October Enchantment

In La Haute-Côte-Nord, a naturalist and wildlife photographer recounts a snowy encounter with fin whales, including Zipper (Bp097) and Ti-Croche (Bp955) : “I have to admit it was quite chilly, but to have the chance to admire fin whales during a snow shower was absolutely magical.” He also observed the humpback Katana (H944), who was actively feeding for nearly six hours! 

“Strong winds, but gorgeous weather despite the waves: from Pointe à John [Les Bergeronnes], I could see through my binoculars two fin whales, a good-sized pod of about ten belugas, and two minke whales,” reports a North Shore resident. Near Tadoussac, several belugas and minke whales were sighted—sometimes at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, other times swimming in the village bay. Moving about near the end of the wharf in Les Escoumins were harbour seals and grey seals, occasionally joined by a few belugas.

Despite its fairytale quality, the snow serves as a reminder that winter is not far off. The arrival of a few harp seals in the area is another sign that colder months are right around the corner! As winter draws near, female harp seals are beginning their seasonal migration to find sea ice where they will give birth, following a gestation period of nearly seven months. 

In recent days, all eyes have been on the areas around Franquelin and Baie-Comeau! One enthusiast reports seeing nearly five humpbacks and a few fin whales. “For the past week, as soon as the tide comes in, they stay really close to the shore—it’s truly beautiful.” He adds, however, that minke whale sightings are becoming less frequent. A few days earlier, at least one blue whale was also spotted swimming in the distance.

At L’Anse-aux-Cousins, harbour seals have been lingering on the rocks for several months now. Meanwhile, a motorist en route to Gaspé caught a glimpse of a minke whale.

If marine mammal sightings in the waters of the Gaspé have been few and far between, one might wonder if the first snowflakes or the biting cold of the last few days are to blame. Not really… at least not directly! 

Whales and seals have a thick layer of blubber that protects them from the frigid waters in which they live. The 4°C water temperature of the St. Lawrence is therefore not an issue in itself. As winter approaches, it is mainly the formation of ice on the water surface that poses a risk. Changes in daylight or food availability can also play a role in determining when these animals leave for their breeding grounds. Nevertheless, if you keep your eyes peeled, it is still possible to observe whales in the autumn and winter. The observation season isn’t over yet!

Where are the whales this week? Sightings map

Thanks to all our collaborators!