Whale-watching cruises in the Tadoussac region resumed on April 27. After six months on land, what a joy it is to be back out on the St. Lawrence, with its wind, waves, seabirds and whales…

Admittedly, as for the latter, things are still quite calm.

Early sightings include a few herds of belugas encountered in the mouth of the Saguenay and between Tadoussac and Les Bergeronnes (groups of females and young).

Some observers have been able to spot a fin whale off Tadoussac in recent days. Minke whales, on the other hand, are still keeping a low profile. But it’s still early in the season!

Twenty or so harbour seals have been observed regularly at the entrance to the Saguenay Fjord, laying on the rocks and enjoying periods of rest. Below are a few photos taken on May 2 that illustrate the diversity one finds in the coats of harbour seals.

Early May is an ideal time to observe seabirds and especially sea ducks of a wide variety of species! Some species have wintered in the area and will soon be returning to their breeding grounds (long-tailed duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, greater scaup, etc.). Other species use these waters as staging grounds on their spring migration, taking a short break before continuing on their journey (scoters, common eiders, brant, etc.).

We have also been observing a diversity of gulls during this transition period: birds that reside here year round (herring and great black-backed gull), birds that will soon be heading back north (Iceland and glaucous gulls), and birds arriving from the south with the warmer weather (ring-billed and the first Bonaparte’s gulls). Also noteworthy is the massive arrival of double-crested cormorants and razorbills (farther offshore).

The 2018 season on the water is just beginning. See you soon !

A beluga
This photos encapsulates the mood here in early spring: a beluga against a still snowy backdrop; after all, we’re in a transition period, both on land and at “sea”!© Renaud Pintiaux
Harbour seals
Harbour seals basking in a "haulout" in the Saguenay Fjord. © Renaud Pintiaux
A harbour seal
Harbour seals can be found in the St. Lawrence all year long. © Renaud Pintiaux
A harbour seals
Measuring from 160 to 190 cm long, harbour seals can weigh anywhere between 60 and 170 kg. © Renaud Pintiaux
A Harbour seal
This species has an average life expectancy of 25 years for males and 35 years for females. © Renaud Pintiaux
Harbour seals
Haulouts serve as breeding, moulting and resting areas. © Renaud Pintiaux
Three yellow-billed scoters
Three yellow-billed scoters © Renaud Pintiaux
A long-tailed duck
A long-tailed duck © Renaud Pintiaux
Arctic gull
Arctic gull © Renaud Pintiaux
Barrow's goldeneye
Barrow's goldeneye © Renaud Pintiaux
Common eiders
Common eiders © Renaud Pintiaux
Brant Geese
Brant Geese © Renaud Pintiaux
Field Notes - 3/5/2018

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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