BajaNomad

February 4th whale adventure with the BOLA bunch!

shari - 2-5-2014 at 08:30 AM

Nomad Oggie brought his harem out to see the whales yesterday...we chided him about him being the only guy along on the "Chick Trip". I was anticipating some sweet encounters with mothers and calves with all the wonderful women aboard and special grandmothers...and lanchero Flaco could make it happen.



We visited several nursing groups that were pretty busy nursing and tending to their calves. Because it was low tide, we were treated to some big spyhops. And when we least expected it, a mother/calf pair snuck up on us from behind on a mission.



this mother was teaching her calf about humans as well as looking to take a nap while we looked after the baby. But the baby was very shy and didnt quite know what to make of us. It lifted it's head up to get a better look but stuck real close to mom. It was probably only 2-3 weeks old by the colour of it's scars and behavior.





It stayed pretty close to mama and kept trying to wake her up from her nap and rested often on her back & rostrum.







Between naps, the momma would come over for some lovin!



She rolled over many times and we saw that her pectoral fin had been bitten by killer whales...note the teeth rake marks too.





But the most remarkable thing about this encounter was that she kept rolling over and lifting her "privates" up for the world to admire. You can clearly see the vaginal slit in the middle with the 2 mammary slits on both sides.





It was an extraordinary experience that this group will never forget. Gracias Oggie for making whale magic with us!



Our next scheduled trip still has space available for Tuesday & WEdnesday Feb.11 & 12th if anyone wants to join us.

Ateo - 2-5-2014 at 08:35 AM

Great shots!!

Shari, how do the whales protect themselves/fight off the Orcas?

shari - 2-5-2014 at 08:47 AM

Gray whales can only slap Orcas with their tails which is why they migrate in groups. Orcas naturally pick off the calves and weak animals traveling alone. Many grays exhibit scars and bites from Orca attacks.

Ateo - 2-5-2014 at 08:48 AM

Gracias. Forgive my ignorance or forgetful mind. :LOL::lol::lol:

We'll be down there again sometime soon.

David K - 2-5-2014 at 08:55 AM

Someday I hope Baja Angel and I can go on one of your tours Shari!

55steve - 2-5-2014 at 09:18 AM

Yahoo! See you next week!

shari - 2-5-2014 at 02:30 PM

You bet Steve & Santiago!
This just in....yesterday's census counted a total of 1,615 whales in the lagoon!!! the calving is slowing down now...only 151 calves born last week as opposed to the 39 born the week before!

San Ignacio has record numbers this season with a total of 312 whales...197 adults and 115 calves.

Udo - 2-5-2014 at 02:37 PM

Thanks for the great photos (again) Shari!

You are the best!

woody with a view - 2-5-2014 at 07:42 PM

hey Santiago/Steve we may be in camp over the Pres weekend just to drop off supplies. swing by and say hi. we'll leave mid day monday.

and don't have too much fun on the Magical Whale Tour!!!

[Edited on 2-6-2014 by woody with a view]

BajaLuna - 2-5-2014 at 07:57 PM

looks like a blast, Shari! Great pics!

Happy to hear the latest on the whale numbers, woot woot!

Ken Bondy - 2-5-2014 at 08:55 PM

Fantastic Sis!!!

nobaddays - 2-6-2014 at 06:45 AM

Looks great ! We are flying down Friday and will see you soon. We should get there about 1pm Monday.

woody with a view - 2-6-2014 at 12:50 PM

we won't be there. Bia can't get the days.

55steve - 2-6-2014 at 01:53 PM

Bummer! I was looking forward to meeting another of my BoLA neighbors.

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
we won't be there. Bia can't get the days.

BajaRat - 2-6-2014 at 03:33 PM

Thank you Shari, I've learned so much from you. We can't wait for the next boat trip! :biggrin:

whales

dpwahoo - 2-6-2014 at 04:03 PM

We will be there wednesday, cant wait1:tumble:

woody with a view - 2-6-2014 at 07:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 55steve
Bummer! I was looking forward to meeting another of my BoLA neighbors.

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
we won't be there. Bia can't get the days.


2nd week in June. be there, or be somewhere else.....:lol:

liknbaja127 - 2-6-2014 at 08:01 PM

Love seeing these picts., can't wait for March, Hope there are still some
Whales! We have some new-comers, And I have really got them excited
on what they will see! Shari and her daughter really make It a great trip!

woody with a view - 2-6-2014 at 08:20 PM

yep! we been twice now. can't wait to return...