Courting whales in combat

9 February 2013, we were on a Pacific Whale Foundation excursion out of Lahaina, Maui. We were out in a Zodiac. We had been watching a "Competition Pod" which consists of one female Humpback and at least 2 males, perhaps several more males. The males are all trying to be in the position of prominence in the hopes of being chosen to mate with the female. Typical huh? Just like people.
In any event the whales fight like sumo wrestlers, bashing each other with their 45 ton bulk. The brawl goes on beneath the surface so we don't get to see much but we know they are there.

Suddenly a Male did a very aggressive head thrust.

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What an amazing experience this must be! Great photos!

I know these are off HI, but my mother and I along with a few friends are going to the breeding grounds in the Dominican Republice next March (2014) to visit our population of whales. We'll actually be able to get in the water with them. It'll be a trip of a lifetime for us. I'm hoping to get some above the surface activity like this too!

Fantastic!!!! Thank you for sharing!

Wonderful series - but I'd like to be in something more substantial than a Zodiac!

Awesome shots, Skip, I bet they rocked your little boat!

Zipline wrote in post #15647826
What an amazing experience this must be! Great photos!

I know these are off HI, but my mother and I along with a few friends are going to the breeding grounds in the Dominican Republice next March (2014) to visit our population of whales. We'll actually be able to get in the water with them. It'll be a trip of a lifetime for us. I'm hoping to get some above the surface activity like this too!

That should be an awesome experience. Careful around the young whales. They are so exuberant, they are like active 4,00 pound puppies

blinkeredfilly wrote in post #15647832
Fantastic!!!! Thank you for sharing!

You're quite welcome. It was a great time, already looking forward to the trip next year.

Pjay wrote in post #15647834
Wonderful series - but I'd like to be in something more substantial than a Zodiac!

Actually it is a good sized Zodiac, holds about 20 people. We also go out on their larger craft. http://www.pacificwhal​e.org/content/meet-our-vessels

Wallace River wrote in post #15647875
Awesome shots, Skip, I bet they rocked your little boat!

Oh yes, just the pitching due to wind and waves can have quite an effect. I shoot with the spray and pray method to try to get the sweet spot of the action. In the following series I was again on a Zodiac that was really pitching hard, not to mention that the leaping school bus was only about 75 yards. Consequently in was a lot of water-water-fish-fish-fish-sky-sky-sky-sky-fish/splash-water-water. This was last year.

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Good images! I am heading there at the end of March and hoping they are still around. I had my first taste of whale photography last summer with a pod of Orcas. You have to attempt to guess where they are going to be and be quick with the shutter when they do. Tough to get a decent image but it sure feels good when you do.

BrianB. wrote in post #15655577
Good images! I am heading there at the end of March and hoping they are still around. I had my first taste of whale photography last summer with a pod of Orcas. You have to attempt to guess where they are going to be and be quick with the shutter when they do. Tough to get a decent image but it sure feels good when you do.

While February is the prime time, you should still see whales into April. As far as successful captures, it is better to be lucky than good although "Chance favors a prepared mind."

Have a good time.

Stunning shots love the one,s with all the spray you have a a marvellous day on the water

What fun that must have been! The size is just stunning.

Great set and thanks for sharing! Whales are majestic animals!

great pics. thanks for sharing

Simply wonderful!

Every time I see pics or video of these majestic beauties, I'm left in awe!

Thank you so much for sharing, and perhaps for risking your life in the first place, to get these photos!

Regards,

Simon

Wonderful!! What a great experience that must have been.