Cornwall had its own Blue Planet moment when a pod of dolphins joined a minke whale, tuna fish and hundreds of sea birds in a mad feeding frenzy off the Cornish coast.
The David Attenborough-style video showing the intense marine wildlife activity off the Roseland Peninsula was shot by first year university photography and natural history student Philip Edwards out on an AK Wildlife Cruise boat near Falmouth.
The Falmouth University student said witnessing the feeding frenzy was one of those magical moments one does not always expect to encounter off Cornwall and are more used to watching on natural history programmes on TV and in far flung locations around the globe.
Posting on AK Wildlife Cruise's Facebook page, Mr Edwards said the feed frenzy moment involved a 100-strong pod of common dolphins, a full adult 24ft long minke whale, several giant bluefin tuna and scores of seabirds all hunting, surrounding and predating on what is known as a herring and sprat bait ball.
He wrote: "Wow, what a cruise today.
"This was probably one of the best wildlife experiences I have ever had in my life.
"We left Falmouth and headed onto the reef which is just off the Roseland Peninsula and came across a porpoise and a group of blue fin tuna feeding on fish.
"After we lost them we headed out to sea and we spotted a group of birds about six miles out, so we headed towards it.
"Once we got closer we could see that there was something special going on.
"It turned out to be a massive bait ball feeding frenzy of herring, mackerel and sprat. There must have been hundreds of gulls including great black backed, herring and kittiwake gulls along with gannets, and great skuas all diving and catching the fish.
He added: "Common dolphins numbering well over 100 all joined in to feed. We could see them having fun rolling, jumping and riding our bow.
"Next we had blue fin tuna join the party before the mother of all Cetaceans joined in, a 24-foot long Minke whale. What an absolutely beautiful animal. It was so majestic."
Mr Edwards said he saw the whale dive eight times at least and breach the surface to blow water.
He added: "I have never seen anything like that in my life. Definitely a Blue Planet moment!"
Blue Planet was the astonishing and ground-breaking nature documentary which took us under the sea in a whole new way.
And, almost 20 years on, the BBC series is back, after film crews spent four years scouring the seas for a fresh cast of mysterious and beautiful aquatic creatures.
The seven-part series is showing on Sundays at 8pm on BBC 1.
The remarkable documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough explores the deepest and darkest realms of the world's oceans.
One of the most memorable and heartbreaking scenes in the first episode was a brutal attack by a group of killer whales on one of their babies. Another 'Blue Planet moment' was giant giant fish leaping out of the water to capture birds in flight and drag them down to their death into the depths.
Other creatures featured have included dolphins, fish and sea birds.
Capt Keith Leeves has been running AK Wildlife Cruises for many years, taking locals and tourists alike off to sea to enjoy sea creatures such as basking sharks, dolphins and whales as well as seals and bids.
He said the feeding frenzy on October 28 was one of the first of the winter months, which he said can be best time of the year to enjoy whales and dolphins off the Cornish coast.
He said: "We have been recording a lot of activity offshore including both various cetacean species and hundreds of giant bluefin tuna.
"From now right through the winter and in to the New Year will be some of the most exciting and active Cetaceans months of the whole year.
"I'm looking forward to humpback whales returning to Cornwall. That's truly special."
Read Again http://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/blue-planet-falmouth-dolphins-whales-722618Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Blue Planet moment off Falmouth as dolphins, birds and whales go into feeding frenzy"
Post a Comment