June 8- Prince of Whales, Newburyport

Ladder! A fin whale first seen in 1984

Leaving the dock in Newburyport this morning, we had no idea how far away from home we would travel in search of whales. We headed toward the southern end of Jeffreys Ledge, just east of Cape Ann. We arrived on the ledge and still hadn't seen a whale so we kept going...and going...and going! Finally, after running 36 miles from the dock (we usually run 15-20 miles out), we spotted a few blows. At first, the 4+ whales were seemingly elusive, spending a lot of time underwater and not being predictable. Then we approached a pair of fin whales who were taking short dives and just milling about. One dorsal fin shape looked familiar to me but it was as soon as I saw the tell-tale scars on the back of the whale that I knew exactly who this whale was...LADDER!!

Ladder is one of Blue Ocean Society's Adopt-a-Whales. (http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Store/store.html) We chose Ladder to be included in this highly exclusive group because we see him almost every year, and he is known for almost always being in the company of other fin whales (fin whales are primarily solitary, forming pairs/groups occasionally). Not surprising, today he was with another whale, whose identity has yet to be determined.

Ladder's friend

Ladder has a unique scar on his back that was caused by a small boat collision. (see the image at the top of this page) He gets his name from the propeller marks, that look like the rungs of a ladder. Sadly, boats and whales collide now and then, and many whales bear evidence of this potentially deadly threat. Fortunately for Ladder, the collision just left a scar...other whales aren't nearly as lucky.

As we turned to start the long journey back to Newburyport, we passed by another pair of fin whales. This pair turned out to be a mother with her new calf! How exciting to see a new baby fin whale!!! Hope this calf will be healthy and add to the endangered population of fin whales! With the clock ticking, no time allowed for images to be taken of this pair so we hope to see them again soon to determine who the lucky new mom is!

Thanks to all of our understanding and patient passengers today including the students from Bethlehem Elementary School and Northern Essex Community College! Also many thanks to everyone who purchased note cards or sweatshirts as all proceeds from those sales benefit our whale research and educational programs directly! To make a donation, become a member or adopt a whale (including Ladder!) please visit our website www.blueoceansociety.org. Thanks!!


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