your place.

NEWT Whale and Dolphin Cruise

No, not a cruise in search of newts, whales and dolphins (how esoteric would that be?) but a Whale, Dolphin and Birdwatching Cruise from Seahouses at 10:00 tomorrow (Saturday 12th September). Organised by Northern Experience Wildlife Tours in association with Billy Shiel MBE, we will sail into the offshore waters of North Northumberland in search of cetaceans and seabirds.

Places are selling well, but there are still some remaining (£30/adult, £20/child) so call Martin on 01670 827465 to book your place.

With Minke Whale, White-beaked Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise all real possibilities it's one not to miss.

Weather will be glorious, winds will be light, and things are looking promising...

Recent sighting

Harbour Porpoise (1) off Cresswell 10/09/09 (Andy Tait)