Good Afternoon Cetacean Sighters,

Today aboard the steel whale carriage Asteria we joined Captain Joe in our cetacean campaign along Midbank.  After several moments of searching waters scarce of blows, we found BHC vessel Sanctuary and relieved them of their whales.  We noted an association of two logging whales varying greatly in scale, and I was pleased for my first sighting of Firefly to be of her as an active mother!  Her significantly smaller calf remained within one body length, occasionally descending just under her ventral flank to possibly partake in rich whale milk!  For Firefly’s identification we were indebted to visiting naturalist Judy, a cetologist of Bermuda who recognized Firefly by memory alone!

Firefly, recognizable along the Atlantic for white pigments on her right fluke.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The first few moments of this sighting were subdued in nature, but the calf awakened and surprised us with a full breach!  Several bouts of kick feeding ensued, only to conclude on another impressive breach while Firefly remained silent for several subsurface minutes.  It was a solemn affair to leave these wild whales for the familiarity of land, but the exhilarating trip was further bittersweet as this was my last trip with Ann, our NEAQ intern.  She will be returning inland to continue her studies in Pennsylvania, which feels unimaginably far from the sea!

Firefly2015Calf on first breach.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Calf plowing through the sea with mother in back.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Firefly2015Calf on second breach.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Calf initiating some kick feeding while head crashes on the surface.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Naturalist and intern team!  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

It was a fine day to share these sightings with scientific minds, and surely a great introduction to Firefly’s boisterous 2015 Calf!

Peace and Love,

Rich