Whales Everywhere Today!

At least 6 different whales were seen on today's Whale Watch Explorer, the
minkes were spread out over quite a large area, 2-3 square miles, making it
very hard to tell how exactly many whales were there.

 The whales appeared to
be foraging hard for shoals of fish, probably sand eel. Puffins, shearwaters
and gannets were observed in the same area. On our way back to Tobermory our
two favourite Sea Eagles, affectionately named blue tag and green tag, were
waiting to say hello! A great day all round.

The Minke's Are Back

The first minke whale of the season was spotted on todays 4 hr Wildlife
Adventure. It was seen feeding off Ardnamurchan point in amongst hundreds of
Manx Shearwaters and lots of diving Gannets. This is just where the whales
should be at this exciting time of year, feeding along strong tidal waters
where shoals of fish, like sandeels, are at the surface feasting on
plankton. The whale, a small adult or late juvenille, seemed very happy, and
at home, foraging up and down the fish shoals with the birds in tow. Our
only regret is that we did not have more time to watch it or find out if
there were more in the area! We did however get some amazing views, coming
as close as 10 meters off the side of the boat at one point!

Also seen in the area were Harbour Porpoise, Puffin, and Great skua. This
mornings Ecocruz also had a large pod (10-12 animals) of Harbour porpoise
and a Golden Eagle.

Lewis Drysdale

Skipper

Common Dolphins Today

A group of 30 Common Dolphins were the highlight of today's Whalewatch
Explorer.

Commons are normally seen later in the season (from May onwards),
but today's sighting was very welcome.

Shearwaters, gannets and lots of
small groups of puffins were also seen in the same area.