Students taking part in summer and fall field courses at the Huntsman usually have the opportunity to see a number of whale species that visit the Bay of Fundy to feed. One such species is the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). This beautiful whale is known for lots of activity at the surface, such as breaching, spyhopping and flipper slaps. They are a treat to see!
Humpback info:
- Individuals can be identified by the pattern on the underside of their tail and by body markings and scars. (Catalogue http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/humpcat.html)
- Have throat grooves that expand when they take large gulps of water and food. They then push the water out through their baleen which acts as a filter to keep the food, krill and small fish in their mouth.
- Arch their back when preparing for a deep dive.
- Their flippers are the largest appendages of any animal; reaching up to 5 metres in length.
Video of a humpback while out with Beaconsfield High from Quebec.
