Perth Southern Right Whales sighted today was such a thrill on this mornings tour as we enjoyed the company of two beautiful adults while the Humpback Whales as usual were everywhere! It was a rathe lovey spring morning with a cool easterly barely noticeable as we moved out into the sighting grounds under a big blue sky. Our first pod was competitive as four adult Humpbacks moved with purpose through the sighting grounds as the mum and calf pods nearby scattered except for one pod, they were moving directly towards the competition pod. To our great excitement we sighted two adult Southern Right Whales curiously approaching the Humpback who once they noticed this different species heading their ways quickly diverted one moved off in the opposite direction. It is always interesting watching the interaction between the species as they seem to give each other distance, although the Southern Right Whales always seem to be the most curious!
Spending time with this pod was special, to enjoy the company of such friendly whales we tend to forget they are an endangered species and were almost lost way back during those whaling years. The recovery is slow and with only approximately 4,000 individuals within the population every whale counts and every encounter is a special opportunity, especially for these relatively rare sightings off Perth. Our midday tour was all about the adults as a large bachelor pod of five males were cruising out towards Rottnest Island and it is always impressive to observe these large pods of adults moving as one through the sighting grounds. Two escort pods joined together briefly, before continuing on with their day after a commotion at the surface. The bachelor pod were then approached by the local Bottlenose Dolphins as they all became playful and the dolphins raced over to say hello. Our last sighting was a brief one of the same pod of Southern Right Whales who were resting very quietly away from the Humpback Whales and catching up on some much needed rest before the next stage of their southern migration.
The afternoon tour was all about the bubs as the Humpback calves had the freedom to make some noise now that all those bachelor males had left. It was great to see one pod in particular with mum and her little male calf who had the most beautiful black belly and was busy practicing tail lobs, pec slaps and breaching. Showing off to a young juvenile who was travelling with them, it was interesting to watch the dynamics of this pod as the mother whale was watching over both these youngsters as they socialised and played together. At the same time we also had the feeling we were being watched and sure enough there they were, the same Southern Right Whale pod popping their heads up for a closer look! We joined with them and were so pleased our Pod Members onboard were able to spend some time with these very special whales today.
