Good Afternoon Humpback Heroes,

Today aboard the 11am Asteria expedition we united with Captain Deb in observing an association of humpback whales on the Southwest Corner.  We were enthused to discover an assemblage of whales consisting of Pele and both Cajun and Jabiru with calves in tow.  The mature humpbacks left us on 3-5 minute dives of random travel on probable subsurface foraging, whilst the jovial offspring of Cajun and Jabiru rolled and breached on the surface. 

A sixth humpback whale literally exploded on the scene with breaches of the tail and body, and during a later investigation we were surprised to identify this rorqual ruffian as Nile 2014 Calf!  Our guests happily observed two dozen breaches despite skies heavy with gray, an imminent promise of rain which held off until the return to the landmass.  On our return home we were given a brief glimpse of Shards and Nile, an association of two massive mysticetes that departed on a lengthy dive. 

The underside, or ventral side, of Cajun's 2014 Calf.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Cajun 2014 Calf mid chin-breach.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Fluke at end of tail breach of Nile 2014 Calf.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Note the red pigment of blood vessels, visible after many flipper slaps & breaches.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

To witness two generations of whales was paramount, and I hope to witness again the awesome power of both calves of Nile and Cajun!

Peace and Love,

Rich