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Seals are the most easily spotted of all the sea mammals which live in the waters around Shapinsay. Depending on the season two types of seal may be seen. - The Common (or Harbour) Seal can be found on the island all year round. It's favoured resting points vary with tide and season but with local knowledge there is usually a fair chance of finding them. In Orkney common seal pups are born during June and early July. They are active almost immediately and are able to swim as soon as water covers their birth place. - The Grey (or Atlantic) Seal spends most of the year at sea and begins to arrive in Orkney waters towards the end of summer. By late September cow seals are coming ashore and pupping peaks around the middle of October or beginning of November. The last pups depart the beaches by the end of December. They are usually abandoned by the mother which provides the stimulus for them to finally head out to sea. The Estate owned island of Muckle Green Holm is one of the major seal nurseries in Orkney.
Activities at Balfour Castle Include:
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