It was a whale of a time

A Humpback Whale emerges from the waters off Hawaii
A Humpback Whale slaps its tail in the waters off Hawaii

The Humpback Whale season is drawing to a close. This past week or so, I’ve seen the odd one here or there, but that’s it. Before that, we’ve enjoyed a prolific season with lots of whales and lots of activity from them. Alas, none of those things translated into the kind of whale photos I long to capture, but it was, as always, a pleasure to see them. Not just to see them actually. This year, while snorkeling, I heard more whale singing than I have in several years.

Now, they’re heading to their Alaskan feeding grounds. For the calves, this is a perilous journey. Collisions with boats and entanglement in drifting fishing gear is a danger for all whales, but especially juveniles. Then there are predators, such as Orca Whales, which prey on the calves. But those that make it are part of a growing population of Humpbacks, as they rebound from their perilously low numbers before protections were introduced.

10 thoughts on “It was a whale of a time”

  2. kzmcb's avatarkzmcb

    They are really great to see, aren’t they? I’m with you, I never get the capture I dream of, even when I use a ‘proper’ camera. Maybe they’re one of those things we’re meant to just enjoy in the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

      There are several special photos I’d like to get, but I always try to remember that it’s not about the photos, it’s the experience that counts.

      Liked by 1 person

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