Competition pod and playful calves were observed today with a beautiful day out on the water enjoyed by all. Our first sighting of the morning was a mother and her calf making a steady migration out towards Stragglers Reef. Timing her movement across the channel perfectly she managed to get across efficiently before settling in for a rest with her little one. Wishing them well we approached our second pod for the morning as two mums and their calves played and socialised together. It was beautiful to watch as the calves breached, pec slapped and tail slapped as the mums joined in with a couple of curious spy hops. One of the little ones opened his mouth up wide to show off his tiny baleen which will continue to grow throughout his lifetime and be very important for the collecting of krill once back down in Antarctica.
The midday tour was just as lovely with a calm sea and big blue sky as the light, warm breeze ruffled the waters surface gently. A mother, calf and her escort male were busy pec slapping and breaching while calling out for any company when they slowed soon afterwards. It was clear too eerie why as they had realised company was nearby but not the right sort, a competition pod was underway. Nine mature adult Humpback Whales were charging along as they launched towards each other dramatically with the female leading them on a mad chase. It was incredible to watch how much energy they all had even after many months of no food and dwindling fat reserves. Tail lobbing erupted as one of the males tried to deter all the others from approaching as white water was sent flying. A spectacular scene as they dived after one another around and underneath the Steep Point. It was a wonderful way to complete another day out with the whales of Western Australia and with summer just around the corner we will enjoy everyday we have with them!
