Learn about the whale, dolphin and porpoise sightings in Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay. Join naturalists - Krill, Fred, Joanne, Dianne, Leah, Lauren, Tammy, and Michael - aboard Captain John Boats as they head offshore each day from April through October to view the unique coastal marine wildlife off New England. Our intern Ian will also be providing seabird reports.
Although we can not post each and every whale watching trip that we take offshore, we will do our best to post as many as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
September 16, 2012 Whale Watch
12 noon Whale Watch - Krill
Flippering by Salt.
As we headed offshore, winds were letting go making for a nice ride out to Stellwagen Bank. Our first sighting was a humpback whale that was on long dives. As we waited for this animal to return to the surface, an ocean sunfish was spotted next to the boat.
Ocean sunfish are the heaviest bony fish that migrate into our waters to feed on jellyfish and other gelatinous critters. This animal was quite curious about the boat and swam over to get a better look. Here is a short video clip of this close encounter!
As we moved on, we picked up a trio of humpback whales that included Bounce, Pumba and Pox. All three whales were traveling slowly to the southeast. Unusual for humpbacks to be traveling side-by-side for any length of time for these animals are quite solitary by nature. But it is fun to watch them coordinate their movements and surfacings.
But soon, Bounce separated from this group and headed north. A reminder that humpback whales like all baleen whales are solitary animals. The only permanent association is that of the mother and calf.
Fluke out by Bounce.
Fluke out by Bounce.
Ventral tail pattern of Bounce.
Our next and last sighting was a pair of humpback whales that turned out to be Salt and Cardhu. Both whales are mature adult females who have had many calves over the years that we have been observing them offshore. Cardhu had a calf this year, but the calf has not been seen with her for over a week. We are hoping that Cardhu's calf weaned earlier than most humpback calves and wish this young animal a healthy and safe life. Only time will tell the fate of Cardhu's calf.
Here are some video clips of Salt and Cardhu that I recorded during today's trip.
Cardhu fluking out.
Ventral tail pattern of Salt.
Flipper slapping by Salt.
Great day offshore. Humpback whales identified include: Pox, Pumba, Bounce, Cardhu and Salt. Seabirds seen include greater shearwaters, manx shearwaters, Cory's shearwater, Northern gannets, and common terns.
Thank you for visiting our Naturalist Blog. This blog is maintained by Carol "Krill" Carson, Outreach Educational Coordinator for Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours. If you have any questions or comments, you can reach Krill at krillcarson@mac.com.
