May 20th - Anvil the humpback, what a show off!
Anvil the humpback giving us lots of tail slaps and tail lobs on Sunday! Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
The Salish Sea has been experiencing a "Humpback Comeback" over the past several years and we couldn't be more thrilled! We've encountered more and more unknown individuals making their way through the Strait for the first time, as well seeing recognized individuals that have come back for another season of plentiful prey.
Look closely at the top of the right side of the fluke to see the anvil that has given this whale its nickname. Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
On Sunday, May 20th we got to spend the afternoon with an exuberant giant named "Anvil" who is recognized by having a lot of white on the underside of its fluke. When the underside of the fluke is more than 80% white it is classed as a " BCZ" whale. Anvil's scientific code is even more unique because this whale was first listed in the Clayoquot Sound catalogue rather than the DFO catalogue, so the code starts with CS. Anvil's full scientific code name is BCZ-CS513. The nickname is derived from the black anvil shape on the top of the right side of its fluke.
This lucky sailor is not only enjoying a windy day in the Strait! Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
Having over 80% white on its fluke makes Anvil a BCZ whale. Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
Many of our humpback encounters are spent watching a traveling or feeding whale; looking for a blow and crossing our fingers for a fluke shot. Those days are great and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have a growing population of these gentle giants in our backyard, but it is always extra special when we get to see some acrobatics! Anvil did not fail to disappoint in this regard. Tail lobs and tail slaps, this whale made sure everyone was entertained!
So much power in these tail lobs! Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
Photo by Kaitlyn Watson.
We're hearing about more and more humpbacks arriving each day, so if witnessing a humpback whale in wild British Columbia is on your bucket list, this is certainly the time of year to book your tour! Come watch these giants play!