Humpback whales continue to make a splash in West Cork

People are continuing to flock to Baltimore to get a rare glimpse of Humpback whales who are bubble-feeding in the West Cork waters.

By Declan Whooley

Local tourism in West Cork has got a timely shot in the arm with at least five Humpbacks feeding on shoals of sprat and herring. While Humpback whales are regular visitors to Irish waters, it is rare to see so many in close proximity.

The mammals have a clever feeding ploy as they work in tandem to create a giant circular wall of bubbles around the shoal of fish. The confused fish congregate tightly together before the whales then dive below the shoal and surge to the surface with their mouths open, swallowing their prey. Nothing like a bit of teamwork.

People have been going out to sea in their droves to witness the whales first hand since they first appeared a couple of days ago and it is hoped that with the current weather forecast, they will continue to feed in the area until around Sunday or Monday.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has confirmed that some of the whales were visitors to Baltimore in December 2008.

The lure of West Cork obviously spreads to the animal kingdom.