EASTER

It is now that plankton levels start increasing in daily jumps. It is generally in April that we experience high atmospheric pressure systems that produce increased levels of sunshine. Dynamite.The start of the spring marine magic. Quite literally within a few days, plankton levels increase dramatically, followed by a similar increase in bird populations.

Follow some of the tide-lines where tidal currents meet, that cause upwellings of water from the seabed. They bring nutrients to the surface, producing a food basket for all. Seabirds,, puffins, razorbills, manx shearwater, and more , a great skua , or bonxie harassing a luckless individual and forcing it to drop it’s food or driving it into the water in order to kill it. .
But where are the whales?. it, or them

Today, April 18th, I cruise the tide-lines watching the feeding. Then it happens. I get that same old familiar ‘feeling’ that draws me elsewhere. I leave the feeding area and steam in a direction and for a distance that makes no logical sense. It is a compulsion I must follow. I see no birds, but an occasional gannet; no signs; nothing.

WHALE!
An excited shout from above. Engines cut, we drift to watch 3 minke , – 2 adults and a juvenile, their blows plainly audible when up wind. Each one comes to inspect us in turn as if to say ‘ Where have you been?’

So, a winter season ends and another magical summer at sea begins – the circle is complete.

POPZ