Good Afternoon Pelagic Perusers,

Today aboard the Cetacea we made way for the Southwest Corner on the day’s first exhibition to investigate wild cetaceans.  We trudged diligently over mountainous swells, making opportune timing as Captain Bill read the seas like a book.  The southern feeding grounds provided an amphitheater for Nile, our lone encounter who authored an encyclopedia of humpback whale behavior within one single sighting.

Nile's characteristic fluke pattern.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Vertical descent.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist 

This monolith of mysticete might surfaced amongst green clouds of bubbles between two-minute feeding dives, bringing the ocean’s surface from a heave to a rolling boil.  Amongst the aquatic uproar sat a northern gannet with the characteristic plumage of the transition into adulthood.  This seafarer departed to escape the wrath of the titan, carrying with it seaweed possibly stirred up from Nile’s foraging tactics on the ocean floor.  We were distracted by another unassociated humpback whale in the vicinity, but after an unsuccessful glance we were beckoned back to Nile who was valiantly kick feeding.

Northern Gannet with transitional plumage.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

We were aghast to see no sign of Nile splashing on the surface as noted a moment before.  Off our portside we noted a familiar black and white pattern rising slowly from the sea, and out emerged the towering tailstock of Nile!  This black stalk stood erect and motionless, a stoic sentry that pivoted to survey of the blue landscape.

Nile slowly rose from the ocean, fluke-first!  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Nile displaying her dexterity.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Continuation of kick-feeding.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

This calm, seemingly calculated maneuver concluded the second act of this pelagic performance.  For the remainder of the trip we were granted kickfeeding amongst further aquatic storms of green.

This morning was rich in memories that will remain concrete in our minds, and we can only help to further our wealth in whale encounters!

Peace and Love,

Rich & Connie