Saturday, September 12, 2015

09.12.15 12pm Whale Watch Expedition 064

Good Day Pelagic Pioneers,

Yesterday we rode with Captain Deb aboard the Asteria across the Southwest Corner in search of Atlantic inhabitants.  Our first two brief observations were of Oceanic Sunfish that were quick to return to the depths, but the infinite visibility across the sea revealed a horizon swathed by the coveted cetacean blow.  Our first humpback whale association was of Pele and A-Plus who cast their fluke patterns high in deep dives of foraging intent.  Deb steadied the Asteria so that everyone could aid in counting the tubercles on the whales' heads, but our gallery was soon directed towards an association of Lutris and an unidentified T3 who emitted thunderous blows upon diving to feed.

Our focus was soon redirected to a third group of whales headlined by Manhattan and her 2015 calf, two humpbacks never before witnessed by these eyes.  Our NEAQ intern, Alex, proved instrumental in identifying the fluke pattern of this mammoth mother.  


Manhattan's fluke pattern.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The duo was trailed by a third humpback named affectionately as "Chunk" for a previous orca predation had left its dorsal fin bedecked in dentition scars and a crescent-shaped laceration.  This trinity of megafauna dove under our vessel to grant our excursionists close observations on all decks, but we made for a fourth array of humpback whales just a mile away.  

"Chunk" bears an incomplete dorsal fin.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The unusual fluke pattern of "Chunk".  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Scarring along the leading fluke edge and tailstock suggest entanglement.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

We were elated to encounter an association Pitcher and Perseid, two familiar whales whose prodigious flukes cloaked our bow riders in cetacean shadow. Our final looks were postponed when Komodo and an unknown T3 joined to produce a quartet of whales diving in near synchrony!  Upon surfacing they swam in a tight foxtrot of claustrophobic cadence, nearly stacking over one another in a rorqual rotary!

Komodo's rostrum pierces the surface while its wielder swims amongst a whale waltz.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The solace of returning to a land devoid of whales is found through sharing the spoils of these adventures, and I hope for you to join us before the season is concluded!

Peace and Love,

Rich

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