Perseid and Her Calf

The best part of watching whales in their natural environment is that up close and personal encounter that no captive situation can provide. No bells, no whistles, no hoops and no fish rewards. The whales are simply doing what they do without any direction from us. . like Perseid and her calf, the stars of yesterday's 'matinee' where I had the privilege of whale watching with two scientists, Sue and Regina, from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

We started our journey in Plymouth, MA past the Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, the Monument to the Forefathers and Plymouth Light. As we sailed past history the, now illegal, whaling industry came to mind. And it is gratifying to know that whale watching and not killing has replaced that part of the economy of Plymouth (and other whaling communities) dating back to 1830's when whale hunting, processing and manufacturing was common practice.

Our destination? Stellwagen Bank, Summer home to the great whales. 

On this day, we met up with Fin Whales, Minke Whales (Pilot Whales were also reported in the area but we didn't see them ourselves. Still, it was exciting to know since it is rare for them to be in this area at this time of year) and Humpback Whales: Tulip and her calf (twice!), Entropy, Venom, Anvil, Tear, Echo, Cygnus and Perseid and her calf.

Humpback whales can be identified by the markings on the undersides of their tails called flukes. These markings are as unique to humpback whales as our finger prints are to us. A catalog of over 4,000 humpback whale tails identifies each one with a picture, name and history. Scientists like Regina and Sue identify and track these whales and others through a database using, photos, time stamps, GPS, behavior and field notes among other detailed information that contributes to our knowledge of whales; who they are, their migration paths, how they interact, hazards they face etc. so we might better protect them. Some of the whales can also be identified by their dorsal fins like that of Cygnus whose dorsal fin was probably injured in rowdy group behavior with other male whales on their breeding ground.

Most all whales are listed on the endangered species list and one, the Right Whale is in danger of extinction.

Although whale hunting has been banned in this country it still continues in many places in the world.  And in spite of its ban here the whales and other marine mammals still face many continuing hazards (Collissions with ships and boats, entanglement in fishing gear, destruction of habitat etc.) that take their lives every year. Even things we don't think about can have a deadly affect on them and in fact, on this trip, we came across and removed balloons from three different locations. Balloons pose an extreme hazard to marine mammals; they can mistake them for food, like jelly fish, and ingest them but they can' digest them.

Here are some photos of Perseid and her calf. Play and mimicking adult behavior is an important part of growing up and learning the skills needed to survive. But, who can say learning can't be fun!