Humpback heat runs are what the northern migration is all about as males compete for females during this epic annual migration. It was a busy afternoon as we departed the harbour and were stopped by the local Bottlenose Dolphins. Surrounding us excitedly they were in a very good mood as they played together with one rolling upside down and showing off her pearly white little teeth. It was lovely to see them all happy and having a good time as only twenty meters or so away a pod of two very large adult Humpback Whales surfaced. Relaxed and enjoying a morning snooze, these two big whales were taking it easy in the shallow and protected waters close to the coastline. A nearby juvenile caught our attention as he rolled and played in seaweed and was having a blast. Venturing over towards a cray pot line and float we became a little more concerned as to our surprise he approached and tried to play with the rope by reaching out with his long pectoral fin. It tugged and that sensation must have started him as he moved away and we were worried as the float was dragged a short distance.
Thankfully and to everyones relief the pot, float and line were all left behind as he ventured back into the bay in search or a more suitable playmate. The middle of the bay was busy with multiple pods moving through and towards the reef line as they prepared for departure. A few bachelor males had noticed a female though and soon we found ourselves with four very competitive males pursuing a female who led them on the chase. Pivoting and turning as they manoeuvred through the bay we watched on as powerful chin slaps, pectoral fin swipes and big body blows were observed amongst the boys. Pods nearby reacted with breaching, head lunging and tail lobs as they responded to the energy that was now flowing through the bay. Eventually one of the males did work his way next to the female and held that primary escort position for the rest of the competition. He was the winner for the time being as the other two challengers fell back and they moved out together towards the reef line.
