June 16, 2011

Everyone had smiles on their faces today, as we had a fantastic whale watch trip. The sun was shining and the seas were calm allowing us to see a great deal of wildlife.

While out at Petit Manan puffins were present in large numbers. They were sitting in the water and flying around the boat. Razorbills and murrs were found sitting in the water as terns flew next to and over the boat.

Atlantic Puffin sitting on the water. Notice band on right leg.

Razorbill

Andrew spoke with us today informing us of the current numbers of the birds and the nesting activity. That morning, he and the research interns were working with representatives from US Fish and Game and University of Maine Orono to capture terns to monitor levels of stress hormones. After having the chance to ask some questions and see the birds, we waved good bye to Andrew and made our way offshore.


The water was very calm, at times looking like glass. We spotted pods of harbor porpoise, seals, and pelagic birds. Tiny birds called Wilson storm petrels danced along the surface as they foraged for small planktonic organisms. Suddenly a dark back broke the surface. It was a minke whale! Though this species is known to be elusive at times, this one surfaced close to the boat. With the water's surface being so calm we could see the entire whale's body as it swam below the surface. We could even see the distinctive white bands on the flippers, which are called minkie mittens.

Minke whale taking a terminal or deep dive.

This minke whale allowed us numerous good looks and once it disappeared below the surface for another deep dive we ventured off to do some more exploring. Along the way, we spotted a few more minke whales. Then, we saw a larger blow in the distance behind us. It was a finback whale!

The distinctive dorsal of the finback named "Bolshoi"

When this finback took a deep dive the back rose from the suface exposing the dorsal fin and tail stock. The dorsal fin looked very familiar and after Allied Whale's research assistant Jillian and blog photographer, Walter Churchill, took a few photos we all decided that this whale was "Bolshoi", first sighted in the 1980's! This finback has distinctive nicks on the dorsal and scar on the tail stock, making it easy to identify.

Bolshoi was spending enough time at the surface for us to get great looks. A few times Bolshoi popped up right next to the boat, swimming slowly by before diving taking a deep dive. A couple of minke whales and quite a few gray seals also appeared nearby. We were surrounded by marine life!

"Bolshoi" coming to the surface

Alas, it was time for us to head home. Our day spent offshore was a great one. We had the chance to a variety of marine life and had a gorgeous day on the water as well.


Photos: Walter Churchill

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