Perth school holidays whale watching is being enjoyed in the waters off Perth with many mums and calves now filling the sighting grounds while bachelor males still linger in search of females. It was a beautiful day and as we arrived in the sighing ground we observed a gathering of pods including a mother, her calf and protective male escort. He seemed to be responding to the other pods who had moved towards him as he launched into powerful tail lobs. It was spectacular to see the power and strength as he was doing a great job of establishing dominance and clearing the area around him. A nearby mum and calf continued to follow them which was surprising after seeing such dominant surface language, but she seemed keen to socialise. The two pods moved through the sighting grounds in a big loop before eventually settling which was a relief for the escort male.
The curious mum and calf were then seen joining with another mum and calf who were more interested in socialising together this morning. Our midday tour was a different energy as we observed firstly a couple of mum and calves, but they were resting quietly and maintaining a low profile. Further ahead was two seperate pods of bachelor males who were boisterous with a couple of powerful tail lobs to show off to each other. A cheeky pec slap from one of the males was followed by a spy hope as the two pods approached and the curiosity got the better of one male from the pod ahead as he peeled away and approached the pod of three closest to our vessel. The other two continued on their way but now that the individual bachelor had joined with our three the fun continued as they chased after each other excitedly. A new member in the bachelor pod is always cause for some showing off as the males establish their hierarchy and that was clear to see today amongst the boys.
