There has been a change in the size and composition of humpback whale groups sighted within Hervey Bay as the season progresses. In the first weeks of August, yearlings one-year old whales and sub-adults immature individuals of both gender were mainly found in the bay. This is the time where you are more likely to be mugged by whales.
By late August, mature females come in the area, followed by mature males and their songs can be heard throughout the bay. In mid-to-late season, i. September to October, the majority of groups sighted are mother-calf pairs as they tend to be the last groups to migrate south to the Antarctic feeding grounds. Using photo-identification , we know that some mother-calf pairs may stay more than a week within the bay.
Mother-calf pairs have the strongest and more lasting bond within humpback whales. The calf will stay with its mother for about a year until it is weaned. During that time, it will feed on a fat rich milk to put on weight very quickly and be able to migrate to the feeding grounds with its mother. Both mother and calf may participate at the same time, making it a priceless photo if you get the shot.
Being able to observe whales in their natural habitat, especially mother-calf pair interactions, is a real privilege. I am always in awe to witness such a strong bond and how gentle mothers can be toward their calves despite their size. Calves swim very closely to their mothers, especially in the early stages of their life, for protection from predators such as killer whales.
Some mothers appear more protective of their calves, staying away from a vessel. Others, on the other hand, are more relaxed and will approach a vessel with their calves. Mothers are also very protective of their calves in the presence of one or several escorts, often swimming between her calf and escort s , as she may be harassed by the escort exhibiting vigorous and aggressive behavior such as head lunges.
