onsdag 20 juli 2011

Minke Whale - Vågehval

The Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is one of the smallest baleen whales in the world. Only the poorly known Pygmy Right Whale is slightly smaller. Nonetheless, adult Minke whales grow up to 7-10 m long and may weigh 5-15 tonnes, and at a distance they may be confused with some of the larger baleen whales.

Minke whales usually show only very little of themselves at the surface and a small dorsal fin, who breaks the surface and rapidly disappear again, is usually all that it seen. They do not raise the fluke (tail fin) when they dive. Characteristic for the Minke whale is also that the blowholes and dorsal fin are often visible simultaneously, something that distinguish the Minke whale from all larger baleen whales (except the sei whale).

They are usually only seen briefly and when the sea is completely flat, and this was the case here in Vesterålen during the weekend.


2 kommentarer:

  1. Nice shots, Fredrik!
    It´s wonderful to be so close to this powerful creature.

    Warmest greetings from Spain.

    SvaraRadera
  2. Thanks a lot!

    Unfortunately they are rather shy in this area, which is probably partly due to the Norwegian hunt for these animals, but it is great to see them from a distance and to know that the closest whale-hunting vessel is far away :-)

    Thank you so much for your kind words about my images - it really inspires me!

    All the best from the north, Fredrik

    SvaraRadera