Herring fishing in Øygarden sild - Clupea harengus
Great Black-backed Gull stealing herring
In
Øygarden there is often some activity associated with the
Herring fisheries during March; after capture herring are kept in
holding pens for a period of time. These pens are moored in sheltered
waters and are left ungaurded. The one thing I really don't understand
about this is why the herring don't just jump out of these pens.
Perhaps they can't jump in the same way many other fish do.
Sometimes, but not always, these holding pens attract the attention of
gulls and other fish eating birds. Large numbers of gulls can gather at
these feeding frenzies - and large numbers of gulls often attract other
predators such as White-tailed Eagles. In other words - a great place
to take photos.
In Øygarden, Norway the second half of March is the most
predictable time to see Orcas (Killer Whales) which often follow the
shoals of herring close into the coast. These fantastic animals can be
seen anywhere in Øygarden - both out at sea and in the fjords.
Herring Gull with herring
White-tailed Eagle hunting gulls.....
Above pictures taken with
a
Canon EOS400D with a 400mm telephoto lens
Herring fishing vessels, Skogsøy, March 2007
Two Orcas digiscoped off Skogsøy, March 2006
