We sighted many baby Humpback calves today and one little fellow was putting on a very big display of the different Humpback behaviours we often sight which was not only spectacular to watch but also a great example for our guests of the very athletic surface activity of The Language of The Whales™. Breaching, head lunges, peduncle slaps and pec slapping was practiced by this young calf with his mum joining in and encouraging his enthusiastic want to practice these vitally important behaviours.
A few other calves were sighted today but they had decided on a Sunday sleep in and with no male bachelor pods about to interfere with the mother and calves relax time it was a very cruisy morning. When male Humpbacks approach females with calves we often see a lot of surface behaviour (just like what one of the calves was practicing today) as the female either discourages the males approach or encourages the interaction. Only male escorts were sighted this morning who have already paired up with a female and are focused on staying with this female who has accepted their approach. Because of this everyone was very relaxed today with no loose males around to threaten the spot of the escort males.
Bottlenose Dolphins were busy feeding on our way out today and we did see a few tail slaps as they hunted which will stun the fish they are feeding on, a very special feeding behaviour to watch that is very effective! The local birdlife certainly took advantage of these momentarily stunned fish by diving and filling up on a good breakfast with Australasian Gannets, Crested Terns and Cormorants all enjoying a good feed.
ID Log
Date – 16.10.16
Species – Humpback
Lat – Undisclosed Long – Undisclosed
Notes – Female that surfaced in front of vessel, logging with calf and relaxed
