Harbour Seals

These used to be called common seals but are becoming ever less common. I think it probably a good idea not to call anything 'common', as it just encourages us to ignore the animal and any problems it has- ah it's common, no problem! 
The Loons had loads of greylag but little else, but I wasn't there long. The cliffs of Marwick Head are now deserted but for fulmars. The seals at Birsay usually haul out on a taing, so I was taken by surprise by the first lone one, then another 18 (!) also on the beach. I gave them a fair berth and they weren't bothered by my presence. Maybe orcas have been in the bay and the seals were keeping well away.