We headed east to try and find a small cluster of humpback whales that have been feeding east of the bank for over 2 weeks now. As we moved across Stellwagen Bank, we started picking up groups of seabirds that were resting on the water's surface. We were able to identify greater shearwaters, Cory's shearwaters, Northern gannets (adult and juvenile), and one Northern fulmar.
We were not able to identify the smaller whale, but we did get a great shot of its ventral tail pattern. And this whale has a unique dorsal fin with multiple cuts along its trailing edge. We were able to identify the larger animal who was a humpback named Gunslinger (see photos below). Gunslinger was was first seen as a juvenile in 2001. We are not sure of Gunslinger's sex, but we assume that this association was one based solely on food, not relationships.
As we continued to head east, we picked up quite a few humpbacks that were feeding in a small area offshore. All of the whales we saw were humpback whales and most were juveniles as estimated by their small size. All were feeding at or just below the surface on krill or some other large zooplankton species.
Many of the animals were feeding alone or in groups of two. All were doing a quick type of lunge referred to as "gulp feeding." As the whales performed these quick lunges, we could see the water being pushed back out of the mouth and the throat pleats fully distended.
One of the humpbacks that we were able to identify was a whale with a very white ventral tail pattern. This was humpback whale named Mayo and it is easy to see how this whale got that name. Mayo was first seen feeding alone and then joined a pair of humpback whales for a few surfacings. But then as fast as this association started, Mayo moved off to feed once again on its own.
Mayo's tail (fluke) has a large wound or welt on the left side. This injury is probably the result of an previous entanglement in fishing gear. Today, Mayo is gear free indicating that she was able to shed the gear that had wrapped around her fluke. Many of our whales get entangled in fishing gear each season. It must be difficult for them to avoid the gear since this area is heavily fished by both commercial and recreational fishermen.
Our last sighting was a pair of humpback whales that were also feeding in the area. There was a great disparity in size between the two individuals giving us the impression that we could have a mother and calf pair. However, as we continued to watch this pair feed close to the boat, we realized that this was not a mother and calf pair. Rather, an older adult traveling with a much younger animal.
We were not able to identify the smaller whale, but we did get a great shot of its ventral tail pattern. And this whale has a unique dorsal fin with multiple cuts along its trailing edge. We were able to identify the larger animal who was a humpback named Gunslinger (see photos below). Gunslinger was was first seen as a juvenile in 2001. We are not sure of Gunslinger's sex, but we assume that this association was one based solely on food, not relationships.
A fabulous day of whale watching offshore. We headed home in great spirits and settled down for a beautiful ride back to Plymouth Harbor. Much thanks to our captain and crew, especially Captain Russ Burgess who extended our trip to provide more time on the whales. Our captains are more concerned about the quality of our trips then they are about the time on their watches and this trait is greatly appreciated not only by passengers, but also by naturalists.
