Marine and wildlife conservation photographer Jean Tresfon uses the power of photography to encourage others to conserve and protect South Africa’s unique underwater world.
Two weeks ago, Tresfon took to the skies with his companion, Crispin Russell, to do the usual Peninsula route and see what marine wildlife could be documented. Their two-and-a-half-hour aerial journey yielded sightings of two distinct whale species, breathtaking conditions and an array of unique visual wonders distinctive to the Western Cape.
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‘Last week Thursday was another of those peachy windless winter days found in the brief respite between frontal systems sliding past the southern tip of Africa. For the previous few days, a giant swell had been rolling in from deep in the southern oceans and the two iconic big wave surf spots of Dungeons and Sunset Reef had produced some cracker waves.’
‘Lifting clear of the ground, we turned out towards the coast and flew from Melkbospunt to Blouberg.’
As they flew, they noticed a sizable disturbance on the water’s surface near a collection of ships anchored in the bay. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a congregation of cormorants and gulls, forming a large raft on the water.
Their journey continued as they crossed over to Robben Island, where a significant wave caught their attention at the northwest corner, an iconic surf spot known as Madiba’s Left.
Taking the time to explore various wrecked vessels, both recent and aged, along the island’s shores, they then ventured to Mouille Point. From there, they traced the coastline westward, making a brief detour over Kloof Nek and around Lion’s Head.
‘After checking out Hangberg, Hout Bay and the harbour, we routed along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek and on to Slangkop Point, where a small group of surfers was riding some good waves at Outer Kom.’
Their aerial path led them along the coast to the Crayfish Factory and Scarborough. An initial splash and the sight of distant white water transformed into a vibrant gathering of cormorants and gulls diving after baitfish.
‘But just afterwards, we spotted something smaller but still pretty big next to the Bryde’s whale … a Bryde’s whale calf! This is only the third time I have seen a mother and calf pair of Bryde’s whales in thirteen years of regular coastal marine survey flights; such an exciting sighting and definitely the highlight of the flight!’
After capturing a few more photographs, they steered back towards the shoreline and made their way to Cape Point.
‘Rounding the point into False Bay, we found three humpback whales splashing around with an escort of cape fur seals. Further north near Partridge Point, we spotted the licenced boat-based whale-watching operator Simon’s Town Boat Company with another humpback whale and some of our friends on board.’
Tracing the western and northern perimeters of the bay, they passed Simon’s Town, Glen Cairn, Fish Hoek and Muizenberg. However, there were no further wildlife encounters during this stretch. They changed direction, cutting across the southern suburbs and eventually returning to Table Bay before making their way back to base.
‘Two and a half hours of leisurely aerial touring, two different whale species and stunning conditions are not a terrible way to spend the afternoon! With all the negativity of the taxi strike making headlines, it was another reminder of just why we continue to live here rather than anywhere else in the world!’
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Picture: Jean Tresfon / Facebook
