Nov. 11, 2005
 The public whale watches have ended for the season, but not before passengers and Whale Center staff were treated to numerous sightings and exciting behaviors. Most of the sightings occurred within a few miles of Gloucester and consisted of numerous adult humpback whales. Individuals in the area included: Chromosome (male, first seen in 1991), Clamp (female, 1990 calf of Octave), Coral (male, 1988 calf of Silver), Diablo (female, 1983 calf of Five-J), Echo (female, first seen in 1988) & calf, Grommet (male, 1997 calf of Sloop), Highlighter (first seen in 1993), Nile (female, 1987 calf of Mars), Patchwork (first seen in 1997), Shards (male, 1991 calf of Splinter), Tornado (female, 1988 calf of Fringe), Trident (female, 1982 calf of Snake Eyes).
Surveys for North Atlantic right whales continue on Jeffreys Ledge. Although we have not seen a right whale to date, we are hopeful that individuals will begin to move into the area over the next few weeks. Plankton samples from various locations on the ledge indicate a slow increase in abundance of small plankton (the food source for right whales). Although right whales are still absent from Jeffreys Ledge, humpback whales, fin whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and numerous harbor porpoise are recorded on each trip. Many of the same humpbacks listed above have been visiting Jeffreys for some late season feeding before many head south to the breeding grounds. Additions to the list include the following whales only seen on Jeffreys Ledge: 2-3 White Spot (female, first seen in 1979), Bilbo (female, first seen in 1977), Lightning (female, first seen in 1978) & calf and Putter (male, 1993 calf of Mars).
 UPDATE: We have some good news to pass along regarding a well-known male from the population. On October 22, 2005 during a whale watch trip just off of Cape Ann, MA, Whale Center staff member Cara Pekarcik photographed Coral (1988 calf of Silver) with a set of buoys trailing behind the whale (see photo). Although numerous attempts were made to photograph the exact point of attachment, little information could be gathered about the presumed entanglement. Photographs and information were passed along to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies Disentanglement Team, but because of increasing rough seas, the team was forced to stand-by and wait for another sighting of this individual. We are happy to report that Whale Center staff member Kathy Gilmour did photograph Coral on November 6, 2005 gear free. No trailing buoys were seen in the area and Coral was feeding and diving with no apparent abrasions or obvious gear.
Oct. 13, 2005
 The feeding season is quickly coming to a close, but Stellwagen Bank continues to be a productive fall feeding ground. We continue to see a large number of juvenile and adult humpback whales just a few miles from shore. Our staff members and whale watch passengers have been treated to close looks at the whales as they surface after feeding in the middle to lower portion of the water column. This type of deep feeding behavior has become an annual event on Stellwagen Bank and in areas to the west of the bank (see surface filtering photo). Some of the individuals seen in the area are familiar faces from previous fall seasons. These humpbacks include: Beanie (female, 2000 calf of Tornado), Buzzard (male, 2000 calf of Reflection), Howler (first seen in 2002), Inchworm (2001 calf of Bolide), Jabiru (first seen in 2002), Jungle (female, 2000 calf of Slugger), Nudibranch (male, 2000 calf of Cardhu), Polevault (2001 calf of Echo) and Salps (female, first seen in 2004). We have consistently seen these individuals during the past few fall seasons feeding in areas off of Boston as well as just south of Cape Ann, MA.
In addition to the regular juvenile visitors, we have also seen a number of other juveniles in the area. Some of these individuals have not been seen on Stellwagen Bank in a few years, but have returned this season in order to feed. These whales include: Banyan (1998 calf of Glo), Branch (male, 1999 calf of Anvil), Cirri (2002 calf of Wizard), Compass' 2003 calf, Deneb (first seen in 2003), Evolution (first seen in 2002), Milkweed (2000 calf of Zeppelin), Molson's 2004 calf, Percent (2002 calf of Sabot), Thimble (2003 calf of Leukos), Tulip's 2002 calf, and Solas (2001 calf of Nine).
You may notice that many of these humpback whales were born or first seen between 2000 and 2004, but these are not the only whales on Stellwagen Bank this fall. Adult humpback whales are also feeding in the area. Sometimes, they keep their distance from the juveniles and other times, they join to form deep diving groups numbering 8-10 or more individuals! Nile and Leukos were also seen in the area this past week.
 Whale Center staff members recently set out on Silver II in order to collect a skin sample (biopsy) of each individual (the photo shows a biopsy dart heading toward a humpback). We were able to biopsy a number of the adults in the area, including: Abrasion (female, 1997 calf of Right Bar), Flask (male, first seen in 1981), Kilter (male, 1989 calf of Leukos), and Wizard (female, 1990 calf of Petrel). These biopsy samples (from both the adults and juveniles) are used for age determination and stable isotope analysis as well as for contribution to a humpback DNA archive at the American Museum of Natural History.
