End-of-season field notes 2017 (part I)

The field season ended on November 4.

But there are still quite noteworthy observations (marine mammals, birds, landscapes) and two Field Notes will be needed to summarize these final forays off the coast of Tadoussac. Here’s the first one, which is dedicated to minke whales, fin whales and harp seals.

Minke whales are still everywhere in these early days of November. And with them, many impressive surface feeding sequences near the tide rips. Here are a few images of various hunting techniques: heads sticking out of the water, pink throats, expanded ventral grooves, etc.

Their prey: small fish! In this photo, we see a few small fish that have just managed to escape a minke whale attack near the surface!

On November 1, we’re offshore between the Prince Shoal Lighthouse and Île Rouge when we encounter three fin whales: a duo and one individual a little farther away.

Among them, I’m able to photograph and identify Zipper (portrait in French), a female fin whale first spotted in the area in… 1994!

Harp seals are increasingly present offshore, with a few impressive herds (sometimes with more than 200 individuals) as well as smaller groups (between 15 and 30 individuals) noted. They are particularly active when they arrive at the surface, swimming on their backs, occasionally sticking part of their body out of the water.

And of course, we must not forget the fabulous autumn light, breathtaking skies, etc.