Humpback Whales
Did you know that a humpback's fluke is like a fingerprint? No two are alike and it is the way scientists identify them. There is a website called HappyWhale and if you send a fluke photo in, they will track and ID it for you. Hawaii 2019.
This is a tail lob. It is thought to be aggressive when they do this. Tail slaps on the other hand are different. Hawaii. 2022
Some Humpbacks use this fishing behavior to feed. It takes a group of them and one blows bubbles around a school of fish and then they swim up from below to scoop them up. 2019
In the right light you can see a rain'blow'. Silver Banks, DR. 2022
This is a partial back breach. This is mostly what we see and not a full launch with belly exposed. It can get tricky. Hawaii. 2022
Whales can be frustrating to photograph because when they breach you don't often get to see their bellies. Happy to see this calf's belly. Hawaii. 2022
This was a nice belly shot taken in Tonga. 2019
Some breaches are not full. They don't often seem to have their eyes open when they breach. Tonga. 2019
This little guy was jumping for joy and spinning around. Humpback calves weigh around 1.5 tons when born and are 12-14feet in length. Tonga. 2019
When Whales spy hop sometimes you see their eyes and sometimes they pop out just enough that they use the water to magnify. In this case, you can see its eye. Tonga. 2019
Another example of bubble netting. 2019
Well, kind of. I was photographing the first whale when the second one came out and as it went in, a calf came out. I wish they would synchronize better! Hawaii. 2022
When whales pec slap it is as if they are saying Aloha. Hawaii. 2022.
Not quite in sync but working on it. I find it fascinating that I have seen so many this year. Hawaii. 2022
Here is another not quite double breach. Synchronicity is not something these guys do. Hawaii. 2022
This whale was looking at us as he spy hopped, turning 180 degrees to get a better look. Hawaii. 2022
This mom and calf were right under the surface by our boat on a calm day. It looks like I took it underwater! Hawaii. 2022
This is an escort, mom and calf in Tonga. 2019
This calf was so curious. He did circles around me. Tonga. 2019
I caught this calf spying on me at the surface. What an experience! Tonga. 2019
Only male humpbacks sing. Theories are that it is to attract a female but they attract other males with their song as well. Tonga. 2019
There are many whales around the world who all go to different places to breed and give birth. I have noticed the Tonga whales are much lighter than others. They feed in Antarctica so that might be why but who knows? Tonga. 2019
This singer was blowing bubbles. Quite a site to hear and see. Tonga. 2019
This calf was very curious. He came very close to me. Tonga. 2019