Although the whale watch season is slowing coming to an end, the Whale Center of New England will continue research surveys to Jeffreys Ledge. Updates will continue, so please visit our website for future sightings information.
Sept. 28, 2005
Over the past few years, the fall season has brought a number of interesting sightings to the southern Gulf of Maine and this year appears to be no different. Juvenile humpback whales are one of the most common sightings in the fall. These smaller whales appear to return to the area each year in order to feed on plankton. This year, many of these feeding bouts are taking place in areas very close to shore including just a few miles outside of Boston Harbor and just off the coast of the beaches on Cape Ann, MA. Most of these individuals are traveling and feeding alone, but they may occasionally form small groups and feed together. These individuals include: Aswan (male, 2000 calf of Nile), Banyan (1998 calf of Glo), Beanie (female, 2000 calf of Tornado), Buzzard (male, 2000 calf of Reflection), Compass' 2003 calf, Deneb (first seen in 2002), Dynamite (first seen in 1997), Geometry (male, 1997 calf of Star), Hashi (first seen in 2003), Howler (first seen in 2002), Jabiru (first seen in 2002), Jungle (female, 2000 calf of Sickle), Kappa (2000 calf of Fan), Mantis (1998 calf of Haze), Polevault (2001 calf of Echo), Pumpkin Seed (first seen in 2002), Salps (first seen in 2004), Sasquatch (first seen in 2004), Thimble (2003 calf of Leukos), and Wiper (first seen in 2004).
In addition to these younger humpback whales, we continue to photograph adults in the area including: 2-3 White spot, Colt, Compass, Dome, Flask, Midnight, Obtuse, Rapier, Venom, and Wizard. These adults are also taking advantage of the food in the area and have been feeding on both the northern and southern portions of Stellwagen Bank.
 In addition to the humpback whales, sightings of numerous fin whales continue in the area. The photo shows one of the fin whales' most distinct characteristic - the asymmetrical jaw coloration. The right lower jaw of every fin whale is white in color, while the left side is brown. Fin whales have been numerous on both Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge.
 Although different species of whales are the highlight of a research trip and whale watch, other marine mammal sightings are certainly worth a look. Recently on a whale watch cruise to Stellwagen Bank, a juvenile harbor seal surfaced along-side the boat. Young harbor seals are common in the area, even far off shore. They are born in May and June and stay with their mother's for a few weeks before they are weaned. This harbor seal was photographed while rolling around with seaweed in its mouth (see photo).
The Whale Center is pleased to report that our annual right whale surveys have started on Jeffreys Ledge. This is our third season conducted dedicated surveys of the ledge in order to learn more about the presence and absence of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. We do not have any right whale sightings to report at this time, but please continue to check our website for updated information on this valuable research.
Sept. 9, 2005
Humpback and fin whales sightings continue on various portions of Stellwagen Bank. Many of the humpback whales seen during the first week of September were adults that have been occupying the area for the past few weeks. These adults include: Abrasion (first sighting this season), Apostrophe, Barb, Cardhu (first sighting on Stellwagen Bank this season), Colt, Coral, Fulcrum, Geometry, Grackle, Rapier, Sabre, Sloop, Soot, and Tusk (first sighting on Stellwagen Bank since 1992). These adults appear to be moving around and not staying in one particular area for an extended period of time. Three other adults (females, Owl, Nile and Leukos) have been permanent fixtures on Stellwagen for at least the past 3 or 4 weeks. It seems as though they are also unsettled in their movements, showing up on the northern corner of the bank, but also traveling to the southern portion for periods of time. Most of these adults have been deep feeding in the area and resting between meals. We have also seen many cases of surface activity, including a day when Cardhu (female, first seen in 1980) and Coral (male, 1988 calf of Silver) were seen flipper slapping for nearly 30 minutes!
 On a more serious note, Whale Center of New England staff members also recorded a number of photographs of a young adult humpback named Fulcrum (1997 calf of Chimney). In just a few years, Fulcrum has been injured by a ship strike (first noted by Whale Center staff in 2002), and is now entangled in some type of line (see photo). Staff members notified the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies disentanglement network and several attempts have been made to photo-document the individual and assess the extent of the entanglement. This is the second time in just a few weeks that the Whale Center has photographed a known entangled humpback. Prior to the sighting of Fulcrum, the adult male named Regulus (1983 calf of Bilbo) was also photographed on southern Stellwagen Bank with a serious entanglement around his body. As with Fulcrum and any other whale spotted with a visible entanglement, the Whale Center will continue to stand by the whale and document all sightings to further help the disentanglement team.
