Humpback Whale Lunge-Feeds in Stunning Footage From Hamptons

A humpback whale was spotted lunge-feeding in blue-green waters off the Hamptons on Friday, August 2.

Southampton resident Joanna Steidle captured this footage, using a zoom lens, off the coast of Gin Beach in Montauk, New York.

“Schools of menhaden fish are growing each day and moving closer to the coastline. These bait fish attract a variety of whale species and other predators,” Steidle said. “I was fortunate enough to spot this humpback cruising along the Hamptons shore.”

“I couldn’t have been more amazed,” she added.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, humpback whales spend most of their time during warmer months feeding and building up fat stores for winter. The whales use several techniques to help herd, corral, and disorient prey. Once the prey is corralled, they are pushed toward the surface and engulfed as the whale lunges upward. Credit: Joanna Steidle via Storyful