Another one of my favourite photography subjects in summertime is seen during my frequent boating trips: Humpback Whales.
In fact, I’m seeing more and more of them all the time. They are returning to British Columbia in increasingly higher numbers every year.
Commercial whaling in British Columbia ended 50 years ago (the year I was born actually). Since that time, the number of Humpback whales has gone from a low of 1,500 to around 20,000 animals. While that’s a significant comeback, it’s still well below pre-whaling levels when they were killed by the thousands for their blubber. They are still considered an “at risk” species.
The bay where I grew up in Nanaimo, BC, was once the location of one of the coastal whaling stations so that’s probably why I first became interested in them.
Photographing the Humpbacks is a much different experience than photographing the Orcas! Orcas, being the largest of the porpoises, are incredibly fast, agile, and often playful. Plus, they have biosonar so they know exactly where you are should they decide to come in your direction.
Humpbacks, on the other hand, are slower moving animals, 10 times the size of an Orca, and do not have biosonar so they can be oblivious to the location of boats. Unfortunately most boaters do not seem to know that and they get too close. In fact, vessel strikes are the most significant threat to the species. So if you see one, it’s really important to keep your distance.
These photos may look like I was close to them, but remember, they are gigantic animals, I’m using a 400mm lens, and the photos are all cropped.
Getting the shot is much easier with Humpbacks because they typically come to the surface of the water and let out an extremely loud blow. I often hear them before I see them. After that they usually surface a few more times, then I’ll see the hump, which means they are going for a deep dive and the tail is going to come up. The tail is never a surprise!
Seeing an animal as large and magnificent as a Humpback in the wild is always a magical experience – every single time. Just one more reason why I come back here every summer.
Stunning photos–as always! And the information in your posts adds to my appreciation of your work.
Many thanks!
Thank you Christine, much appreciated!
Hi Anne
Seeing your photos of the whales makes one realize how fortunate we are to experience such creatures in their environment and that we are only visitors for a moment in time.
The backdrop of the west coast mountains and the arch of the tail says this is my home enjoy your visit
Thanks for sharing .
Dale
I totally agree Dale. We are so lucky to be able to see such incredible sights in nature. Thanks for your comments.
Anne, The pre-deep dive behaviors that your blog explains is not unique to Humpback whales. Among New Zealand sperm whales, I observed the same Blow, two or three surfacing and one higher in the water surfacing before the hump comes up and the flukes are raised only to slide vertically down into the water. Like you, onceI learned their routine, I was never surprised by a sudden “fluking”
Gary, thank you for the information. I’d love to visit New Zealand and see the sperm whales. Beautiful landscapes in your part of the world too 🙂
Great photos, Anne! But, the information you’ve provided is priceless! Thanks!
Hi Larry, you are most welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Hi dear Anne. I like so much your writing and the nice explanation about my beloved humpback. I watched them in Baja California. And near Glacier Bay Alaska..I think they are very special whales.I kissed a Gray whale mama and her baby in San Ignzio lagoon .
Thanks for sharing this interesting details about them.
You are great ilana
Hi Ilana, you are great too! Thank you so much for your kind words, they are much appreciated 🙂 That must be quite an experience to touch the gray whale – we’re not allowed to touch the whales here.
Love the whales, thanks for the share.
Many thanks Vaughn!
Love the landscape last shot. Glad it isn’t on fire there.
Hi Jan, Thank you! I like the last photo too because it shows more of the surrounding area so you really get a feel for what it’s like to be out on the water here. Thanks for your visit and comments 🙂