Humpback whales are making waves around Vancouver, with sightings of feeding, breaching and tail displays across local waters this August.
Vancouver’s Biggest Visitors Are Back
Vancouver has had some spectacular visitors this month.
Humpback whales have been popping up across local waters, giving whale watchers plenty to talk about. Several sightings have been reported in recent days, while the whales have been feeding in the area for about a month.
And the displays have been hard to miss.
Humpbacks Steal the Spotlight
On Aug. 23, Janine O’Hara spotted several humpbacks feeding in Burrard Inlet.
She took her photos at about 7 p.m. from West Vancouver. The images capture the whales as they surfaced and lifted their massive tails above the water.
Other whale watchers also caught the action.
Daniel Aldrete shared striking photos of a humpback online, calling the animal a “wild beauty.”
Meanwhile, Raquel Gallego photographed a humpback breaching near a BC Ferries vessel. She watched the dramatic scene from Whytecliff Park.
Then, near Lighthouse Park, Goda Vaitiekūnaitė spotted two humpbacks blowing water from their spouts around 7 a.m.
So, for local wildlife fans, it has been quite a month.
A Journey That Spans Thousands of Kilometres
Humpbacks are famous for their huge migrations.
During winter, many travel to warm waters around Hawaii and Mexico. There, they mate and give birth. When spring arrives, they begin the long journey north.
Eventually, they reach feeding areas in British Columbia and Alaska.
That annual trip ranks among the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.
Their Tails Tell a Story
There is another reason humpbacks fascinate researchers.
Their tails are unique.
Each whale has its own mix of black-and-white markings and scars. Researchers can photograph those patterns and use them to identify individual animals.
Whale researcher Óscar Guzón has studied humpbacks for about 20 years. He has identified whales that travel between Mexico and British Columbia.
During a visit to the National Whale Museum in Mazatlán, Mexico, Guzón demonstrated how scientists can recognize individual whales by their tails.
It is a clever way to track animals that travel vast distances.
Give These Giants Plenty of Space
The latest sightings also highlight the value of Vancouver’s coastal waters.
Humpbacks can find important feeding grounds here. However, boats and personal watercraft can pose serious risks.
That is why whale watchers should keep their distance and avoid chasing or approaching the animals.
The need for caution became clear in May, when a jet ski struck a grey whale in Vancouver’s harbour.
For now, the humpbacks are offering Vancouver a remarkable wildlife show.
The best way to enjoy it is simple: watch from a safe distance and let the whales do the travelling.
