June 14, 2012 Whale Watch

2 pm Whale Watch - Krill

We headed to the southwest corner of Stellwagen Bank and found 4 humpbacks surface feeding in a group. This group included Division, Barb, Ventisca and a very small humpback what almost looked "calfish"in size. As we settled into the area to watch this group, we realized that we did have a calf, but non of the adults in this group had been identified as having a calf this season.

Speaking with researchers at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, we learned that Anchor, who has a calf this season, is not being a very watchful mom. The Center has seen Anchor's calf very far from mom's side on a number of occasions. We assume then that this calf is OK and does indeed have a mom, just not a very diligent mom.

Division as leading the group in their feeding effort as she started off the activity with a very powerful kick. Then bubbles would rise in a circular manner as the whales dove beneath he school of fish in an effort to coral them.  As birds dove into the bubbles for stray sand lance, the whales would suddenly surface with mouths wide open, scooping up as much fish as possible. Division was the only whale that was straining at the surface as she swam slowing with her mouth agape. Water could be seen streaming out of the gap between the upper and lower jaw as she pushed the water out leaving only the fish behind.

We also had at least 4 minke whales feeding in the same area as our humpback whales. A great day offshore for everyone and we hope you can join us again soon!