|
They are known for their erratic behaviour and
ability to change direction for no apparent reason.
So capturing a Bryde's whale breaching the surface of the ocean on
camera is incredibly rare.
But as these stunning pictures show, photographer Andy Murch was
fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time when the
majestic animal leaped out of the water and soared through the air.
|
|
 |
|
Mr Murch was on a boat in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of La Paz,
Mexico, when the mature whale breached the surface.
Its long elongated body made it look like an enormous eel flying through
the air.
|
|
|
|
The 45-year-old snapper said: 'The whales were swimming fast under the
boat prior to breaching.
'It appeared that this one was enjoying the pressure of the wave created
by the movement of the boat through the water.
|
|
|
|
'After shadowing the boat for a minute or two, the whale breached once
right off the bow and then disappeared.'
Mr Murch, from Vancouver Island, Canada, added: 'It was fantastic to
discover how rarely breaching Bryde's whales have been photographed.'
|
|
 |
|
Bryde's whales feed on plankton, crustaceans and schools of fish, which
they engulf in their huge mouths.
The Sea of Cortez is popular with those hoping to get a glimpse of the
animal.
They often surface the water at irregular intervals and change
directions for unknown reasons. |