Grates Cove, Newfoundland not only has the beauty of birds and iceberg in the waters that surrounds our cove but from June to September we get a visitor that we all take pleasure in having come to our community and that is the Hump Back Whale. There are other kinds of whales such as the Minky whale that frolic of shore and visit our cove which makes for some very beautiful sights. Last summer we also had a visit from a killer whale which is very rare (but that’s for another article). The scientific name for the humpback whale is megaptera novaeangliae. My dear friend, Photographer and artist Vicky Martin was good enough to supply me with pictures taken last spring in our cove.

The Humpback Whale

The Humpback whale has very long fins; in fact they are the pictorial fins are the longest in the world. They can measure over 12 feet in length. The Humpback whale measures approximately from 38 to50 feet and weighs approximately 36 tons. You have never seen anything better than a Humpback whale up close and personal. They feed in cold water while they breed in warm water. In 1970 the Humpback whale was on the endangered species list but has made a tremendous come back since that time.

A Whales Tail (or Fluke)

Researchers try to identify these whales by their tails. Sometimes it is difficult as some whale’s tails look identical but they can identify some of them this way. They look for difference in the patterns on the edge of the whale’s tail. Identification is more easily found as the whale dives into the water, the backs of the whales can be identified more easily. There are patterns on the whales back that are really useful for identification.

Unforgettable Sounds

Humpback whales are noted for their antics. They will jump out of the water, twirl and drop back again. They also possess a haunting whale sound that sends shivers down your spine. In warmer southern waters the males use this song for about twenty minutes each time to woo the mate they want. The song of the Humpback whale is remarkable in the complexity of it.

Just hangin out, enjoying,

 So there you have it for my home, Grates Cove, and one of our other popular visitors. Keep an eye out for pictures of the Killer Whale coming soon. Drop into Vic’s Rocks and things and have a look around at what this lady does. http://www.beyondbaccalieu.com/webpages/Vic%27s%20Rocks.htm