Humpback Whales Breaching - WOW! - 8/14/09

On Friday, August 14, 2009 I did a double trip (meaning I did the AM and PM trip) out Gloucester, MA with Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch. The morning trip was very slow and the afternoon trip started out the same. The whales were spending a lot of time beneath the surface and hardly lifted their tails allowing us to get the infamous tail shots. Late in the afternoon we caught up with a mother and calf pair of Humpbacks who were resting. The mother was identified as Nile. While we watched them they slowly swam along. We stayed for a little while before looking for more whales. Eventually we caught up with them again, but this time they were full of spunk! Both mom and baby treated us to multiple breaches which is one of natures most amazing and dramatic sights. Here are some photos from this trip, a trip I won't be forgetting anytime soon!
#1 - The calf was first to breach.

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You had a nice day! Some good images here.

Zipline wrote in post #8511170
On Friday, August 14, 2009 I did a double trip (meaning I did the AM and PM trip) out Gloucester, MA with Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch. The morning trip was very slow and the afternoon trip started out the same. The whales were spending a lot of time beneath the surface and hardly lifted their tails allowing us to get the infamous tail shots. Late in the afternoon we caught up with a mother and calf pair of Humpbacks who were resting. The mother was identified as Nile. While we watched them they slowly swam along. We stayed for a little while before looking for more whales. Eventually we caught up with them again, but this time they were full of spunk! Both mom and baby treated us to multiple breaches which is one of natures most amazing and dramatic sights. Here are some photos from this trip, a trip I won't be forgetting anytime soon!
#1 - The calf was first to breach.

#2 - Shortly after, mom Nile burst out of the ocean.

#3 - The calf continued breaching for the next 10 or 15 minutes.

#4 - The calf again...

#5 - ...and again...

#6 - I had just changed my card when the calf breached again. Not having any time to adjust my lens I shot and hoped for the best. This along with the next 2 shots were taken at 135mm according to the EXIF. The photos were cropped just enough to straighten out the horizon.

#7

#8

You can see more shots from this trip as well as my other trips on my site, www.whalesonfilm.com

Enjoy!

those are excellent! and they put my maui whale shots to shame .

ed rader

Wow. those are nice shots. I love them!

Wow, excellent captures! It's interesting about this breaching technique and how they dislodge attached barnicles from their exterior.

Great series!!

Really really great captures, awesome series.

Sam.

Wonderful shots, thanks for sharing!

amazing shots!~

YAYA!!! Love them whales!!!!

Wow. I love them.

Why do they jump out of the water ??

WOW....just awesome pics!!!!!

I am going to Maine next week with the wife and kids, and we are booking a trip out of Newburyport.

Can you tell me what setup you used for these?

I have a 55-250IS I was going to use with a polarizer....is that sufficiant?

Very nice shots!

Thanks everyone! Glad you enjoyed them!

Ed Rader - Trust me when I say it's very rare for me to get such nice shots of these animals. I go whale watching every weekend, but rarely see this type of behavior. It was amazing to say the least!

TheLaird - They don't know for sure why whales breach. There are several theories which include to build up muscle (for the calves), to knock of barnacles, to play, to communicate with each other (sound travels incredibly well in water), and/or to help aid in digestion. Ironically, when these two started breaching it was after the calf nursed quite a bit and then they both rested. Whatever their reason is, it is an absolutely breath taking thing to witness!

Parmcat, I used the Xti with a 75-300mm lens. I love the 300 range as it allows for shots of the whales when they're far away, but the 75 end is to close when the whales approach the boat. I think that the lens you have will suit you just fine. I've tried using a polarizer, but didn't like how my photos came out with it. I think it's partly because I have a cheapy polarizer, but still I don't think I'll use one anymore. Are you going out with the Prince of Whales out Newburyport, MA?

Wonderful shots, Mandy, and I'm sure it was a great experience. I've seen them roll (good photos), but never breach like that.

Hey Zipline,

Yes, I have looked around for different outfits, and the Prince of Whales keeps coming up.

Are they OK?

I am visiting family in Eliot, and staying in York Beach, and this is about 45 min from where we are staying.

Is there an outfit that is considered the BEST?

Parm