LUNCH TIME - 1 TON OF FISH
Ages ago Skjálfandibay was shaped by a glacier that melted over time. Today, it’s a paradise for many animals. Two big rivers enter the sea on the southern side. Due to this, the bay is filled with minerals that are needed for the krill and fishes to exist.
For this reason, many different species of birds come here to breed during the summer months. But not only this: Also migrating whales find plenty of food in the waters of Skjálfandibay. Often, one can watch both – birds and whales – feeding together. Many whales chase their prey towards the surface for the benefit of the birds, which take those fishes that are able to escape the whale’s huge mouth. Being lucky to show up with the whale watching boats in such a moment is truly a spectacle.
The other day we were observing a hungry humpback that was feeding in the shallow part of the bay nearby Puffin Island. Several flocks of excited birds were surrounding it. The humpback was swimming on its side – a typical way of hunting for many whales – with its mouth wide open. By expanding their lower jaw humpbacks are able to take huge amounts at once.
That day we were lucky to be with a really gentle whale, which was diving and hunting just around our boat, showing up less than 5 meters away. The boat itself didn’t seem to bother the animal at all: Moreover, every time another boat passed by it hurried to check it out, swam a circle all around, dived underneath and then went down to the ground to get another portion of food.
- Sarah
PHOTOS: Sarah Arndt
Whilst in this bay, humpback whales feed about a ton of krill and small fishes almost every day.
Humpacks are filter-feeder. They scoop in huge amounts of food and water. Then, they push their tongue against the upper jaw and the water runs out again, whilst the food gets stuck due to several hundred baleen plates, which grow along the upper jaw. They play the main role in the filtering process.
Being able to experience the moment in which the whale approaches the surface, its mouth completely filled with food is by far more than impressive. But watching this next to the boat is indescribable. Here: Two humpbacks feeding next to each other.
