They’re still here!

The North Atlantic right whale “Wolf” has not been seen in the area since Monday, October 5. After 11 days exploring the waters of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and having her photo taken from every angle like a rock star, she seems to have found her way home. During the most recent reported sighting, it was heading east-northeast at a brisk pace, diving for just a few minutes at a time and vigorously slapping its pectorals fins on the surface. We hope to hear from her again soon!

North Atlantic right whales are the focus of very rigorous scientific monitoring along the US coasts. Consequently, we know that Wolf is accustomed to basking in the Florida or Georgia sun during the winter months. Will she be back to visit us next year?

On October 6, two fin whales pass a few nautical miles off Portneuf-sur-Mer and Forestville, en route toward the Gulf. For Mériscope researcher Dany Zbinden, this is a sign: “In summer, we rarely see them in the area, but in the fall, it is common to see them pass through.” Fin whales’ migratory habits remain very mysterious and are being studied by researchers. By placing satellite tags on a few individuals, we hope to learn more about the species’ migratory routes.

From the dunes of Tadoussac, Jessé Roy-Drainville of the Tadoussac Bird Observatory has also been spotting large blasts of passing fin whales. But on land, it is the birds that suggest that winter is right around the corner. “We had a large movement of pine grosbeaks and common redpolls, as well as two golden eagles this past Thursday. It’s a bit concerning, as golden eagles typically pass through much later.” Will winter come early this year?

GREMM researcher Timothée Perrero confirms: “In fall, belugas tend to form large herds. This time of year, when you go out for photo ID work, you can find yourself amidst large gatherings. Sometimes, we see white backs emerging all around the boat, and as far as the eye can see!”

Out in Sept-Îles, Jacques Gélineau recently tallied seven or eight blue whales and nearly a dozen fin whales. “It’s a great year for blues! he exclaims. I’m truly having an exceptional season. Currently, I’m mostly seeing the same individuals again and again. Pairs are continually forming and disbanding. The animals begin to congregate. As the plankton is just 30 or 40 m deep, dives exceed no more than 10 minutes, which facilitates observations. A sort of bonus as the days grow shorter.”

In anticipation of their migration, it is critical that blue whales build up their fat reserves. To do so, they can engulf up to four tonnes of krill a day. Time’s a-wasting; gotta eat! Above this feast, it is the migrating parasitic jaegers that delight Jacques and announce the end of the summer.

The minke whale is the only species recorded by our observers on the west side of the Gaspé. “Despite two long trips out to sea, nothing… except for two minke whales as we were leaving the Matane marina,” points out a regular. “Not even a seal or a porpoise!” Same story for René Roy, who was also out at sea between Matane and Les Méchins: “I’ve been a bit discouraged in my area,” he exclaims. “Usually it’s a very good area for blues, but they’re not here this year. The only thing I saw was minke whales.”

But while observers often seek the rarity of a right whale, the mobility of a pod of humpbacks, or the immensity of a blue whale, others get a kick out of these minke whales that approach the coast and allow for easy viewing from land.