The Curious Eight

Tue, 18 Jul 2017

By Eco Ranger Paul

8 very curious whales today!

What an awesome display of curiosity today, with 8 Humpbacks sighted on today’s whale watch! Fortunately the swell kept to a minimum on the run out today despite the solid northerly wind, and it wasn’t long before we sighted our first pod. A lonesome juvenile approached, seeming to have a good look at us before diving and venturing north. We witnessed 4 pods combine and split in sequence within an hour period, getting to see interactions amongst themselves and with us. A myriad of behaviours ensued including tail slaps, tail throws, pec slaps and head lunging. But the crowd favourite was a spy hop right next to the Tangalooma Jet. This large adult had a good look at us, with its mystical eye that was on show for everyone onboard.

As well as being approached by multiple whales that were ‘people watching’, we also got to witness what I believed to be two large bull males trying to court a female. There were bubble trails, head lunges, multiple tail throws and high speed bursts – behaviours that are associated with male competition.

In all it was a beautiful day out in Moreton Bay Marine Park.

About the author

Eco Ranger Paul

Paul is one of the many passionate Eco Rangers at Tangalooma Island Resort's Marine Education and Conservation Centre. Paul also loves to jump aboard our Whale Watching Cruise and commentate to our guests on the amazing whale behaviour they are witnessing.

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