Shetland Autumn Cubs and Pups
Overview
This tailored itinerary focusses primarily on Shetlands Otter and Atlantic Grey Seal populations, which are both nursing their young during autumn. Over the five days we will split our time between the two species, at our remote and off the beaten track locations and with both species will experience an emotive range of intimate behaviour between siblings and mother and young.
Though the Eurasian Otter can give birth at any time of year, on Shetland they show a seasonality that results in the highest number of young two-four-month-old cubs at this time of year. Generally speaking, from late September through to early winter is the optimum window for young cubs.
The connection and bond between mothers and their cubs is strong and her commitment to them remarkable. We work on them on their terms, using our fieldcraft and extensive experience to get the best encounters as they forage, rest and play. See our Otters section for more information on our Otter photography.
Our Atlantic Grey Seals start to give birth here a few weeks ahead of those elsewhere in the UK, with pupping usually peaking from end of October through early November. Visiting these colonies at this special time really is a true privilege. Working on them at this sensitive time, as mother nurse young must only be done with utmost caution, consideration and experience of the locations we visit. The atmosphere here is incredible. Mothers nursing young newborn pups and bulls patrolling their harems, loaded with testosterone and ready to defend their breeding rights. These really are exhilarating assignments.
Many of them at the foot of towering cliffs and taking us well off the beaten track, we will visit some truly breathtaking coastal walks and seascapes. Weather permitting, we may even visit uninhabited offshore islands, coinciding with another of our headline acts, congregations of autumn sea ducks.
With a bit of luck and potentially, manageable island-hopping logistics, we also stand a pretty decent chance of some cetacean action – this is a particularly good period for both Orca and Humpback Whale inshore in Shetland’s waters. Though Otters and seals are our main focus, we keep tapped into the local sightings network…
Tour details & what’s included
This assignment is designed as a five-day tour and includes six nights’ accommodation on a self-catered basis, and in such a way that we take care of all your logistics from arrival to departure.
Transport, ferry fares (within Shetland), transfers to and from airport/ferry as well, boat charter and guiding fees.
Costs: The starting baseline price as a one-to-one = £3,250, or if booked for two photographers £1,825
Accommodation and logistics: this tour can be booked either as a self-catered basis, using one of our idyllically chosen properties where the location, view and cozy comfort add to the overall experience and escape or it can also be booked at a guest house with all meals provided. Please ask for details on these options.