Good Day Pelagic Pilgrims,

On this morning of fog and heavy swell, Master and Commander Adam brought us across the bay to the Southern expanse of Stellwagen Bank.  We sighted a pair of humpback whales that eventually parted ways on our arrival.  These fickle whales remained hidden under the ocean for several minutes, but we were made aware of some nearby blows by our NEAQ intern, Jason.  These spouts emanated from two finback whales who were circling and lunge feeding with gusto! 

These Atlantic aquanauts wore anthropogenic souvenirs; scars that were a result of unsavory introductions to the propellers of human watercraft.  Our captain managed several close looks of these speedy cetaceans through an aquatic ballet of hide and seek, but we eventually bid adieu in search of humpback whales.  During our second chapter of our voyage we passed the Auk, the NOAA vessel currently tasked with placing critter-cams upon humpbacks.  The boat was towing a tagging vessel as well as our lead naturalist, Laura Howes, who gave us an enthusiastic wave.

Our vessel eventually happened upon two different whales; Ouija and Music!  Both creatures were actively partaking in sounding dives, but we managed a couple of photographs for our own scientific intentions.  We were also joined by several harbor seals during the trip who were surely baffled as we drove around in circles to search for their cetacean brethren.

As always, it was a stupendous outing today, and I am enthused to join Adam again on Thursday!

Peace and Love,

Rich

Bronze coloration of finback whale No.1. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist      

Chevron patch of finback No.1. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

 No. 2 (back) & No.1 (front) in circular travel. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Two probable propeller scars on finback No.1. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Auk towing tagging vessel. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Partial fluke of Music on a shallow dive. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist