Powerful Spouts, Beaming Sun, Shear Awe… by Renaud Pintiaux

Four to six fin whales have set up camp in recent days in the area between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins. Their powerful spouts are often visible from quite far away. These exhalations of hot air that condense upon contact with cooler air resemble fleeting silhouettes of trees appearing and dissipating over the river.

On July 18, a fin whale appeared just a few metres from our boat. Shivers and awe, even after all these years on the water.

Ten or so minke whales are also roaming the same area. Check out this individual in full surface feeding mode, its mouth gaping above the water surface and its ventral grooves expanded.

Gray seals are omnipresent and a few harp seals are still hanging around the area.

Here are a few photos from the week:

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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.