Over the weekend there were numerous sightings of a juvenile whale, near the Dartford Crossing in Kent. It was even reported to have strayed into London city, with a sighting near Erith. It’s the first humpback spotted in the river for ten years. Yes we remember "Benny" the Beluga from last year but humpbacks in the Thames are a very rare occurrence too and luckily it doesn't appear to be in trouble, according to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMR).
We can confirm this species is a humpback whale because of a few of its distinguishing features; such as the characteristic "hump" seen in the above photo's as the whale dives and the "flaking" behaviour where it is lifting it's tail fluke above the surface of the water.
If you spot a whale in an unusual place why not tag us on Twitter using @ObserversApp and be sure to keep us updated. It often doesn't end well for whales which wonder up Rivers, as seen in recent days with he fin whale that stranded on Bull Island in Co. Dublin. Read more here: https://www.orcireland.ie/fin-whale-sighted-in-dublin-port.
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