 In addition to the adults seen on Stellwagen, we are starting to see a number of juveniles in the area. Some are in areas with the adults, while some have taken up residency in other places close to shore where we believe (based on past years) these whales are filter feeding on amphipods (a type of plankton). These juveniles include: Bullet 2002 calf, Corona 2003 calf, Eden (female, 2001 calf of Filament - first recorded fourth generation whale), Inchworm (2001 calf of Bolide), Hat trick (1st seen in 2003), and Sasquatch (1st seen in 2004). Most of these whales are filter feeding consistently in the area (see photos).
 We have also seen a few species of toothed whales. The most common sighting is the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, but we are very happy to report that we have also photographed long-finned pilot whales in the area. These toothed whales reach lengths of 12-15 feet and weigh as much as 4 tons. These whales are distinct in the field because of their black coloration, bulbous forehead and thick dorsal fin (see photo). These toothed whales travel in social groups called pods and can number a few hundred individuals per group. Pilot whale are generally found farther offshore where they feed on squid.
August 31, 2005
August has turned out to be an exciting month on Stellwagen Bank. We have seen numerous adult and juvenile humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, sei whales and the occasional North Atlantic right whale in the area. In addition, toothed whale species have also been seen including Atlantic white-sided dolphins and long-finned pilot whales.
Most of these whales have been moving in and out of the area on a regular basis, but we have noticed a pattern with adult humpbacks on the northwest corner of Stellwagen Bank. Very well-known individuals have been feeding, resting and expending some extra energy in the area over the past few weeks. These individuals include: Leukos (female, 1st seen in 1982), Nile (female, 1987 calf of Mars) and Owl (female, 1986 calf of Falco). In addition to these regular occupants, the northern portion of Stellwagen has been visited by many other adults, both male and female. They include: Abrasion (female, 1997 calf of Right Bar), Barb (male, 1987 calf of Tiger), Colt (male, 1981 calf of Crane), Coral (male, 1988 calf of Silver), Ebony (female, 1st seen in 1980) & calf, Geometry (male, 1997 calf of Star), Midnight (female, is seen in 1979), Regulus (male, 1983 calf of Bilbo), Sabre (male, 1st seen in 1980), Soot (1st seen in 1999), Vulture (female, 1st seen in 1988) and Wizard (female, 1990 calf of Petrel).
 These adults have been feeding both at the surface and while on deep dives in the area, but we have even seen breaching, flipper slapping and lob-tailing from these adults. These behaviors are extremely rare - we only see them in about 10% of our humpback sightings each year! We have also seen many interactions between these adults and the boats in the area (some of our first close-to-boat behavior all year). One of the most common behaviors seen during this behavior is the spy-hop (the whale brings its head out of the water at a 90° angle). We also seen the whales bringing their heads out of the water at a 45° angle (see photo) during this social interaction. Both behaviors may help the whales see objects in their environment, whether a boat or another whale.
 Juveniles have also been photographed in the area, most recently during feeding bouts along the eastern edge of Stellwagen Bank. Many of these individuals were seen filter feeding on Stellwagen Bank during the early portion of the 2004 fall season. We will have to continue to follow these individuals over the years to see if Stellwagen becomes a regular feeding ground certain whales during the fall. These whales include: Aswan (male, 2000 calf of Nile), Chasm (1st seen in 2003), Evolution (1st seen in 2002), Hat Trick (1st seen in 2003), Kansas (1st seen in 2002), Polevault (2001 calf of Echo), Sasquatch (first seen in 2004) and Wasabi (male, 2003 calf of Salt). Most of these juveniles are named after distinct marks on the underside of their tails, including Kansas who is named for the thick black vertical line on the lower left hand-side of its fluke. This mark looks like a tornado and since that name was already taken, we voted to name this juvenile Kansas (if you have seen the Wizard of Oz, you will understand the name).
August 17, 2005
What an exciting few weeks on the feeding grounds of the southern Gulf of Maine! Scientists from the Whale Center have been recording information on Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge over the past few weeks. In addition, staff scientist Cara Pekarcik and Whale Center intern Amy Smith joined CRESLI (Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island) and the Viking Fleet (Montauk, NY) for a trip to the Great South Channel.
