11:00am Thursday 1st January 2009
There may be a chance to see the rare Risso's dolphin off Strumble Head today (New Year's day) as cetacean spotting charity, Sea Trust, holds its annual New Year's Day porpoise watch.
The watch starts at 2.30pm and wildlife spotters are advised to wrap up warm, and bring binoculars and a flask of warm drink.
Sea Trust volunteers will be on hand to point out and explain interesting wildlife.
"It is an excellent way to get rid of your hangover," said organiser Cliff Benson.
Last year over 100 people attended the event at the observation platform on Strumble Head. Among the marine wildlife spotted were a pod of Risso's dolphins with one calf, around 50 porpoises and numerous seals.
Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson has been keeping watch from Strumble Head over the Christmas period. In recent days he has seen 40 porpoises while another Sea Trust volunteer,Alison Ross, spotted a pair of Risso's dolphins foraging for food a few miles south of Strumble last Monday (December 29th).
"It looks as if our festive season Risso's are back in the area again," said Cliff. "Our New Year's Day porpoise watch starts at 2.30pm. Will Risso’s turn up again like they did last year? "
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk