September 25- Prince of Whales- Newburyport

What an awesome day on Jeffreys Ledge today! Our last day on the water was Thursday, when we found five fin whales, a minke whale, porpoises and seals. Today, in about the same area, we also had a minke whale, porpoises and seals, but also seven humpback whales! This is why I love fall whale watching- you really never know what to expect from day to day!

After passing by minkes and porpoises, we spotted our first blow. The pair that we thought we were approaching was actually a group of 4! Grommet dove first, showing us his flukes. This whale hasn't been seen on Jeffreys Ledge since 2006, but with those unique markings, was easy to ID. Grommet

Next was Trident, a 28 year old female who was our favorite from last season after she breached over 40 times in a row on one trip! Today was a bit different for her as she was sleeping, or logging as we call it but we did get some great looks at her.

Trident

The other two took their time in showing us their flukes but based on the dorsal fins, and who the Granite State saw yesterday, I assumed these were Spoon and Fan- 2 adult females who have a history of hanging out with each other.

Fan- showing her unique scar that she was named for-this marking was caused by an orca/killer whale attack when she was much younger.

And finally, Spoon, a whale first identified in 1977(!) , decided to show us her flukes, confirming her ID. Spoon is my all-time favorite whale. I "adopted" her when I was a teenager and have followed her ever since! She is notorious for being lazy- or not lifting her flukes- so I was excited to see her pick her tail up, even if it was not the greatest look- it was just enough!

Spoon

As mentioned in the Granite State blog yesterday, Spoon did have a calf this year (her 9th that we know about) but was not seen with it today. We are still unsure of the fate of her calf but are hopeful that it weaned a bit early, and is off on its own now. Typically, humpback whale calves spend 10 months with their mom so it is well possible that her calf is "all grown up" and is exploring its new world.

Next, we ventured out a few more miles and came upon a trio of whales: Echo, her new calf, and Evolution. These whales were much more active than our sleepy foursome seen earlier. Echo, last seen on Jeffreys Ledge in 2003, is quite distinctive as well also showing rake marks(caused by orca teeth) from an encounter with an orca early in her life.

Echo's calf, Echo and Evolution surfacing side by side

Echo- notice the "rake" marks on her lower left fluke

Evolution

These whales were quite wiggly, charging all around and not moving in any expected pattern. Likely, they were feeding and chasing around fish or krill.

Certainly an amazing day on the water! Thanks to all of our new and returning passengers for your enthusiasm today! And a special thanks to those of you who donated to our cause. We greatly appreciate your support so we can continue of studies of the whales on Jeffreys Ledge as well as our conservation programs on land. The whales thank you as well!



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