Humpback Pictures

While the main focus of this blog is my mountain climbing goals, I could not miss the opportunity to share another one of my passions--nature photography--especially since I was given a great opportunity to take pictures last Saturday.

Part of my job in marine research involves perks such as watching humpback whales get tagged in Stelwagon Bank Marine Sanctuary. You never really realize how big a whale is until you see it up close.
These photos were taken by my personal camera, a Canon XSI, with a 55-200mm lens. Note: the tagging activities depicted in these photos are sanctioned by NOAA and the federal government.

Humpbacks are part of a group of whales known as lunge feeders. These animals, which are among the most intelligent in the cetacean family, will often feed cooperatively. They swim in tight circles underwater, gathering choice fish (usually American Sand Lance) which they then force to the top of the water column with giant bubbles of air. Then, each whale takes a turn swimming to the top, taking a giant gulp of water, and forcing it out with a tongue that can weigh more than an elephant. Breaching, the moment when the whale breaks the surface, is a coveted shot in nature photography. Unfortunately, it is notoriously hard to capture on film because it is very difficult to ascertain where the whale will emerge. More pictures coming soon.