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I just heard that Gordon and Jesse have had success with shooting orca (on camera of course!!). Woohooo!  On that website, you can also see a wee bit of Gordon going down memory lane at our RSPB reserve Sumburgh Head, puzzling over fulmars being around in the autumn.  I'll write about fulmars in a future post (having gone on about projectile vomit previously!).  The RSPB has an Autumnwatch related webpage here http://www.rspb.org.uk/autumnwatch/

Killer whales are at the top of the foodchain.  They rely upon healthy seas.  Working on seabird reserves and being a Shetlander (whose father was a fisherman) I need no convincing that we need to look after our sealife, for all sorts of reasons.  However, if you are looking for a dramatic reason why we need to look after the marine ecosystem, make sure you tune into Autumwatch this Friday.  

Of course, you can visit Shetland's RSPB reserves next year for the chance of seeing killer whales.  It is only the fortunate few who get to experience whales in Shetland.  However, if you visit at the right time of year, everyone can enjoy the seabird experience. If you cannot make it to Shetland, take a look through the RSPB website to find a seabird colony nearer to you.  It's special.

Cheerio from the chilly north.

This week I have been delighted to have the company of wildlife cameraman and television presenter Gordon Buchanan.  A couple of years ago we met at Sumburgh Head, when Gordon was making a wildlife documentary for BBC2.  "Killer Whales in the UK?" showcased much of Shetland's superb summer wildlife, including some great footage from Sumburgh Head - a Minke whale feeding just off the cliffs and (set to the 1980s pop hit "Jump!") guillemots chicks leaving the cliffs.  Unfortunately, the killer whales (also known as orcas) just didn't show up when Gordon was here. 

Gordon has returned to Shetland to try to film killer whales for Autumnwatch.  However, this time he will mostly be bouncing about in a fishing boat, miles off the Shetland coast.  Large groups of killer whales are known to approach fishing boats when catches of mackerel are being hauled in. What a challenge! 

My friend Harriet and I spent some time with Gordon and his colleagues before they headed to sea.  It was lovely to remember the past, but rather more exciting to look to the future.  Harriet has much experience in studying killer whales in Shetland waters, and for two mackerel seasons went out on a fishing boat to photograph the massive mammals for a killer whale study.   We had some useful discussions, including how to work out where the whales might surface and alleged cures for seasickness.  Click on to this link www.nature-shetland.co.uk/naturelatest/latestcetaceans.htm  and scroll down to the photographs of October 9 2008 to see some of Harriet's fantastic pictures.  www.northatlantickillerwhales.com has lots of information.   Scientist Andy Foote went to sea last week to continue his study.  I heard from him that one particularly stormy day,  the whales were actually three metres above the boat as the swell was so huge! 

As I write this today (Monday), it is a beautiful calm day.  So instead of being worried for Gordon and cameraman Jessie I am very excited for them.  I can't wait to see Autumnwatch this Friday to see how the challenge goes.  Make sure you tune in!

Cheerio for now.