Play Brightcove video
Watch Pi swimming near St Martin’s. Video from @ingart.islesofscilly
A photographer who has captured stunning drone footage of a humpback whale on the Isles of Scilly has described the experience as “amazing”.
‘Pi’ has delighted islanders with winter visits over the last few years – and local photographer Inga Drazniece has been ready and waiting for weeks.
She had heard of recent sightings near the Daymark, a landmark on St Martin’s, and took her boots and drone to work on Tuesday 25 November ready to hunt for a glimpse of Pi.
Igna had been practising with her drone all year in the hopes of capturing some footage.
She said: “The light was already going down, so the water looked darker. My drone is not designed for night light.”
But Igna persevered, and soon enough – there was Pi.
She said: “I could have my eyes on him and just lower my drone and see him properly again for the first time this year. It was a very special moment for everybody.
“I didn’t expect to find him that fast. But practise pays off. And when you know what you’re looking for, then it’s a little bit easier.”
Igna explained: “For those who do not have a drone – not many people here [have a drone] – they only see the blows and the fins and the tail. So to show them how he actually looks from the top is fantastic.
“You can show his eye and all his markings. He’s just beautiful.”
According to Igna, locals call the whale Pi because of a P-shaped marking on his fin. She told ITV West Country she plans to “get back out” there with her drone when the weather next allows it.
“It’s just like having a friend that comes back every year,” she said.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…
