Consumer drones have transformed wildlife photography from an elite pursuit into an accessible hobby. Rhys Morgan, an oil refinery worker and dedicated fisherman from Wales, recently captured breathtaking drone footage of a colossal fin whale feeding in the Celtic Sea. “I’ve always got the drone on the boat now,” he tells The Guardian. “I bought one last year and I keep it with me any time I go out now, just in case.”
Welsh Fisherman Whale Footage Captivates Social Media
Morgan’s drone launched from the back of his boat recorded the majestic fin whale—over 78 feet long and weighing up to 77 U.S. tons—using its expandable throat pleats to ingest up to 18,000 gallons of water and krill. This recording showcases the remarkable feeding strategy of the planet’s second-largest whale species.
To learn about another captivating wildlife moment, check out this footage of black vultures and barn owls sharing nest sites in Argentina.
Despite their size, little is known about fin whales, including their migration habits. “It can be hard to appreciate the size at a distance,” says Morgan. “When they pop up nearer the boat, you really do feel small out there.”
Morgan uploaded the video to social media where he anticipated modest attention: “I thought it might get a couple of hundred likes.” To his surprise, the views skyrocketed past 100,000 with nearly 2,000 likes. The footage has sparked discussions on social media, tagging government officials to raise awareness about the hunting of fin whales in Iceland.
Dr. Marianna Chimienti, a marine top predator ecology lecturer at Bangor University, tells the BBC that Morgan’s footage captured a “rare and fortunate encounter.” She explains that while surface feeding is typical for fin whales, seeing this behavior in coastal waters is extraordinary. “In theory, they should have migrated,” she adds.
For more stunning wildlife photography, explore how a Curiosity Rover captures a Martian panorama on its milestone day.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What did Rhys Morgan capture with his drone?
Rhys Morgan captured breathtaking drone footage of a colossal fin whale feeding in the Celtic Sea.
How did Morgan’s video perform on social media?
Morgan’s video initially anticipated modest attention but the views skyrocketed past 100,000 with nearly 2,000 likes.
Why is Morgan’s footage considered rare?
Morgan’s footage captured a rare and fortunate encounter of a fin whale feeding in coastal waters, which is extraordinary because, in theory, they should have migrated.
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