For the
first time since the Marineland Right Whale Project began in 2001, we confirmed
right whales in Flagler
Beach in November! Julie
Albert of Marine Resources Council received the call on the Hotline this
afternoon and we mobilized a response team from Nautilis Condominium in south Flagler Beach. They spotted two whales at S 25th Street
and followed them as they quickly moved to the Flagler County
line, disappearing as they swam into Volusia. Despite searching for two hours
in Ormond Beach,
we did not see the whales again and were unable to get photographs with our
long lens. However, Dale Hench of Nautilus got a photo of a right whale’s head
and the tip of a second whale’s fluke, so we could confirm species and number.
Based on behavior, we believe that they were two adult/juveniles.
So, it’s
time to dust off the binoculars and turn your eyes seaward in case any other
right whales decide to make an early appearance. May this be the harbinger of a
great season!
