Brier Island / Bay of Fundy
Today was certainly the “Right” day for whales (pun intended!). After a morning of natural history walks on Brier Island, Nova Scotia’s western most point, we set a northern course for the Bay of Fundy. With hopes of seeing at least one of the (speculated) 300 remaining Northern Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) we were beside ourselves when, by days end, we had encountered not one, not two, not ten, but approximately 30 individuals!! That’s 10% of the known population if current figures are accurate. In addition to the staggering numbers these were not passive subjects. As far off as 3-4 miles we were drawn to extreme surface activity which included lobtailing, spy-hopping, pectoral slaps and breaching. Another socializing behavior we witnessed was the occasional bellow or moan that reverberated across today’s glassy, sun soaked water surface. There was usually close, physical contact associated with these calls. For most of the afternoon we were literally surrounded by pairs, small groups or individuals in what was undoubtedly the most humbling experience of the trip.
The name “Right” whale was given to this member of the Balaenidae family by whalers who were confident they had the “right” characteristics to efficiently hunt them. The combination of feeding close to shore, being slow swimmers with great stores of blubber and a propensity to float upon death lead to their near extinction before a 1937 ban on their slaughter. Adding to their low numbers is the fact that females are not fertile until 6-7 years of age and reproduce only once every 3-4 years after that. Despite these figures our time in their company proved they are very social, intimate animals none the less!
To conclude with another painfully sophomoric pun we were without a doubt in the “right” place at the “right” time today. Not a face aboard the National Geographic Explorer was without a smile or sun drenched glow by days end. With Killer Whale and Gray and Harbor Seal sightings to boot, today was truly one for the records!
Today was certainly the “Right” day for whales (pun intended!). After a morning of natural history walks on Brier Island, Nova Scotia’s western most point, we set a northern course for the Bay of Fundy. With hopes of seeing at least one of the (speculated) 300 remaining Northern Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) we were beside ourselves when, by days end, we had encountered not one, not two, not ten, but approximately 30 individuals!! That’s 10% of the known population if current figures are accurate. In addition to the staggering numbers these were not passive subjects. As far off as 3-4 miles we were drawn to extreme surface activity which included lobtailing, spy-hopping, pectoral slaps and breaching. Another socializing behavior we witnessed was the occasional bellow or moan that reverberated across today’s glassy, sun soaked water surface. There was usually close, physical contact associated with these calls. For most of the afternoon we were literally surrounded by pairs, small groups or individuals in what was undoubtedly the most humbling experience of the trip.
The name “Right” whale was given to this member of the Balaenidae family by whalers who were confident they had the “right” characteristics to efficiently hunt them. The combination of feeding close to shore, being slow swimmers with great stores of blubber and a propensity to float upon death lead to their near extinction before a 1937 ban on their slaughter. Adding to their low numbers is the fact that females are not fertile until 6-7 years of age and reproduce only once every 3-4 years after that. Despite these figures our time in their company proved they are very social, intimate animals none the less!
To conclude with another painfully sophomoric pun we were without a doubt in the “right” place at the “right” time today. Not a face aboard the National Geographic Explorer was without a smile or sun drenched glow by days end. With Killer Whale and Gray and Harbor Seal sightings to boot, today was truly one for the records!
