Minkes feeding on swarms of herring

Today was a remarkable day with the whales. The weather was good; Sunshine and next to no wind. There had been sightings of great swarms of herring towards the bottom of the bay, visible to the naked eye as black spots on the surface, and when we got closer we found a few minke whales there having a feast. There were at least two minkes feeding close to the boat. We saw them lunge feeding in the distance with great big splashes and when we got closer we got a great show! The minkes were traveling around the boat, obviously following the herring and then breaching the sea surface with great speed, trapping as much herring in their mouth as possible. At one point one of them breached so close to the bow in front that we could see the small fish flying everywhere, as well as the great big bulge under the minke’s jaw that is characteristic of the rorquals.

We were able to watch this spectacular show for a long time. Hopefully this means that the conditions in the bay are favourable for herring and sand eel so that the minkes will have enough to feed on for the summer.

Helga, guide.