Minke Galore!!

A different day today, joining a Yorkshire Coast Nature trip from Staithes  hunting for whales.  An early start (6am from home leaving a mug of coffee undrunk!!!) but well worth it - a lovely drive up the coast although no time to stop for pics.  Then down to the harbour and out to sea…..and by 9.45am we had had superb views of an Arctic Skua, a possible Balearic Shearwater, Puffins, Guillemots AND circa 10 Minke whales!!!!  We stayed with the whales as they circled the boat - often at a distance but occasionally coming close - certainly the best views I have had on the east coast - and most definitely the most prolonged.  The sonar screen showed herring spawn to an amazing height below us which explained their presence.  Radio transmissions alerted us to breaching Humpbacks, investigation indicated they were just too far away - shame but we were enjoying the views we were having so not too upset.  Obviously a good day for whales!!!    A chum trail on the way back to Staithes brought in Fulmars and Gulls (variegated) plus the odd Gannet and Kittiwake.  And the sun shone (even if some of the pics don't look as if it did) and the sea was calm.

and here is the reason the whales were there….

Getting us and the 'chum' onboard and preparation….

and the fulmars came in…..