September 18th - An encounter with Frankenstein the humpback!
It’s almost fall, which means it’s almost Halloween, so yesterday’s encounter with humpback whale named “Frankenstein” is quite fitting!
Cascadia and Keta left in beautiful sunny, flat calm conditions at 11am and searched all throughout the northern part of the Strait of Georgia. We saw a haul out full of harbour seals, some huge steller sea lions, plus Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins before hearing a report of a humpback nearby.
Humpback whale KEX0005 “Frankenstein” was found just outside of Active Pass. This whale has a fairly angular dorsal fin as well as a unique fluke print. The fluke pattern is mostly dark gray, but if you look on the left side you’ll notice markings that look a lot like stitches - that’s where Frankenstein got its name!
This whale has been seen in our area before but this might be the first time anyone has seen it up here in 2018! Here are some of the best photos taken by the crew that day.
Frankenstein preparing for a deep dive. Photo by Rodrigo Menezes
On its way to the depths! Photo by Rodrigo Menezes
Fluke waterfall! Photo by Val Watson
Pacific Whitesided dolphins are an uncommon sighting, what a treat! Photo by Val Watson
A couple whitesides coming up for air. Photo by Val Watson
Franken-fluke! Can you see why this whale is named Frankenstein? Photo by Val Watson