Good Morning,

Yesterday on the Southwest Corner of Stellwagen Bank, we unified with Captain Bryan on the Sanctuary to forage for a cetacean cornicopia to feast our senses upon.  Our palette for knowledge guided us to a pairing of humpback whales, Bayou and an unknown neighbor, who were being shadowed by a recreational vessel.  We were charged with excitement when Bayou breached several times, seemingly unhindered by a recognizable damaged right fluke.  The second humpback was seemingly unengaged on our arrival, but eventually decided to swim in close unison with Bayou when the breaching ceased.  

The small recreational boat was quick to linger over the fluke prints following each of the humpbacks' dives, and we were entranced by the behavior soon displayed by the cetaceans.  The whales began surfacing very close to the Sanctuary, opposite the side of the civilian craft's location.  As the boat encircled our vessel, the whales would dive from port to starboard at close proximity within short surface intervals.  The timing and location of the pair's movement seemed to respond directly to the small craft's changing position, and we theorized that the whales were being evasive and using the Sanctuary as temporary refuge!  Our excitement felt as tangible as the "snarge" from the whales' blows that showered onlookers on our vessel, and the whales seemed to pause at our stern when the other craft departed.

Bayou with an unidentified humpback whale. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Bayou approaching our starboard for a dive. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

During our 2pm expedition we returned to the Southwest Corner to find a sparsity of whale activity.  We eventually caught a glimpse of white water bursting on the horizon, and we were soon sharing looks of a surface active humpback duo with whale watching vessels Tails of the Sea and Hurricane II.  All vessels kept a wide berth as we witnessed Hippocampus tail breach, kickfeed, and flipper slap on the surface!  Northstar frolicked nearby, breaching completely out of the water!  It was curious to see this particular association of whales, as the two were seen repeatedly last season when Northstar had a fresh boat-strike injury.

Hippocampus on side. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Leading edge of Hippocampus's pectoral flipper. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist 

Northstar swims by an active Hippocampus. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Northstar's scars from a boat strike last season. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Northern Gannet in adult phase. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

It was inspirational to see both Bayou and Northstar so active despite enduring traumatizing injuries in the past; they remind us to admire with caution while being mindful of our presence in their habitat.

Peace and Love,

Rich