On the morning of May 31, it was a thrill to locate no fewer than six fin whales between Prince Shoal and Île Rouge. I was lucky enough to admire two fin whales in the distance and a tight group of four dynamic individuals. I believe I’ve photographed and identified the fin whale Orion in this group. I will send my photos to the specialist at the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), who will surely confirm this ID. Stay tuned!

Here is a video showing this beautiful quartet of fin whales:

There were also nearly a dozen minke whales in the same area, numerous belugas in the mouth of the Saguenay, quietly leaving the Fjord, many terns and an increased presence of handsome kittiwakes.

Here are the photos of the day:

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Field Notes - 4/6/2016

Renaud Pintiaux

GREMM research assistant from 2003 to 2009 and from 2012 to 2014, Renaud Pintiaux is a passionate observer and photographer. Year round, whether from shore or on the water, he takes every opportunity to observe marine mammals and birds in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

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