August 8th - 3 humpbacks including "Divot" the humpback with a calf!.. and some snowbirds!

Today was incredible! Not only did we get to see Divot and two of her friends, we also had the pleasure of seeing her calf who was born last winter! Humpbacks spend their winters in Mexico and Hawaii, breeding and surviving on their fat reserves, before spending their summers in Alaska, feeding and replenishing their fat stores once again. 

Divots fluke. You can see the divot out of her fluke for which she gets her name on the right side of the photo. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Divots fluke. You can see the divot out of her fluke for which she gets her name on the right side of the photo. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

While in Alaska, humpback whales feed on copepods, krill, and small fish such as herring, juvenile Atlantic and Pacific salmon, and anchovies. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they do not have a preference for their meals, and will eat whichever of these organisms comes their way. 

When you see the fluke that usually means its going down for a feeding dive. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

When you see the fluke that usually means its going down for a feeding dive. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Humpback whales are filter feeders, meaning they use massive baleen plates that are bristle-like in their mouths, instead of teeth. These baleen plates are made of keratin, which is the same material that makes up your fingernails and hair. To feed, they open their mouths and take in both water and organisms, before closing their mouths and filtering out the water, and saving their delicious meal. 

Breach (left) and pectoral wave (right) of these very active humpbacks. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Breach (left) and pectoral wave (right) of these very active humpbacks. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Divot and her crew were especially active today, frequently surfacing, rolling, breaching, and slapping the water with her pectoral fins. The highlight of the day was when the calf breached! This all happened just offshore of neck point, so some landlubbers got to enjoy the amazing views as well. 

Jumping calf! Photo y Rodrigo Menezes.

Jumping calf! Photo y Rodrigo Menezes.

Divot doing a impressive roll. Photo by Jilann Campbell.

Divot doing a impressive roll. Photo by Jilann Campbell.

Another impressive roll! photo by Jilann Campbell. 

Another impressive roll! photo by Jilann Campbell. 

Baby belly flop! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Baby belly flop! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Another breach! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Another breach! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Breaching calf again! We cant get enough! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Breaching calf again! We cant get enough! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Little guy waving goodbye! photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Little guy waving goodbye! photo by Rodrigo Menezes.

Jilann LechnerComment