Good Afternoon Stellwagen Family,

Today aboard the 11am whale watch expedition we joined with Captain Deb to relocate humpback whales after yesterday’s tempest.  Riders of the Asteria were happily captivated by an association of whales consisting of Nile, Tongs, and Timberline as they logged casually on the Northwest Corner.  We took note of gleaming metal held fast to Tongs’ left flank, a satellite tag planted by the Center for Coastal Studies!  Our NEAQ intern, Cassie, deftly identified this ornamented whale by the trailing edge of the fluke alone!  After several moments with these lethargic leviathans we made for an adventure south to find more mountainous mammals.

Tongs tagged by Center for Coastal Studies.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

During our trek down south we were elated to spot three blue sharks visible just below the surface!  I was enthused to see these apex predators swimming peacefully along Midbank, as they are truly essential in keeping prey populations healthy by predating on creatures inhibited by age or illness.  We soon found ourselves in the presence of the humpback whale Reflection, who revealed to us another satellite tag during lively displays of kickfeeding and surface-lunging!

Reflection filtering following a surface lunge.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Reflection's tag seen on left.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Today’s adventure brought us to two different species of apex predators, and we ourselves will continue the hunt for captivating marine encounters!

Peace and Love,

Rich