Whale Spotted Frolicking In Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton residents were delighted this weekend to see a joyful whale frolicking off the coast of Two Mile Hollow Beach.

"It was amazing to see such a huge creature in its own element," said Diane Shifman, who captured the whale's splashing antics on video. "It was spouting and diving through the water, having a great time."

And those who keep their eyes peeled may see other whales having a fine time in the Hamptons.

"Whale sightings this time of the year are pretty normal, especially with more people on the beach to see them," said Rachel Bosworth, public information officer for the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

Kimberly Durham, Atlantic Marine Conservation necropsy program director, agreed: "Sightings are very common these days."

Bosworth said the AMCS team agreed the whale appeared to be a humpback, because other species typically do not breach in that way.

Nicole O'Donnell also enjoyed the whale, who posted the video below. "It was a whale of a day!" she said. "This mama put on a great show for everyone!"

Bosworth also responded to some individuals on social media Monday who were concerned about a sperm whale reportedly entangled in gear approximately 172 miles southeast of Montauk.

Members of the Locals Only Facebook page were fearful that there was not a rapid enough response to help the whale, reminiscent of a humpback whale that was euthanized in Moriches Bay. That incident sparked a cry for change in the way whale strandings are handled.

Bosworth said, however, that there was no cause for concern. "There was a sperm whale sighted offshore that was misreported as entangled," she said. "An aerial survey team sent photos to NOAA Fisheries and they were able to determine that the whale was not entangled but rather inquisitive of a nearby fishing tote floating in the water. They are going to continue to monitor the whale, as well."

Patch courtesy videos.