Humpback Whale

[Auminer]

The Humpback Whale is not uncommon to Southeast Alaska as it feeds on herring, other small schooling fish and swarms of krill. They can be seen most anytime of the year in Alaska, but most migrate to milder temperature waters for bearing young. During spring, the animals migrate back to Alaska where food is abundant.

Thought I would present these coming...and going...
(These are uncropped...)

#1 blowhole
#2 purging the water through the Baleen to separate the catch
#3 and #4 diving
#5 gone...

[fujifilmnut]

Great shots. Where did you take the pictures? Were you on a boat?

[High ISO!]

Hi Dave
These are GREAT! What BEAUTIFUL scenery and subjects you have up there!

The sharpness and clarity are just fabulous!!!:goldcup:

I was also wondering where you took these from? Looks like from a boat to me too.

Alissa

[Ross]

these are great :)

Ross

[Auminer]

Great shots. Where did you take the pictures? Were you on a boat?Thanks Jim...nope, see below.These are GREAT! What BEAUTIFUL scenery and subjects you have up there!

I was also wondering where you took these from? Looks like from a boat to me too.Ditto on the beautiful scenery and subjects. :D Nope, shot these just down the way from our place...from shore. I'm learning whale talk and trying to call them in close...(where's that tongue in cheek icon?) Appreciate it Alissa! ;)these are great :)Cheers Ross :cheers:

[fujifilmnut]

What a back yard you got!:cheers:

[Ol'coot]

:bowdown: Great stuff Dave, You are lucky man to live where you do and have the whales, bears and eagles all in your back yard :bowdown:

[Auminer]

What a back yard you got! :cheers:Yes and I've waited for 36 years to get back...patience is a virtue :woot:

[Auminer]

You are lucky man to live where you do and have the whales, bears and eagles all in your back yard :bowdown: Ya as long as they behave :beat: Thanks Tony ;)

[GaryB]

Very nice indeed. Presumably the water gets very deep close in to the shore?

[Auminer]

Presumably the water gets very deep close in to the shore?Yes it does Gary, I was looking for a depth readout for our inlet, but haven't found one yet. Lutak inlet is tucked between two mountain ranges and the Alaska Ferry's (http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/) and the Alaska Marine Line (http://www.lynden.com/aml/index.html) barge's dock just down from us maybe 2 miles. Thank you. :cool:

[Swampy]

#3 & 4 are very nice. The Humpback, as I recall, winters in Hawaii where they calve and mate for several months and then return to Alaska waters.

Actually, they can be found in any major ocean and migrate to warmer waters for calving/breeding, so Hawaii would one spot, they can be found migrating south along the west coast of the US to calve down in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico during the summer. About the only place they don't migrate is the Arabian Sea where they do everything there with no migration.

Here's a shot from me. The Humpback's tails are like finger prints for us, no two are alike.
http://bryanmaine.com/web/DSC_3363e.jpg

[Tom V]

I Hawaii, whales dive for fun. In Alaska, whales dive to escape the mosquitos.

[Igor]

great set Dave! What lens used?

[Auminer]

I Hawaii, whales dive for fun. In Alaska, whales dive to escape the mosquitos.:lol: :woot: :rofl: Can I use your quote? Love it!!

[Auminer]

What lens used?Thanks Igor, it was an idea day, she was in close and I had the 1.7 TC installed on the 300mm f2.8 VR.

Gotta love the combination...that's 'cause I don't have the 500mm. :baldy:

[Lou M]

Oh WOW, I want to move house!