Special sighting of minke whales
VOLUNTEERS had a whale of a time when they caught a rare sight off Kilchoan Bay.
Researchers from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin trust and volunteers who support them were heading home from a 12- day survey on the Silurian vessel when they came across the Minke whales.
Dr Conor Ryan said: ‘These are a fairly rare find. We would come across maybe four or five in one year through all of the work we do. It is particularly rare to see them in the water between Mull and Kilchoan, so it was very special for us.’
The two whales looked like they were adult and infant and interacted with the survey boat last month. Dr Ryan said: ‘They approached us and swam under and beside the boat for some time. That inquisitive behaviour is quite rare, so it was very exciting.’
Dr Ryan’s colleague Jonathan Biddle ran to the ‘crow’s nest’ on the vessel - the highest point - where he managed to capture the exceptional photograph.
The team is keen to get more volunteers on board with them. For more information contact them on 01688 302620.