Whale Track Stories: Lynsey's memorable day
Lynsey Bland, a member of the Whale Track community who reports sightings whilst working with Hebrides Cruises, shares a sighting from a particularly memorable autumn day.
Whilst guiding through the summer months with Hebrides Cruises, I am lucky enough to witness many incredible sightings of the marine mammals around our coastline. However, one extraordinary day in autumn this year really stands out.
Unfortunately due to the changeable weather that is expected at this time of year in the Hebrides, we had to change our plans and run from the Small Isles to a more sheltered anchorage on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Although initially disappointed, everyone on board was rewarded.
Our journey started with great views of groups of feeding seabirds including manx shearwaters, kiitiwakes and majestic gannets. As we approached it was clear that there were also a number of minke whales feeding amongst them. We did manage to get some views of the animals, however, they did prove pretty elusive and we moved on with the passage.
Only a short while later we were joined by a large group of playful common dolphins who joined the boat to bow ride and surf in the increasing swell delighting all on board. Watching bow riding dolphins will continue to be one of my favourite experiences. I defy anyone not to grin like an idiot watching them.
Suddenly a large splash was spotted just up ahead of us. Although initially no one saw the cause of the splash the size of it clearly indicated something larger than a dolphin! We were delighted that the animal continued to breach a further 10 times giving us all fantastic and rare views of a minke whale. It is not every day that you get the see the whole body of these large animals leap clear out of the water! It is safe to say that there was many shrieks of delight from all on board- the loudest most definitely from myself! In all the excitement the common dolphins continued to play around the vessel almost as if they were trying to compete with the breaching minke whale!