Offshore Mirages

The most unusual observation of the week is that of the Fata Morgana phenomenon by a resident of Gallix. This optical illusion is a fascinating mirage in which objects such as islands, boats or lighthouses seem to float above the horizon. In this specific case, it was a boat that was levitating! This phenomenon owes its name to Morgan the Fairy of Arthurian legend, because the image is often perceived as an enchantment.

In fact, this illusion is caused by a physical phenomenon and not by a photomontage, and even less by magic. It occurs when layers of warm and cold air overlap. The difference in density between these layers deflects the light passing through the atmosphere, creating a deceptive visual effect. The light rays are refracted in such a way as to give the impression that the object, in this case an island, is floating in the air. This phenomenon is rare, because it requires specific atmospheric conditions to occur. The Fata Morgana reminds us, however, that the interactions of light and air can sometimes play spectacular tricks on our eyes.

A resident of Gallix braved the cold to venture outside. She observed a few signs of life: “Yesterday, offshore, there seemed to be a heap of snow or ice on the horizon and I saw four or five small black dots; maybe seals, but really too far away to be sure.” It’s not always easy to see pinnipeds! Birds, on the other hand, were much closer. “For a few days now, a group of Barrow’s goldeneye has been at the mouth of the Sainte-Marguerite River in Gallix, but no seal heads.” In the Sept-Îles sector, large spouts are still being spotted offshore on a regular basis.

Thanks to all our collaborators!

Special thanks go out to all our observers who share their love for marine mammals with us! Your encounters with cetaceans and pinnipeds are always a pleasure to read and discover.

On the water or from shore, it is your eyes that give life to this column.

Odélie Brouillette
Thalia Cohen-Bacry
Laetitia Desbordes
Diane Ostiguy
Stéphane Pagès
Renaud Pintiaux
Pascal Pitre
Andréanne Sylvain
Marielle Vanasse
Patrick Weldon

And to all the others!

Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the following teams that also share their sightings:

Sept-Îles Research and Education Centre (CERSI)
Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM)
Marine Mammal Observation Network (MMON)
Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN)
Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS)

Would you also like to share your observations?

Have you seen any marine mammals in the St. Lawrence? Whether it’s a spout offshore or just a couple of seals, drop us a line and send your photos to [email protected]!