A Whale of a Time/Gulf of Thailand/White-winged Terns

A little known spectacle of nature erupts at the Gulf of Thailand during

every migratory season. Anchovies by the millions gather to feed at the

shallows off the fishing port of Bang Taboon, south west of Bangkok.

They in turn attracted the Bryde's Whales to come in from the surrounding

seas to part-take in this annual feast of anchovies.

The Bryde's Whales are widespread across Asia and has a pinkish underside.

Feeding in groups they drive the anchovies up to the surface as they gulped

them with your open mouths.

White-winged, Common and Swift Terns migrate down from their breeding

grounds in Palearctic to the warmer seas of South East Asia to spend the

winter. Hundreds of thousands of these migratory terns make their way here

to take advantage of the easy pickings of unending anchovies stirred up by

the Bryde's Whales, as shown in this close up photo. The feeding frenzy is

a sight to behold with hundred of terns following the whales waiting for

the anchovies to leap out of the surface trying to escape from the

advancing whales.

Bangkok is well known for its temples and culture but this annual

phenomenon has created a unlikely eco attraction for both the Thais and

visitors from around the world due to its easy 2 hours access from Bangkok.

It has provided the local fishermen a new source of income from boat

charters to see the whales and seabirds.

The threats from oil production and inland pollution are real and has to be

kept under control if we are to see this remarkable relationship between

species survive.

 

Best Regards.

Alan OwYong

Done