During the past few seasons, scientists have recorded large numbers of humpback whales feeding in this deep water channel located between the Nantucket Shoals and George's Bank. Because individual sightings are valuable for long-term studies of these large whales, the Whale Center and other research organizations have visited these waters in the hopes of learning more about this endangered population. Although sea conditions were not ideal, the Whale Center managed to identify a number of different whales in a area near the western portion of the channel. Some of the individuals noted in the area included humpbacks identified on a earlier trip to the channel during the tagging project (see earlier sightings updates) but also included a few new individuals. Most importantly, the Whale Center was able to gather important information on the six calves that were seen in the area. Sightings included: Binary (female, 1st seen in 1988) & calf, Blackhole (female, 1st seen in 1998) and calf, Canopy (female, 1998 calf of Valley), Crystal (male, 1980 calf of Salt), Danforth (2001 calf of Anchor), Dracula (female, 1st seen in 1990), Duckpin (1st seen in 1999), Echo (female, first seen in 1988) & calf, Firefly (female, 1st seen in 1990), Infinity (male, 1st seen in 1997), Lariat (1st seen in 2001), Leonid (1st seen in 2003), Loon (female, 1st seen in 1985), Polaris (male, 1st seen in 1984), Purity (female, 1st seen in 1979) & calf, Saloon (1st seen in 2000), Spike (1st seen in 1985), Springboard (female, 1st seen in 1997), Tectonic (1st seen in 1997), Tilt (1st seen in 1997), Tunguska (male, 1997 calf of Leukos), and Zeppelin (female, 1989 calf of Milkyway) & calf.
Most of the behaviors recorded during the trip involved the calves who were at the surface while the adults stayed down on deeper dives. During most of the trip, bait was present on the echo-sounder anywhere between 50 and 100 feet. It is possible that the adults in the area were deep feeding on the bait while the calves stayed at the surface (the calves are still nursing from their mother's milk). Zeppelin's calf and Firefly's calf were the most active while we were in the area. Both even came over to the boat on numerous occasions, possibly out of curiosity. We calves were rolling around at the surface and diving under the boat. The passengers enjoyed up close and personal looks at these young whales.
 The highlight of the trip came late in the day on Monday, August 15th when the breaching behavior began! At one point, you could see breaching behavior from any direction on the boat. Zeppelin's calf (who was closest to us at the time) breached several times right alongside the vessel (see photo). This behavior is only seen in about 10% of our humpback sightings throughout the season, so this truly was a rare experience. We even had the opportunity to see a breaching minke whale. The minke breached over 20 times as we made a slow approach into the area. We did see a handful of minke whales during the trip, but usually they were just traveling and quickly dove out of sight.
 Humpback, fin and minke whales continue to visit Stellwagen Bank in order to feed on sand lance. Humpback whales identified in the area include: Barb (male, 1987 calf of Tiger), Compass (female, 1st seen in 1984), Coral (male, 1988 calf of Silver), Dome (female, 1st seen in 1986), Evolution (1st seen in 2002), Grackle (male, 1997 calf of Zebra), Lascaux (2001 calf of Molson), Leukos (female, first seen in 1982), Midnight (female, 1st seen in 1979), Nile (female, 1986 calf of Mars), Sasquatch (first seen in 2004), Soot (first seen in 1999), and Simoom (1st seen in 2002). Behaviors have varied between open-mouth feeding (see photo) and resting (also known as logging because the whales look like logs floating at the surface). Leukos has also been popular with the whale watch boats in the area because she has moved in close to the boats on many occasions and stayed along the boat rolling and interacting with the vessel just like many of the calves from the Great South Channel.
July 31, 2005
 We finally have confirmation that sand lance are present on Stellwagen Bank. Sightings over the past week and a half have included humpback whales identified as Coral, Ember, Grackle, Soot and Tulip & calf as well as numerous adult fin whales and minke whales. In some cases, the number of minke whales seen within a one to two mile radius reached a total of 15-20 individuals! The humpback whales in the area have been resting and feeding on the southern portion of Stellwagen Bank. During the feeding bouts, the humpbacks are utilizing the bubble feeding technique that is common for this area.
We have also seen Coral lobtail feeding. During this feeding technique, humpbacks will slam their tails down on the surface of the water before they dive below their prey. We believe that this technique stuns the prey at the surface, giving the whale more time to feed. Coral has a very specific way of feeding with this method; he will slam his tail at the surface two times before he dives and then you will see just half of his tail break the surface and slash around the prey in a complete circle. He will then complete his dive and return to the surface to feed.
Ember and Tulip also have specific feeding techniques that we have seen over and over again on southern Stellwagen. Ember releases one large bubble below his prey and then surfaces in the center. After taking in a mouthful of fish, he will bend his body in the shape of a 'W'. We believe this contortion of the body may help push more water out of the baleen plates hanging from the roof of the mouth. Tulip uses a technique known as dragging in order to produce the same outcome. After she releases a series of large bubbles to corral the prey, she surfaces with her mouth wide open (see photo) gulping all of the water and prey. She will then close her mouth and begin to move along the surface with her head held at a 45˚ angle. The pressure of the water against her throat is most likely helping to push the massive amount of water out of her mouth.
