#whale watch

[aerynwrites]

Went on a whale watch today!!

[microgeneration]

[something-tofightfor]

A whale of an update ( i hate myself for that don’t worry)

Whale watching trip 2 was successful after the disappointment that was California last fall.

[toxic-north]

I love watching year old orcas leaping out of the water, spy hopping and playing with their siblings. Those little faces are soo cute and those eye patches melt my heart every time! You know you can ID an orca by its dorsal fin, it’s saddle patch OR the eye patch? All are unique to each animal.  The dorsal fin and saddle patches often have marks and scars from fighting with each other, fighting with breakfast, or from boats/ fishing gear. Those scars and marks help us ID each orca. Their eye patch shape is genetic, and you can see trends in shape through matralines!  PS: the eye patch is NOT the eye. The large white spot is actually BEHIND the eye, which is much smaller.  PPS: Eye patch shape and size very between ecotypes.

[mysticete]

Here’s a photo of my favorite humpback “shuffleboard” feeding. I love her pink pleats, she feeds with such energy!

Photo credit: Seven Seas Whale Watch (not me)

[m-r-h-42]

[airplanes924]

[noaasanctuaries]

Visiting Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary? 

The Dolphin SMART program helps protect wild dolphins by encouraging responsible viewing of marine mammals. By giving dolphins plenty of space, you can help dolphins in the Keys thrive!  

(Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA)