Spring is for Minke Whales

In Les Escoumins, a naturalist marvels at the horizon one beautiful evening before a handful of small cetaceans arrive to add even more poetry to this breathtaking moment. “I saw a herd of about ten harbour porpoises split into four smaller groups off Pointe-de-la-Croix, just as the sun was going down. Just to make it that much more memorable!”

In Les Bergeronnes, belugas have been regularly swimming near shore, white whales glistening against the blue backdrop of the St. Lawrence. Because it is endangered, it is forbidden to approach within 400 metres of this species. Observing them from land is therefore one of the few opportunities where one can watch them with the added satisfaction of knowing that they aren’t being disturbed in their natural environment. Farther upstream, a group of three individuals was also spotted during the Isle-aux-Coudres ferry crossing.

At the mouth of the Magpie River, about 30 seals were basking in the sun and one marine mammal enthusiast had the chance to capture some magnificent shots. In Gaspé Bay, a minke whale sighting is indicated in the marine mammal observation data visualization tool developed by the Marine Mammal Observation Network. In fact, anyone can use this citizen science tool to submit their observations.

One exception

In the estuary, more precisely in Franquelin, a seasoned observer had the chance to admire a passing humpback whale: “She showed her tail when she dove.” Indeed, this species generally does show its caudal fin when it dives. When the whale arches its back, its tail fin slowly rises into the air until it is completely vertical. One can then see the colour pattern of the underside of its tail, which is unique to each individual and which facilitates identification. Belugas offshore, a minke whale and a few porpoises were also spotted in the area.