On 12th Dec. Dave Wall reported two fin whales between Baginbun Head and Hook Head. On 13th Dec. another fin whale approached within meters of the Celtic Explorer, south of the Keeragh Islands, Nr. Ballyteige Bay. On both occasions minkes whales were in close association with the fin whales.
Given that this whale activity is very close inshore, the fin whale’s tall vapour plumes should be visible from land in moderate to good visibility and with optics.
Similar fin whale activity took place last winter in the Hook Head area, and it does look like it is occurring again, albeit a few weeks earlier than in 2003.
Let us know if you’ve any luck seeing this activity and please don’t forget to fill in an online sighting form on this website.