Humpback escort pod during southern migration can be two version, a male and female travelling together or the pod structure we observed today of one male escort, a mother and her calf. It was wonderful to see our very first breaching bub this morning as we arrived two a scene of commotion with two seperate pods near each other and showing interest. The pod to our left was a mum and calf who seemed hesitant to approach the second pod to our right and we soon realised why, it was an escort pod. A very large female surfaced with her extremely healthy calf and a protective male escort as all three seemed busy with the mornings activities. It was now clear why the second mum and calf were not too keen on approaching as the protective escort male didn’t really want any further company. The playful calf leapt so high and by showing of the belly we could confirm it was a little girl, how sweet!
She breached a few more times before rolling over onto her side and attempting a few pec slaps which got caught in the morning breeze. The little family unit then approached us with much curiosity as they swam circles and circles around us and came in so very close. The mother was extremely relaxed along with there calf but their male escort was a little flustered as he tried his best to keep himself wedged in-between our vessel and the female and calf he was guarding. The mother whale deliberately outmanoeuvred him as she wanted to get closer to us and in frustration our cheeky male rolled over into a couple of powerful tail lobs. Eventually he gave up trying to guide mum and calf away from us and instead joined in on the curious approaches for a closer look, he seemed to realise we weren’t going to take his girl away from him! It was a very special interaction to be welcomed in to this escort pod and see all whales today enjoying their time in the resting grounds, hopefully this will be the start of many more mums and bubs southbound along with their marvellous and protective male escort bodyguards.
