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The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Footage captures whale feeding behaviour off Scotland's west coast
This behaviour, known as 'lunge feeding', is one of the most dramatic feeding strategies in the natural world, with whales gulping down huge amounts of water and prey in just seconds. Hebrides Cruises has spotted minke whales on most of its cruises this season and reports all sightings to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) via the Whale Watch app. Every summer, minke whales migrate to feed in the waters off Scotland's west coast, and Hebrides Cruises' Wildlife Guides and Skippers are expert at reading the sea to locate them. A large gathering of seabirds is often the first sign of a fish feeding frenzy, which attracts minke whales to lunge feed at the surface. READ MORE: The footage was recorded in The Minch, a rich marine corridor between the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland, with strong tidal flows and mixing currents. This combination brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, which fuels the growth of plankton and supports large shoals of small fish, such as sand eels, sprats, and herring - exactly the prey species that minke whales are looking for. Lunge feeding is a hunting technique used by baleen whales. The whale accelerates towards a dense patch of prey with its mouth wide open, engulfing a huge volume of water and fish. Pleated grooves along the whale's throat expand, allowing it to take in more food. The whale then closes its mouth and uses its tongue to push the water back out through its baleen plates, trapping the fish inside. In the footage, you can see the whale surging through the water, surfacing with its jaw extended, a classic lunge. Feeding events like this suggest that prey stocks in the area are currently healthy enough to support large marine predators. The presence of feeding whales can also be an encouraging sign that The Minch is continuing to serve as an important seasonal feeding ground for minke whales. James Fairbairns, Skipper, Hebrides Cruises, said: 'While minke whales are one of the most regularly seen baleen whale species in The Minch during the summer months, witnessing lunge feeding behaviour is relatively rare. We might encounter feeding whales a handful of times in a season, but seeing a clear, sustained lunge feeding event, as in this footage, is a real highlight. This year, there have been a few isolated sightings, but this was one of the most dramatic displays we've witnessed. Hebridean Cruises (Image: unknown) Guests were absolutely thrilled – for many, it was their first time seeing a whale in the wild, let alone such close-up feeding behaviour. The excitement on deck was palpable, with cameras clicking, binoculars scanning, and numerous 'did you see that!' moments. Encounters like this are unforgettable and a reminder of the incredible wildlife right on our doorstep in Scotland.' Minke whales are also highly curious animals and will often approach vessels, sometimes circling around or passing under the hull, much to the delight of crew and guests. Occasionally, a whale will flash its white underside at the boat or even swim upside down. Earlier this summer, Hebrides Cruises guests were also treated to a sighting of John Coe, the UK's most famous killer whale, near the Isle of Mull, highlighting the extraordinary diversity of marine life to be found in these waters. Later this month, Hebrides Cruises' second 'In Search of Giants' expedition cruise departs from Oban. This pioneering 10-night voyage to the former whaling grounds west and north of Scotland sold out within hours for both 2025 and 2026, with bookings now being taken for 2027. The cruise ventures beyond the Outer Hebrides to the continental shelf-edge west and north of St Kilda, one of the most remote and dramatic marine environments in the UK. This area, known as the Rockall Trough, serves as a crucial migratory corridor for large baleen whales and sperm whales. Although acoustic research has shown the presence of whales in the corridor, a dedicated search and documentation of sightings has never been carried out. Specialist guide Dr Conor Ryan, a leading expert in whale ecology and the history of whaling in Scotland, will join the voyage aboard the ocean-going vessel Elizabeth G. Guests will search for fin, humpback, and possibly even blue whales, with all sightings logged in collaboration with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. Shore visits include historic whaling sites such as Bunavoneader, offering a poignant link between Scotland's whaling past and the conservation-focused future.
The National
a day ago
- The National
Rare footage shows extraordinary whales off Scotland's west coast
The short clip, recorded aboard a Hebrides Cruises vessel, shows the whales accelerating and surging to the surface with mouths wide open to engulf shoals of fish. This behaviour, known as "lunge feeding", is one of the most dramatic feeding strategies in the natural world, with whales gulping down huge amounts of water and prey in just seconds. The footage was recorded in The Minch, a marine corridor between the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland, with strong tidal flows and mixing currents. Five fast facts about minke whales in Scotland Minke whales are the second smallest of the baleen whales, which have throat grooves that distend when feeding. Adults reach 6.9m (males) to 8m (females) in length, with calves born each year and nursed for 4-6 months. Many small whales seen in Scottish waters are thought to be less than a year old. Calves are often the most curious, sometimes staying close to vessels as if mistaking them for their mothers. They feed on small fish and plankton by filtering water through baleen combs. Minke whales migrate between tropical breeding grounds in winter and colder feeding grounds in summer. In the Hebrides, they are typically seen from April to October. Hebrides Cruises has spotted minke whales on most of its cruises this season and reports all sightings to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) via the Whale Watch app. James Fairbairns, skipper at Hebrides Cruises, said: 'While minke whales are one of the most regularly seen baleen whale species in The Minch during the summer months, witnessing lunge feeding behaviour is relatively rare. We might encounter feeding whales a handful of times in a season, but seeing a clear, sustained lunge feeding event, as in this footage, is a real highlight. This year, there have been a few isolated sightings, but this was one of the most dramatic displays we've witnessed. READ MORE: Are the Edinburgh Fringe food stalls worth it? Here's my honest verdict "Guests were absolutely thrilled – for many, it was their first time seeing a whale in the wild, let alone such close-up feeding behaviour. The excitement on deck was palpable, with cameras clicking, binoculars scanning, and numerous 'did you see that!' moments. Encounters like this are unforgettable and a reminder of the incredible wildlife right on our doorstep in Scotland.' Earlier this summer, Hebrides Cruises guests were also treated to a sighting of John Coe, the UK's most famous killer whale, near the Isle of Mull. Later this month, Hebrides Cruises' second 'In Search of Giants' expedition cruise departs from Oban. This pioneering 10-night voyage to the former whaling grounds west and north of Scotland sold out within hours for both 2025 and 2026, with bookings now being taken for 2027. The cruise ventures beyond the Outer Hebrides to the continental shelf-edge west and north of St Kilda.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Cape Cod named one of the best places to visit in April by Good Housekeeping. Here's why
Fall in Massachusetts gets all the shine, but spring in the Commonwealth is seriously underrated. From the coastal breeze bringing in a wet and welcoming humidity to the sun's beneficent rays shining down on the Bay State, it's honestly a treat, especially if you live on the Cape. World-renowned magazine Good Housekeeping seems to think so as well. Good Housekeeping listed two areas in Massachusetts as part of its top 20 places to visit in April. "If you haven't gotten around to planning a spring trip, you're in luck," Good Housekeeping said. "We've rounded up the best places to visit in April." One of the places listed was Boston, and the other is Cape Cod. Good Housekeeping named the Cape as one of the finest places to visit in April. What Good Housekeeping said about Cape Cod: "Welcome back, whales! In mid-April, these beloved creatures start migrating to the summer feeding grounds off the coast of Cape Cod. Be among the first to see them by spending an afternoon aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch cruise, which resumes on April 19." Good Housekeeping also recommended visiting the Atlantic White Shark Center as well as the Whydah Pirate Museum. The magazine said that vacationers should stay at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club for its heated in-door pools and its proximity to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@ This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod named one of the best places in the world to visit in April
