Good Day Cetologists,

Today aboard the Aurora we searched along the southern perimeter of Midbank under the steady hand of Captain Tom.  We were tasked with the glorious purpose of introducing passengers to the splendor of the humpback whale, and soon we sighted three such whales that were on the very cusp of logging.  The creatures became quite active in the blissfully calm sea, and they were soon embarking on three minute dives, revealing some unique flukes. 

All aboard the Aurora were taken aback by the right fluke of Bayou, which has since healed following a great injury of unknown origin.  Bayou was soon followed into the blue realm by Venom, a whale whose right fluke appears finely carved at the outer extremity.  Perseid was the minority with a complete black fluke, but remained memorable by defecating a tempest of brown feces to begin a sounding dive.

Bayou's fluke. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Venom's fluke. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Pressed diving behind Venom. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

We were soon drawn north by the blows of two different cetaceans, and we soon found ourselves with two more logging humpbacks!  Eager to identify these mellow mysticetes, I was quick to photograph only the dorsal side of one humpback fluke as it embarked on a deep dive.  My interns Jess and Mira were efficient in identifying the other whales on our expedition, but only the thoughtful investigation of naturalist Annie G verified this whale as Tectonic!  This leviathan was the third humpback of the expedition to bear significant trauma on the right fluke.  Tectonic remained with the unknown whale as we departed for the terrestrial world.

Dorsal view of Tectonic's fluke. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Unidentified humpback whale. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Today was a reminder of the fragility of nature, and also of the perseverance of humpback whales who have heroically overcome the physical trauma of their past.

Peace and Love,

Rich