The coastal waters off Waterford have been teeming with whales recently.
Two humpback whales were spotted off the coast near Dungarvan last weekend.
They were captured on camera accompanied by two fin whales, which are the second largest mammals on the planet after blue whales, and five minkes.
One of the whales is known as Boomerang.
Boomerang has been recorded off the south coast nearly every year since 2001 and this is the fourth year in a row that he has been spotted between Ardmore and Dungarvan.
Andrew Malcom has been spotting whales off the West Waterford coast for years and recording his findings on the West Waterford Wildlife Photography facebook page.
Andrew says Boomerang is easily recognisable due to his distinctively scarred dorsal fin, and a huge 'blow' that could easily be mistaken for a fin whale.
He also spotted up to 20 fin whales off Ardmore last week but reports from fishermen today (Sunday) suggest that the whales have now moved east towards the Saltee Islands.
However, Andrew says the best time to see the magnificient mammals is in the winter. He recommends good binoculars and a lot of patience!
Any sightings should be reported to the Irish Whale and Dolphin group.
picture courtesy of West Waterford Wildlife Photography
