July 30th - Orion the humpback whale showing us some beautiful flukes
Beautiful weather and a nice breeze started the 30th of July off just right. It was meant to be a hot one so when humpbacks were found in the Strait of Georgia where it was breezy, we were stoked!
It was another day of humpback whale soup. Most of our encounter was spent with the individual known as “Orion” (BCX1251). This whale has a uniquely shaped dorsal fin as well a easily identifiable pattern on the underside of its fluke. Photographs taken on the 30th informed us of some new scars this whale acquired over the winter, perhaps from encounters with other whales in the breeding grounds, or a predator such as a shark or killer whale.
Having an updated photograph will help researchers and marine naturalists identify this whale more quickly. Organizations like Keta Coastal Conservation (www.ketacoastalconservation.org) keep track of the growing population of humpback whales along our coast and they publish a free pdf of flukes for anyone to use to ID whales. Head to their website and see if you can find Orion just by matching up the patterns!
Here are some of the best photos taken that day by marine naturalists Rebeka Pirker and Natalie Reichenbacher.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by R.P.
Photo by N.R.
Photo by N.R.