January 2012. Forvie National Nature Reserve is on the way to becoming a whale-watching hotspot, with visitors spotting Humpback whales regularly over the last two weeks.
Visitors to Hackley Bay on the reserve, which is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) watched three whales for several hours last Sunday, as they surfaced and spouted through their blow-holes. The whales were about a mile offshore, but were readily visible as they are so large; Humpbacks are 40 to 50 feet long and weigh about 40 tons. The whales were first spotted last week and are still being seen by visitors this week.
Migrated from the Arctic
Humpbacks migrate every year from their summer feeding grounds near the poles to warmer winter breeding waters. They are often found near coastlines. They feed only in summer on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton and small fish, and fast and live off their fat reserves in the winter.
Humpbacks migrate every year from their summer feeding grounds near the poles to warmer winter breeding waters. They are often found near coastlines. They feed only in summer on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton and small fish, and fast and live off their fat reserves in the winter.
Forvie reserve manager, Annabel Drysdale, said: "It was so exciting to see humpbacks on our own doorstep, and it was wonderful to see everyone at Forvie really enjoying this incredible experience. We're hoping to see the whales back again soon! We hope people will enjoy the rest of the wildlife and beauty spots on the reserve as well. But I would like to remind visitors to keep their dogs under control to protect birds and other vulnerable wildlife."
Ian Hay, East Grampian Coastal Partnership project officer, added: ‘'The last year has been amazing for large whales with Humpback, Sperm and Fin whales being seen in the local area. If you see any whales or dolphins, please let the Sea Watch Foundation know so that we can better understand their presence in the area. If anyone has managed to get pictures, we would be delighted to see them as well."
Let us hope that the Yellow Peril don't read about the whale sightings. If they do, the Japanese factory ship Nisshin Maru and its accompanying slaughter boats will soon be invading Scottish waters.
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