 In addition to the various sightings of feeding humpback, fin and minke whales, we have been treated to rare sightings of North Atlantic right whales. We believe that at least 3 different mother/calf pairs have been seen on Stellwagen Bank over the past few days in addition to a number of single individuals. Behaviors include skim feeding as well as incredible looks at breaching and flipper slapping!
During whale watch trips, we watch the right whales from a distance designated by federal law. However, during research trips aboard Silver II, but we have had the opportunity to collect additional photo-identification shots of these whales. We have already identified one of these females as #1303, otherwise known as Slash. Slash's calf has been photographed on numerous occasions leaping out the water (see photos). It was certainly an exciting treat to see one of the newest member of this critically endangered population!
July 20, 2005
Humpback whales have continued feeding on Jeffreys Ledge, with various other species traveling through the area as well. Humpbacks have been seen on a daily basis traveling and deep feeding in the area. We still believe that these whales are feeding on herring. We base this idea on the unique feeding technique that the humpbacks have been using the in the area. Humpback whales are known for a feeding technique known as bubble-net feeding, used to corral prey at the surface. Although they are feeding in the middle to lower portion of the water column, many of the individuals (including Clamp, Nile, Quote, Sedge and Tornado) are still using bubbles to feed. A large, single bubble is blown while the whale is down on a deep dive. We think that the whale is using this bubble to scare fish schools into a tighter ball. The whale most likely swims through or near the bubble on its way to the surface and we see the remnants of the bubble after the whale has surfaced and started to travel.
We also have promising news to report on Stellwagen Bank. Over the last few days, sightings have increased to include a number of humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and a North Atlantic right whale mother/calf pair! Although the whale watch vessels were not able to approach the right whale pair, it was exciting to see one of the newest members of this critically endangered species. Most of the humpbacks in the area have been resting, a behavior we refer to as logging because of their appearance in the water. These humpbacks include: Coral (male, 1988 calf of Silver), Ember (male, 1982 calf of Cardhu), Grackle (male, 1997 calf of Zebra), Polevault (2001 calf of Echo), Right Bar (female, first seen in 1981), Salt (female, first seen in 1976), Soot (first seen in 1999) and Tulip (female, first seen in 1988) and her fourth recorded calf.
In addition to these four species (finback whales, humpback whales, minke whales and right whales), we have also seen an additional species in the area: sei whales. The primary food source for the sei whale (as well as the right whale) is the copepod (small plankton). Very little is known about the distribution of this baleen whale, but they are often sighted in unexpected aggregations that can last for days, weeks and even months before completely leaving an area.
 Additional rare sightings in the area include two species of toothed whales: pilot whales and offshore bottlenose dolphins (see photo). Pilot whales are generally found in offshore waters where they hunt for their primary food source, squid. These black-colored whales reach lengths of between 10 and 20 feet (males are generally larger than females) and travel in social groups called pods.
Offshore bottlenose dolphins are similar to the well-known coastal species that you may see while visiting the beaches in states like North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. The only major difference is that the offshore species is more robust in body shape. It is very unusual to see this species in the cold waters in this area, but they have been spotted on at least two different occasions and on both occasions, traveling with numerous
Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
June 27, 2005
 While fin whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins appear to be the two primary species on Stellwagen Bank, humpback whales have moved north to Jeffreys Ledge in search of food. Most of these humpbacks are large adults that have been seen in these areas since the early 1980s! Fin and minke whales are also in the area feeding on the abundance of small herring and krill (see image below). Because of the two different types of prey and their movement through the water column, feeding styles have varied between deep feeding below the surface of the water to lunge feeding (see image) and bubble feeding right at the surface. A majority of the adults in the area are regular visitors to Jeffreys Ledge. They include: Bullet (female, 1st seen in 1981), Bungee (female, 1st seen in 1992) & calf, Cardhu (female, 1st seen in 1980), Clamp (female, 1990 calf of Octave), Flask (male, 1st seen in 1981), Fulcrum (1997 calf of Chimney), Hornbill (male, 1st seen in 1977), Lightning (female, 1st seen in 1977) & calf, Nick (male, 1st seen in 1979), Pinball (female, 1989 calf of Right Bar) & calf, Quote (female, 1st seen in 1984), Right Bar (female, 1st seen in 1981), Satula (male, 1st seen in 1988) and Tornado (female, 1988 calf of Fringe).
