Humpback whale breach

  • A humpback whale breaches off the Big Island, Hawaii
  • A humpback whale breaches off the Big Island, Hawaii
  • A humpback whale breaches off the Big Island, Hawaii

This is the first of a pair of similar posts for Becky’s April Squares challenge theme of ‘Bright.’ (See more responses here.)

Early last month, I was nearing the end of a walk on a trail along a west-facing shore in North Kohala. I looked out toward the late-afternoon sun sparkling on the water and thought I saw a paddleboarder. A moment later, the paddleboarder fell into the water, then miraculously emerged again. I realized this was not a person, but a humpback whale slapping a pectoral fin. The whale was close enough to shore that the long fin appeared human-sized.

I moved to the shoreline, sat on a rock, and got my camera ready. The whale moved on underwater. So I returned to the trail, looked back one last time, and saw a different whale breach a little farther out. Back to the shoreline and my seat, camera again ready.

This whale was more cooperative and launched itself upward again. I was able to get these images which, shooting into the sun, look almost black and white.

28 thoughts on “Humpback whale breach”

        1. Graham Post author

          Glad you liked them. I’ve spent a considerable time with my camera at the ready and got nothing so this was very rewarding.

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  5. bushboy

    Such a wonderful experience. I am also lucky enough to live close enough to the coast to go over when the whales are migrating up and down. Some spots get rather crowded now-a-days though. Great photos Graham 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham Post author

      They’re awesome aren’t they Brian? There are a few spots that can get crowded here, but mostly one can always find a quiet spot to watch the show.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Kitty

    Tha casual way you’re describing this makes me laugh out loud. “Went for a walk and oh btw.. saw one of the most incredible creatures jump out of the water and yeah.. got some really amazing pictures.. as you do… you know? Amazing.. 👌♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham Post author

      Well, I’m English so that might explain it! I will say though that even after years of seeing them, I still react out loud when I see humpbacks breach.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham Post author

      I agree. They’re mostly gone from Hawaii now on their way back to Alaska, but there are still a few around. I think I’ve heard more singing this year than in previous years.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Graham Post author

          Yes, the males sing. It’s really quite beautiful and when I hear it I always pop my head out of the water to see if I can see the whale, but the songs can travel many miles.

          Liked by 1 person

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