Large Rorquals in Godbout

“This Friday morning in Godbout, I had the pleasure of observing my first large rorqual of the year,” shares one enthusiast. “On Saturday morning, the whale was back in front of my house and clearly visible to the naked eye. For an hour or so, it slowly swam around, diving now and again for a few minutes, before finally heading toward Pointe-des-Monts.”

The few photos taken to support the sighting reveal the animal’s immense size as well as its sizable spout. Did you know that the column of condensation produced by a blowing blue whale can reach up to six metres high? Which means it’s easy to spot from afar! In gusty conditions, however, it can be difficult to identify the species simply by its spout: The wind quickly disperses the droplets, thereby altering the shape and height of the plume.

“Early Sunday morning, I saw two large whales, one much farther out to sea, and a second one in front of my house, closer to shore,” adds the lucky man, for whom the view from his home is almost magical.

While ice is important for seals, it remains an obstacle for certain cetaceans, including fin whales. Large rorquals do not have the same adaptations as Arctic species such as belugas. The latter have a dorsal ridge—rather than a dorsal fin—which allows them to break through the ice when they surface to breathe. Large rorquals generally need to be able to move in ice-free waters. In 2014, a group of nine blue whales found themselves trapped in ice off the coast of Newfoundland.

Though they don’t count as marine mammals, icebergs are nevertheless fascinating for observers. Their relative abundance this winter provides a resting spot for seals, not to mention something to admire for those taking a stroll along the St. Lawrence. Be careful not to confuse them with the white backs of belugas as they drift through the frigid waters!

Thanks to all our collaborators!