 In addition to our regular trips to Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge aboard whale watch vessels and Silver II, the Whale Center of New England is once again participating in a tagging study led by the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS). Whale Center staff scientists Kate Sardi, Mason Weinrich and Cara Pekarcik will join scientists from various other universities, laboratories and institutions on board the NOAA R/V Nancy Foster to continue important tagging work on humpback whales from the southern Gulf of Maine. The Whale Center participated in both the pilot study in 2002 as well as a two-week study last season.
At this time, Kate Sardi has reported back that at least two tagging attempts have been successful. Working under a research permit, D-tags (suction cup tags) are placed on the back of a whale for a period of approximately 20 hours. While on the whale's back, the d-tag will record information about the movement of the whale as well as information about the sounds in the environment. With most studies focusing on the movements and activities of the whales at the surface, we are excited to participate in this innovative study that will help us learn more about the behaviors of these whales while they are down on a dive. The project hopes to learn more about the effects of vessel noise/traffic on whale behavior. By monitoring movement and acoustic sound, we can create a 3-D image of the whale in real-time in order to see if any behavioral changes occur in the presence of a vessel. This 3-D image may also be useful for other implications, including learning more about the feeding behaviors of these whales below the surface. By learning more about their feeding behaviors, we may be able to learn more about how these whales interact with fishing gear in these areas. We will keep you up to date on the tagging project and will post pictures when they become available. Look for more information over the next 2 weeks.
June 17, 2005
It appears as though a prey source is finally available to whales on Stellwagen Bank, bringing sightings of many familiar adult humpbacks. Within the past few days, both scientists and fishermen from the Stellwagen Bank area have reported schools of small herring filling the water column on the southern portion of the bank. This prey source appears to be abundant on the northern portion of the bank as well. This large amount of herring, which is normally found on Jeffreys Ledge throughout the feeding season, appears to have attracted a number of adult humpbacks into the area.
On Sunday, June 12th, Whale Center staff members were delighted to see a number of adult humpbacks along the eastern side of the bank. These whales included: Apostrophe (female, 1985 calf of T-Square), Brine (male, 1987 calf of Salt), Garland (male, first seen in 1988), Lynx (female, first seen in 1982) and Right Bar (female, first seen in 1981). In addition to simple behaviors like fluking (bringing the tail out of the water on a dive), these adults were seen flipper slapping (see photos), lob-tailing (slamming the tail on the surface) and even breaching!
Additional sightings later in the week included two adult males, Badge (first seen in 1987) and Sedge (first seen in 1988). The weather did not cooperate mid-week, but this afternoon (June 17th) there were numerous humpback whales on the northern and southern portion of Stellwagen Bank. Whale Center staff are excited to report additional adults in the area, including: Ase (female, first seen in 1983), Mogul (male, 1986 calf of Parrot), Stub (male, first seen in 1979), Newton (female, 1978 calf of Snowflake), Reaper (female, 1987 calf of Andromeda) and Sickle (female, first seen in 1979) and her 9th recorded calf. Most of these whales were feeding in the middle to lower portion of the water column on herring.
Update: In the previous sightings update, we reported an unidentified humpback mother/calf pair. This mother has been identified as an adult named Urchin. Urchin was first seen photographed in the Great South Channel in 1989. She has been seen sporadically over the years, with her last recorded sighting in 1998. This year's sighting marks the first recorded calf for this female in her sixteen year sighting history.
June 10, 2005
We are happy to report that warm weather and calm sea conditions are helping to increase our coverage of the feeding grounds off the coast of Massachusetts. During the last two weeks, whales have been fairly scarce throughout the area, with an occasional humpback, fin or minke whale reported. Most trips have taken our staff to either the middle section of Jeffreys Ledge or the extreme southern portion of Stellwagen Bank. Most of the sightings have been of the second largest animal in the world - the fin whale.
 In this area, these whales reach average lengths of 60-70 feet (18-20 meters), but in other parts of the world, can reach lengths of around 80 feet (24 meters). The behaviors of some of these fin whales show evidence of deep feeding, but a majority of the behaviors seen are typical of fin whales - breathing and diving. Sometimes, these fin whales will hold their breath for 20 minutes or more! While watching fin whales, Whale Center staff members are busy recording information to help us learn more about this endangered species.
 One of the primary goals is to photograph each individual for identification purposes. Each fin whale has a white wash of color running from the jaw to the dorsal fin (more prominent on the right hand side). This mark is called a chevron and is used along with any scars on the body and the shape of the dorsal (back) fin to catalog individuals. If you look at the photos of the surfacing fin whale, you will see the chevron as it changes color along the right side of the whale. You may also notice a large section of white below the surface of the water as the fin whale first breaks the surface of the water. This white coloration along the bottom jaw is asymmetrical. Fin whales are the only asymmetrically colored mammals that we know of on earth. So, if you were to look at the left side of the whale, you would only see the light to dark brown coloration of the whale on the lower jaw.
