Wednesday on the Prince of Whales

Thar she blows!

What a surprising day on Jeffreys Ledge! Today we found ourselves surrounded by over a dozen of the second largest animals ever to roam the Earth! Finback whales were everywhere!!

For me, I was in heaven! Finbacks are my favorite whale. Their size, grace and mystery always amaze me. Little is known about these huge creatures compared to the more heavily-studied humpback and right whales. Every time we see a finback, we have the chance to learn something new. Did you know when you boarded the boat today that you'd be part of a research cruise as well??

Finback chevron pattern- swirly marking behind the blowhole

Finback dorsal fin- still trying to ID this one!

Finback #0369 (also knows as Dingle)- first observed on Jeffreys Ledge in 2003

A pair of finbacks

The finbacks were out and about in large numbers- at least 15 in the general area were counted! Single whales, as well as pairs, trios and even a group of 4 were cruising around, chasing fish and feeding at the surface on thier sides (lunge feeding). At one point, a pair surfaced right next to the boat- one was on its side, the other was upside down!! We could see the white belly glowing bright green through the plankton-rich water! So cool!

We also got a quick visit from our buddy, Fjord! Fjord has a huge notch in his dorsal fin, and has been tracked on Jeffreys Ledge by BOS researchers since 1996, though he was first observed in the early 1980's off of Long Island, New York! Fjord is also one of BOS's adoptable whales. Thanks to Kendall for adopting him yesterday!!

As were were engrossed in the finbacks, a humpback whale came barreling through. This was Tigris- a male humpback first seen in 1985 who has been known to spend time in the Bay of Fundy (Canada). Tigris was doing some feeding as well, blowing occasional bubble clouds to catch his prey.

Tigris surfacing in a bubble cloud

Tigris fluke

Certainly another fabulous day out there! Thanks for joining us and for supporting Blue Ocean Society's conservation and research efforts!


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