Sun Sept 1 – Whale Watching

Another Sunday on the ocean with lots of whales!

We keep finding whales! Sunday, September 1, 2024 was no exception. The weather was a bit cloudy but we had a full vessel, and we headed out. Early on, shortly after we pass by the lighthouse we encountered a small group of Tamenend’s bottlenose dolphins. We stayed with these dolphins for a short while and then headed offshore. Regardless of the rain, and the seas, as we have done on all of our trips this year, we found humpback whales! Ultimately identifying 18 different individuals including some new ones and some of the moms and calves we’ve seen since early July. As I write this report, I’m still identifying individuals by looking at their flukes, and/or dorsal fin, and/or scars. It takes time to meticulously go through all of the photos and all the data collected. It’s work that is always interesting, and inspiring. This year has been like no other year that we’ve had. So far, we have identified 133 different humpback whales in the waters around Montauk since early July! It’s amazing!

Last year, we had our best year regarding humpback whales, and identified 59 different individuals. This year has been and continues to be on inspiring. We’ve been finding whales and actually, haven’t missed in years. There are just a few trips left, come out and join us.

20-30 Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins

18 humpback whales

12 Great shearwater

2 Cory’s shearwater

7 Manx shearwater

6 Parasitic jaeger

 (Pelagic bird counts from passengers ,posted on e-bird)

Photos available soon