Humpbacks have also been seen in the area, although less frequently than the fin whales. Most of the individuals were seen for two or three days maximum and then they move out of the area. On June 1st, Whale Center staff and interns, along with Chris Tessaglia-Hynes from the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology Bioacoustics Research Program traveled to Jeffreys Ledge to retrieve pop-ups (acoustic recording devices). These pop-ups were dropped in mid-March and continuously recorded sounds from the northern portion of Jeffreys Ledge. This drop was part of an on-going partnership with the Bioacoustics Research Program to learn more about large whale presence and usage on Jeffreys Ledge. During this trip, six humpback whales were photographed in different areas along the ledge (most 30-40 miles from Gloucester). These included: Apostrophe (1985 calf of T-Square), Firefly (first seen in 1990) and calf (3rd recorded), Patchwork (first seen in 1997), and another mother/calf pair that we are still trying to identify.
Other humpback whales were seen in the last two weeks including Buckshot (first seen in 1979) and Owl (1986 calf of Falco). These two adult females were seen on a very foggy day last week along with another smaller humpback. We are still waiting for images of this individuals dorsal to see if we can identify this animal.
May 30, 2005
Weather conditions over the past two weeks, including a late season Nor'easter, continue to hinder many of our attempts to get out to search for whales. Just before the large storm blew through the area, the Whale Center was able to visit Stellwagen Bank on various whale watch vessels as well as our research vessel, Silver II, in order to spend some time with three well-known humpback whales: Buckshot (first seen in 1979), Fulcrum (1997 calf of Chimney) and Tornado (1988 calf of Fringe). These three adults were seen together and apart during various times of the day. Activities included resting, flipper slapping, lobtailing and even breaching! Most of the surface activity was noted before the group slip up and the youngest of the three, Fulcrum, headed off on its own. Fulcrum continued to travel around the area and eventually began resting like the two adult females. This resting behavior (called logging because the whales look like logs floating at the surface of the water) may be seen on flat calm days when the whales are able to float at the surface without any threat of water entering their blowholes.
As the wind and waves finally settled late last week, trips resumed to both Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank. It appears as though most of the fin whales that were seen on Jeffreys Ledge just a week before had found other areas to feed. Trips to this area included sightings of numerous minke whales and a few humpbacks scattered about the southern portion of Jeffreys. Reports from our colleagues who visit the northern portion of Jeffreys include humpback, fin and minke whale sightings.
Although recent sightings on Jeffreys Ledge have been sporadic, Memorial Day weekend trips to southern Stellwagen Bank were quite successful. Numerous humpback whales and fin whales were seen feeding on the southwestern edge of the bank. Joining the feeding frenzy where numerous species of birds including northern gannets, greater shearwaters, sooty shearwaters, common terns and Wilson's storm petrels. In the early part of the weekend, numerous bait patches were present at the surface. Whales seen in the area over the course of the weekend included: Shark (first seen in 1984), Coral (1988 calf of Silver) and Tulip (first seen in 1988) and calf. This young calf (4-6 months old) traveled very close to Tulip at all times and was even seen nursing from mom's rich milk. Various other humpback whales were seen in the area, but we are still trying to identify these individuals.
May 16, 2005
Weather during the first week of May hampered many attempts to search for whales in the area, including our annual Earth Day Whale Watch. Recently, however, trips leaving from both Gloucester and Boston have started finding whales on Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. Sightings on Stellwagen have remained consistent with fin whales occupying an area just west of the actually bank. The fin whales were mainly traveling by themselves, but we did photograph a mother and her calf on numerous occasions.
Activity on Jeffreys Ledge has increased over the last few days. We are happy to report that we have seen a number of humpback whales, fin whales and minke whales on the southern portion of Jeffreys Ledge, with more whales reported on the northern portion as well. Both the humpbacks and the fin whales have been feeding in the area. We believe they are feeding on plankton, using techniques like lunge feeding (fin whales) and filter feeding (humpback whales). Birds have been numerous in the area as well. On several occasions, the surface activity created by large numbers of diving Northern gannets caused us to stop and search the area, only to find lunge feeding fin whales. At times, these gannets will fly roughly 40-50 feet above the water in search of prey. When they find what they are looking for, they tuck their wings, straighten their bodies and dive torpedo-like into the water below. Although we have not seen any indication of small fish in the area, these gannets generally feed on small fish such as herring and mackerel, so it is possible that in addition to the plankton, the visiting whales are also feeding on small fish.
