Fluke identification images are an important part of every tour as we study and research the Humpback population of Western Australia. Every pod that we meet is an opportunity to identify individual whales in hopes of having a re-sighting from previous encounters and if not an opportunity to add another wonderful whale to our ever growing catalogue. It was a cosy morning with some rain about as we departed Sardine Jetty in the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and made our way out towards the sighting grounds. Multiple mum and calf pods were sighted as they meandered through the resting grounds and today seemed to want a good reactionary distance from each other. One of these mum and calf pods were travelling with a protective male escort who may be one of the last adult male Humpback Whales we see for the southern migration.
A cheeky tail lob from the young calf displayed the extra confidence that comes with travelling with an extra bodyguard as they seemed to be the most dominant pod in the area. Nearby mums relaxed and took the morning to rest as they kept watchful eyes over their calves. The momentum of the southern migration is starting to slow as we enter the last 1 to 2 weeks of the season and it is hard to believe we only have a short time left with our wonderful whales after what has been an incredible season. The last of the mums and calves will make the most of everyday they have in the resting grounds before they continue southbound to Antarctica where finally, after many months of relying on her fat reserves the mother whales can feast on krill to their hearts content as a reward for all their hard work and dedication to their calves.
