Humpback family pods have a unique structure with mother and calves spending twelve months together before the youngster is all grown up as a yearling to head off onto their own adventure. The majority of the males have already made their migration south with a few remaining bachelor’s who if lucky will be able to escort a mum and calf pod south. Arriving in the sighting grounds this morning we were graced with the presence of our little white bodied calf from yesterday, it was a pleasure to re-sight this very unique and beautiful calf. Resting quietly with mum we wished them well as we observed a bit more commotion going on ahead with white water so we headed towards the action. Approaching the area we could see two calves tail lobbing towards each other as one of their mums started a few pec slaps to encourage the social behaviour.
One of the calves had a stunning all black belly and as the little one did a few tail lobs we could see how unique and special this little one was, in the next few years this calf will grown into a truely beautiful adult whale which we hope to meet again! Once the calves settled a little it was then mum’s turn with a few big tail slaps to warn the lingering bachelor males nearby to keep their distance and they did. They instead pursued a female pec slapping away to call in the boys, she didn’t have a calf with her so looks like she was looking for a male escort to migrate down the coast with. The boys came in from everywhere leaving us with five boys following the female but they weren’t as competitive as our two boys yesterday, instead there was much more social energy amongst them all as they began to swim together.
A surprise visit by our Australian Airforce this morning as well as a powerful jet roared overhead twice, slightly tipping their wing as they powered overhead and it was incredible to be so close to such power. The midday tour was busy with mums and bubs everywhere as they communicated the Language of the Whales with breaching, tail slapping and tail lobs from multiple pods all around the sighing grounds. The mums and calves will hangout in these sheltered waters for one to three days on average and we will recognise these Humpback family pods each day and get to know them. It was another beautiful day with the whales and fantastic to still see a few adults heading south without calves as we enjoy the last few weeks of this spectator season.
