A Gorgeous October Morning

The wind is blowing from the northwest. It’s a sunny but chilly day. The beauty of the landscape is breathtaking: the foliage of the trees on shore is ablaze in colour and the light is altering the hues of the St. Lawrence. And what an impressive diversity of species off the coast of Tadousssac.

At least four fin whales are plying the waters east of the Prince Shoal Lighthouse. Their spouts are huge and powerful. Their dives last between 5 and 8 minutes. The individuals are scattered. Closer to the tide rips, flocks of black-legged kittiwakes are circling above hundreds of gray seals. Nearly a dozen minke whales are hunting. On occasion, in pairs and swimming in synchrony, these agile whales let loose on the schools of fish. We mustn’t forget the ten or so harbour porpoises observed off the coast and several harbour seals basking on the rocks of the Saguenay Fjord.

Summer is already behind us, but long live the fall!

Photos: © Renaud Pintiaux

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