Captain's Log

 

Tuesday 22 April 2008

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