Good Evening Tubercle Tribe,

Our evening expedition into the wilderness of Stellwagen Bank was plotted in regards to sighting reports in the Southwest Corner.  Our intimate investigation was of two finback whales who were loosely associated and travelling in a non-linear trajectory.  The velocity at which they travelled between blows was a testament to their elusiveness, for they would change course mid-dive and travel afar under the ocean’s surface.  The Aurora shortly arrived to partake in the sighting while we ventured further into the sanctuary.

Our second sighting for the evening was of a bold minke whale who swam close to our aquatic amphitheater.  The exhalations emitted from this marine mammal were audible from within the wheelhouse, and such close proximity was duly appreciated!  We departed from this rorqual creature for bigger fare, and were pleased to land upon the resting grounds of humpbacks Nile and Pitcher!  These two whales were logging at the surface, but passengers were elated to see them with ease as they floated atop the ocean without diving out of view.  

These lethargic leviathans completed the grocery list of mysticete species sightings for the trip!  We headed for land while passing several shearwaters and gannets sitting atop the sea.  The presence of all these marine species bodes well for the rest of the season, but the stormy conditions anticipated for tomorrow may give the animals a break from human activity!

Peace and Love,

Rich

Black-crowned Night Heron returns to dock. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Connie, NEAQ intern with naturalist. Meaghan Sorce, MCZ scientist

Minke whale spotted by Meaghan. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Nile logging at surface. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Pitcher logging to right of Nile. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist