Humpback Whales In Their Glory

It was another day of beautiful weather on the North Island, the fog cleared early and the sun was shining brightly from the start, providing everyone with sunshine extending onward through the Labour Day long weekend.

On our tour today we had an incredible viewing of some five Humpback whales early on in the tour, they were feeding intensively around Donegal Head in the flooding current that was flowing into Weynton Passage and Blackfish Sound. 

What joy it is to watch Humpback whales lunge feeding with all of their might! We watched spell bound as they made their way toward bait balls that were forming, often just ahead of another whale that was also intent on lunge feeding through the same massive bait ball. Overhead gulls were also feeding, and bravely so in the midst of it all, added to that the diving birds, mostly Common Murres today but also Rhinoceros Auklets. It was a remarkable feeding frenzy that we witnessed of many species gathered to feed, some small and others giant, on tiny fish far smaller than they.

There were Dall’s porpoises darting back and forth nearby as we sat watching the feeding frenzy of the Humpbacks and we saw Harbour Seals and Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on rocky outcrops. Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes, Black Turnstones, Bald Eagles and Pigeon Guillemots were also seen; all of them added greatly to the fabulous viewing we so enjoyed today.

Yes, we have to admit that the Humpbacks were definitely the stars of our adventure, but all of it was wonderful and awe-inspiring, including the wondrous scenic visuals we were gifted on this beautiful day.

It was good for all of us to spend this time appreciating the sea life in our surroundings and also to comprehend that their survival in the wild is motivated mostly by finding enough food to sustain their lives and that of their off-spring.