Humpbacks seen in the area include: Nile, Siphon, Victim and calf and an unidentified adult. Victim was first photographed in 1988 on Northern Stellwagen Bank. This is the third recorded calf for Victim, who has not been photographed with a calf since 1995! The other two females, Nile (1987 calf of Mars) and Siphon (first photographed in 1988), were seen in the area just last year.
Monday, May 2, 2005
The Whale Center of New England in excited to announce that the 2005 field season has officially started! Although sightings have been sporadic over the past four weeks, we do have a few species already recorded for the season. Early trips were treated to a rare sighting - North Atlantic right whales. Even though we are required by law to watch this critically endangered species from a distance, passengers were still able to see the large broad fluke (tail) and the v-shape spout (exhalation). With less than 350 individuals estimated in the world, these are rare sightings indeed.
 One other interesting sighting to mention is a young humpback whale recently seen inside Boston Harbor! On April 19, 2005, numerous commuter boat captains reported seeing a small humpback whale just off the coast of Hull, Massachusetts. Throughout the day, reports filtered into the Whale Center about this young humpback. Assistant Director Kate Sardi and interns Casey McLean and Chris Howard, already in Boston for a whale watch, worked together with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Everett Police Department and the New England Aquarium to verify the sighting and photograph the individual. After three attempts to locate the whale, it was finally spotted near George's Island. The Whale Center staff watched as the whale swam around the area and even breached (jumped out of the water) for almost 30 minutes straight. Although the identity of this whale has not been determined, the Whale Center will catalog the photographs in the hopes of learning more about this young individual.
Other sightings have included fin whales on Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge as well as additional humpback sightings on Jeffreys. In addition, numerous harbor porpoise have been sighted in the area. This small odontocete (toothed whale) species is generally seen in the spring and, as their name implies, spend a great deal of time in coastal areas (particularly harbors). These porpoise can travel in small groups or as solitary individuals. Because of their small group size and small body size (3-6 feet on average) they may be very hard to spot at the surface.
With the gradual increase in sightings over the last few weeks, staff members are looking forward to the upcoming Earth Day Whale Watch. Please check back to this page often for weekly sighting updates.
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Humpbacks Seen
2-3 White Spot
Abrasion
Amulet
Anvil
Apostrophe
Ase
Aswan
Badge
Banyan
Barb
Barnacle Back
Beanie
Bilbo
Binary & calf
Blackhole & calf
Branch
Brine
Buckshot
Bullet
Bullet 2002 calf
Bungee & calf
Buzzard
Canopy
Capillary
Cardhu
Chasm
Chip
Chromosome
Churn
Cirri
Clamp
Compass
Compass 2003 calf
Coral
Corona 2003 calf
Colt
Cone
Crystal
Cyrano & calf
Danforth
Deneb
Diablo
Deuce & calf
Dome
Draco
Dracula
Duckpin
Dynamite
Ebony & calf
Echo & calf
Eden
Ember
Eruption
Evolution
Fan & calf
Filament
Firefly & calf
Flamingo
Flash
Flask
Freckles
Fulcrum
Garland
Geometry
Grackle
Grommet
Gunslinger
Hashi
Hat Trick
Highlighter
Hornbill
Howler
Inchworm
Infinity
Istar
Jabiru
Jungle
Kansas
Kappa
Kilter
Knuckles & calf
Lariat
Lascaux
Leonid
Leukos
Lightning & calf
Little Spot
Loon
Lynx
Mantis
Measles
Midnight
Milkweed
Mogul
Molson
Molson's 2004 calf
Newton
Nick
Nile
Notch
Nudibranch
Obtuse
Owl
Parrot
Patchwork
PD
Pele
Peninsula
Percent
Pinball & calf
Pipette
Polaris
Polevault
Porcupine
Pumpkin seed
Purity & calf
Putter
Quote
Rapier
Ravine
Reaper
Repeat
Regulus
Right Bar
Rocker
Sabot & calf
Sabre
Salps
Saloon
Salt
Sasquatch
Satula
Scylla & calf
Seal
Sedge
Shards
Shark
Shockwave
Sickle & calf
Simoon
Siphon
Sloop
Smoky
Solas
Soot
Spar
Spike
Springboard
Stub
Sword
Techtonic
Thalassa & calf
Thicket
Thimble
Tigris
Tilt
Timberline
Tornado
Trident
Tripod
Tulip & calf
Tulip's 2002 calf
Tunguska
Tusk
Urchin & calf
Vee
Venom
Vibes & calf
Victim & calf
Vulture
Wasabi
Wiper
Wizard
Zeppelin & calf
Zorro
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