In a rare occurrence for our coastal waters, a whale was seen offshore between Wemyss Bay and Inverkip.
News of its appearance was reported on the WhatsApp group dedicated to sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises which are collectively known as cetaceans.
This prompted group members to grab binoculars and cameras in the hope of spotting the large mammal.
And most were not disappointed. The whale was relatively easy to spot in almost flat-calm conditions as it surfaced between dives.
The large aquatic mammal had been seen previously off Largs and Bute, but seemed to favour Inverclyde’s waters last weekend.
At times the whale was a fair distance away, but occasionally it came close enough to let observers hear it exhale when surfacing.
Jane Noble’s picture of the whale shows its sickle-shaped dorsal fin. (Image: Jane Noble)
The rare visitor was quickly identified as a minke whale, a species which can measure more than seven metres and weigh between five and 10 tonnes.
For Wemyss Bay resident Jane Noble, who took the picture reproduced here, the whale’s appearance was another example of the diverse wildlife that occurs along this stretch of coast.
Jane Noble also took this picture of Inverclyde’s resident pod of dolphins. (Image: Jane Noble)
Jane told me: “I moved to Wemyss Bay five years ago, when the now resident bottlenose dolphin pod arrived.
“I have seen porpoises, common and bottlenose dolphins and minke whales. I have also witnessed a humpback whale breaching right in front of my window!
“I have seen otters, a mink and kingfishers on the rocks in front of my house.
A kingfisher adds a splash of vibrant blue to rocks at Wemyss Bay. (Image: Jane Noble)
“I love that there is such a variety of amazing wildlife right on our doorstep.”
Jane added that the WhatsApp group lets members see what’s happening in real time, while an associated Facebook page contains more general information.
How you can help plant the Clyde Climate Forest in Inverclyde
If you fancy rolling up your sleeves to help boost the area’s nature and environment, the perfect opportunity will arise within the next few weeks.
Inverclyde group Green Tangerine is looking for volunteers interested in tree planting and maintenance to join an ambitious project.
Called the Clyde Climate Forest, the aim is to plant 18 million trees across Inverclyde, Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Green Tangerine is working with The Conservation Volunteers, Inverclyde Council and
Climate Forest members to make the project a success.
The planting project will boost Inverclyde’s nature and environment. (Image: VIcky Cookson)
Vicky Cookson from Green Tangerine said: “Eighteen million trees is an ambitious goal and one that is achievable with the right community engagement and support. So we’re urging people to roll up their sleeves to get involved.
“The vision is to plant the right trees in the right places to help nature recover and thrive; to protect and mitigate against climate change, and to create an ecologically secure environment for future generations.”
Due to its industrial past, Central Greenock has been identified as a priority area, and Green Tangerine is working with the council and other partners to identify possible sites.
Vicky said: “The council has planted 14,633 trees across Inverclyde since 2023, which is amazing. Of these, 10,000 have been planted at Coves Reservoir.
“We want the local community to get involved and help us ensure that as many of these trees survive as possible.”
Thousands of trees have already been planted next to Coves Reservoir. (Image: VIcky Cookson)
Green Tangerine recently helped secure damaged guards and posts around young trees at Coves as part of a monthly programme.
Community groups and organisations wanting to volunteer on a one-off basis, or organisations who want to donate trees, will have the environment group’s full support.
Key dates for the work, which will run from 10am to noon each day, are July 21, August 19, September 22 and October 20.
People or organisations wishing to get involved should visit www.greentangerine.org.uk, email chat@greentangerine.co.uk or visit the group’s facebook page.