Greetings Acolytes of the Atlantic,

This morning we joined Cap’n Bill aboard the Cetacea for an excursion across the Southwest Corner of Stellwagen Bank.  We initiated our adventure with a gander of the USCGC James, escorted by a convoy of fire boats that were spraying water mightily into the air as we passed.  Within 6 miles of Provincetown roared a tempest of mysticete breath, and we found ourselves amongst the thunderous uproar of humpback whales aplenty!  

USCGC James with fireboats to keep vessels at bay.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The master oriented our vessel with care around our first association of Othello, Pepper, and Pepper’s 2015 Calf!  The youngling of the trio caught our gaze with a full breach, casting the Atlantic sea and its planktonic organisms into an open sky.  This baleen baby is one of approximately 59 calves confirmed by the Center for Coastal Studies for the 2015 season on the Northwest Atlantic!  This trinity continued to partake in non-fluking dives of 3-4 minutes, traveling in a random fashion that made a close approach unfeasible. 

Othello's dorsal side marked by unique white coloration.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

A second association of four whales soon crossed our bow with the 7 Seas Whale Watch trailing behind in anticipation.  This mysticete menagerie included Hancock, Cajun, and their new calves who craftily evaded my camera lens with spontaneous full breaches!  A third association, including Jabiru and her 2015 Calf, traveled in parallel with our neighboring whale watching vessel.  Amongst this congregation erupted a breaching whale of adult proportions, who promptly landed within inches of a fellow cetacean!  The oceanic depths of this region did not exceed 70’, provoking contemplation at how these whales fit upon these feeding grounds.

Breaching atop another humpback!  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Today was a pleasurable voyage that beckons for a prompt return to Stellwagen Bank!

Peace and Love,

Rich