In light of the events taking place in Courtmacsherry we decided to add the Fin Whale to our fact page.
Fin whales are extremely stream lined and built for speed, they are one of the fastest swimmers of the great whales. They can be recognised by the vase shaped dramatic blow or by their white right lower jaw & right sided baleen. Fin whales are not known to breach but are known to have dolphins such as common dolphins bow ride along side them (click here to view images of Fin whales with Dolphins by George Karbus). They reside in deep offshore waters and can been seen in waters off the coast of West Cork during spring & summer. Gestation last for 11 to 12 months and calves are usually born in warmer waters. Fin whales have a very long narrow rostrum longer than that of the blue whale
If your are out along the coast line walking or just sitting watching the ocean, watch out for sea birds gathering in a frantic & dramatic fashion above the surface of deep water. Northern gannets are quite commonly linked with cetacean activity. Dolphins & whales quite often push their prey to the surface of the water before feeding, fish, krill etc form a bate ball that birds love to feed on. Gannets are easily recognisable as they quite often stand on rocks with their wings out stretched & drying in the sun.
original artwork by Vanessa Vanhorn
Harbour Porpoise's are the smallest of the whale family. They are the most common of all porpoises and they habitat a great deal of the Irish coast. Fully grown they measure between 4.6ft to 6.2ft and can weigh around 134lbs with females usually weighing more. They have a distinct triangular dorsal fin and lack a beak. They are generally dark grey in colour and have a ligther under belly. Harbour porpoise are quite shy and don't generally approach swimmers or boats. They can be seen in various spots such as Howth Head in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire Pier or bray Head on the east coast. However, you have to be patient they surface in a blink of an eye for air and then dive once again. Fishing nets are a major threat to Harbour porpoises. What a beautiful little animal, our shy little violets!
original artwork by Vanessa Vanhorn
Bottlenose Dolphins are probably the best well known of all Cetaceans. We have become familiar with them through many Marine parks through out the globe who have them perform for us. This, of course, is not how we like to see them. There is nothing more amazing than watching bottlenose dolphins bow ride a boat at sea living wild and free as they should.
There 2 species of Bottlenose Dolphin, common and Indo-Pacific. They can grow to a length of 6ft to 13ft. Males are usually longer & heavier than females.
They usually reside in pods of up to 12 Dolphins, but have been known to join other pods creating a school of up to 100 Dolphins. Some Bottlenose Dolphins break away from their pods and remain solo close to shore where for reasons only known to them they approach swimmers & surfers on friendly terms.
Don't be deceived by that fixed smile Bottlenose Dolphins are predators and they have been known to kill porpoises in the past who have, for want of a better explanation, been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
original art work by Vanessa Vanhorn