WDC Shorewatch Sightings

Quality Control

Sightings from trained volunteers have been accepted but using the confidence rates is recommended, particularly for species which are harder to ID to species level or rarely sighted on location. Individuals are listed as 'calves' when they can be clearly identified using criteria such as size, pale colour, foetal folds, etc. All other individuals are considered 'adults' for the purpose of these records. Sightings times reflect when the observer was watching and can confirm presence; they should not be used as confirmation for when the creatures arrived or left. This dataset provides only the sightings collected through the Shorewatch Programme and does not include effort data.

Method steps

1. WDC conducted land-based visual observations from designated sites in Scotland. Surveys each lasted 10 minutes and were carried out by trained volunteers, using equipment provided by the programme. Field methods Visual observations: 10 minute surveys across the entire study area were conducted from designated land-based platforms by teams of trained volunteer observers using 7 x 50 binoculars with internal compass and distance reticules. Observers alternated 4 minute binocular scans with 1 minute naked-eye scans of the survey area for 10 minutes. Observations were conducted not more often that once per hour and only in sea state 4 or less. Environmental data were collected before every survey. Effort data was recorded on each survey regardless of whether cetaceans were sighted. All cetaceans identified were recorded to lowest taxonomic level possible and an identification confidence percentage was recorded for all sighting.

Shorewatch effort occurs from designated sites around the northern-Scottish coastline. Sightings occur within binocular range of these sites. Sites listed as historic are no longer active but historic sightings are listed. Armadale Pier, Skye; Balranald Reserve, North Uist; Burghead A & B; Castle of Old Wick; Chanonry Point; Cromarty; Cullen; Dunnet Head A & B; Eigg, Glebe; Eilean Glas (Scalpay Lighthouse), N. Harris; Findochty Church; Fort George (overlooking Chanonry Point); Fraserburgh; Historic.Balevullin Tiree; Historic.Benbecula, Airport Mound; Historic.Berneray East Beach; Historic.Berneray North; Historic.Burghead original; Historic.East Wemyss; Historic.Forse; Historic.Fort George D of Cumberland; Historic.Garrynamonie, South Uist; Historic.Hynish Tiree; Historic.Kildonan South Uist; Historic.Macduff Aquarium; Historic.Melvaig; Historic.North Shawbost, Lewis; Historic.Rua Reidh Lighthouse; Holms of Ire A (west) & B (east), Orkney; Hough Bay, Coll; Hynish Watch Tower, Tiree; Kilt Rock, Skye; Kinghorn, Fife; Macduff, Gellymill; Melness Church, Talmine; Nairn viewpoint; North Kessock; Rhue Lighthouse, Ullapooll; Rodel, Harris; Rum, Otter Hide; Scrabster Lighthouse, Thurso; Spey Bay, Scottish Dolphin Centre; St Cyrus NNR; St. John's Point, Caithness; Stoer Head; Strathy Point; Thurso Beach; Tiumpan Head A (West/North) & B (East/South); Torry Battery, Aberdeen; Trumpan Church, Skye