Hi
Yesterday, Martin came into the office and said "There's a big whale in the West Voe. Looks like a humpback." "Is it beaching?" I asked, immediately concerned about what scenario may be about to unfold, and Martin didn't think so but wanted to get a better look at it. He'd spotted it's blow, which is absolutely amazing considering the sea condition. So I didn't grab my hat, gloves and binnoculars (had left them at home thinking I was having a pure paperwork day - lesson learned!), jumped in the car and nipped down the road and immediately spotted the back of the whale surfacing from the waves. Who would have thought that in the heart of winter, Shetland could once again grant me speechless with its wild surprises?!
After some time observing the whale, which was exceptionally close to the shore, there didn't appear to be any problems (ropes attached for example). That was a relief to see, so there was time to freely enjoy the moment (following a frantic phoning session to get the news out - the grapevine, the local farmer, family, social media and a brief interview on BBC Radio Shetland). The whale was easily observed from the roadside, but when my brother John turned up, we decided to get a closer look from the shore. At one point, the massive mammal appeared to be around 20-50m off shore.
The blow appears as a fine mist, so could be distinguished from the "white horses" and spray. I saw the tail clearly just once when the whale dived, but managed to see its barnacle encrusted small dorsal fin, glimpsed it's flippers and observed its full length (some folk estimated it to be around 50foot) as it swum just below the surface of the sea. John managed to get a couple of photos, which can be seen here. After enjoying the wildest of experiences, it was time to go back to work. I was freezing cold, my feet were soaking but I was as happy as can be.
Shetland is well-known for its killer whale (orca) and Minke sightings, but large baleen whales are less common. This was the first humpback I've seen since the 1990s, when there was string of summers when a humpback (or two) were to be spotted from Sumburgh Head. Recently, a humpback was tangled in lobster creel ropes further north in the isles, but its fate was never known as it disappeared. I've heard from colleagues in East Scotland that three humpbacks were spotted quite close to the Loch of Strathbeg RSPB reserve. So, it goes to show it is always worth while doing a spot of sea watching.
RSPB are currently campaiging to get the UK's decision makers to improve management of the marine environment. You can help by Stepping Up For Nature, writing to your MP and/or MSP, doing your bit to tackle climate change. There's loads of information on our website, so why not have a wee surf after reading this blog?
Thanks for reading and I hope that you too have a gobsmacking experience with wildlife soon :)