Magic in the Moray Firth

The waters off north-east Scotland are famous for hosting the world's most northerly population of bettlenose dolphins. In spirng and summer, these energetic cetaceans come bounding into view.

- Charlie Phillips

The Moray Firth – the vast channel east of the Highlands’ Black Isle – is one of the best places in the world for encounters with bottlenose dolphins, particularly in spring and summer, when their pursuit of migrating salmon brings them close to shore. Bottlenoses are common across the globe, but the 195 or so individuals that occur in these waters are substantially bulkier than those in warmer climes, thanks to an extra-thick layer of blubber that not only insulates against the Scottish chill, but also provides a reserve, should food become scarce.

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Over time, bottlenose dorsal fins can become heavily scarred and nicked, a result of bites and nips dished out during friendly tussles and serious fights for dominance, females and territory. These unique markings are a useful identification tool; this conspicuous fin belongs to a male known as Denoozydenzy.

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Winter, before the salmon glut, is a quieter time for the dolphins. Sighting are likely to be opportunistic glimpses of individuals travelling in search of fish such as herring, mackerel, sprat and cod. Bow-riding – a skill acquired from an early age – enables a bottlenose to be propelled forward by a ship’s wave, thus conserving strength on its daily commute.

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Bottlenoses swim fast in pursuit of prey, but have also perfected an alternative, more energy-efficient strategy known as against-current foraging. The dolphins position themselves against the current, moving just their tails to remain stationary, and simply wait for salmon to be delivered on the incoming tide.

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