It's a dream come true for Karen as orcas call by to say hello
Caithness wildlife photographer Karen Munro was given the ultimate treat during lockdown when a pod of killer whales swam by for a visit.
She said it was "a dream come true" after the eight-strong group of orcas – identified as the 27s – entered Thurso Bay from the east and passed directly in front of her house at East Gills, Scrabster.
It happened around 7pm on Monday, a year to the day since the last time Karen had seen them from home.
"I still can’t quite believe it happened, especially given the situation we all find ourselves in at the moment," Karen said later.
"The pod swam along from Thurso to Scrabster, giving my partner Kevin and me amazing views from our front garden in East Gills.
"The last time I was lucky enough to see them from home was exactly a year ago, so I had been keeping a very close eye on the bay over the last few days. But I didn’t for one minute think they would actually show up again here on the same date, never mind come right over to our house while we are on lockdown.
"The first I knew was when I received a message from Ruth Storm around 5.30pm to say she had just seen the pod close in at Murkle, and that they were heading towards Thurso. Ruth very kindly sent the message knowing I can see the bay from home, and I can’t thank her enough.
"I managed to pick up the orcas about 10 minutes later with the telescope when they were off Murkle. Judging by the behaviour and the amount of gulls, I would say they had probably made a kill.
"About 40 minutes later they slowly followed the coast round into Thurso Bay and across to Scrabster beach, before heading out towards the point at Holborn Head.
"The pod of eight animals that we know as the 27s are named after the matriarch's number in the Scottish Killer Whale ID Catalogue. The group consists of two males, three females, two juveniles and a young calf born last summer.
"They were last seen passing North Yell, Shetland, just over a week ago on March 30 and are the same group that gave great views at the Trinkie near Wick last May."
Karen added: "Usually in situations like this I would have passed on the news through social media and WhatsApp. However, given the lockdown, I couldn't risk putting the news out in case people began leaving home to watch them.
"I can only apologise and hope there will be more opportunities in the future for people to see them.
"As for me, I still can’t believe they actually came past the house to say hello while we are all on lockdown. Anyone who knows me will known that chasing cetaceans, especially orca, is my favourite pastime so it really was a dream come true."
