On Wednesday, 20 January, we had a late sighting in Ormond-by-the-Sea. At 3:41 PM, Julie at the MRC relayed a call. Drone operator Ralph Bundy responded quickly. Jim grabbed his gear and headed down. It turned out to be a most interesting sighting...two adults heading south. They were Right Whale #4340, Pilgrim, and Right Whale #3810...an 8-year old female and a 13-year-old male, respectively. They had distinctive marks and displayed social behavior. They were seen previously by the Georgia team on 17 January near the St. Mary’s River entrance (at the north end of Amelia Island).
Previously, on 16 January, a yearling was sighted south of the Flagler Pier. It was the 2020 calf of Right Whale #1612. Both of these sightings contribute to a more diverse demography than we have seen in recent years, and are considered a good sign.
Human Impacts
There are hazards to the whales. Three recent events make the point. On 11 January, a paddleboarder closely approached Right Whale #4040, Chiminea, and calf south of Matanzas Inlet. On 14 January, a jet-ski event was held off Daytona Beach. Chiminea and calf were near. Volusia County Beach Safety was alerted. The jet skiers were called in. On 17 January, the harassment or potential harassment continued. Chiminea and calf were again off Matanzas Inlet. It was a weekend with good weather. On-water activities, and perhaps jeopardy to whales increases at these times.The whales were approached closely by both boaters and jet skiers. The events were such that law enforcement was contacted.
Scoter Ducks
A cautionary note. On Thursday, 21 January, we received a possible sighting report. A low, long, black line observed in the water south of Hammock Dunes. Sara and Jim deployed. The very intriguing object turned out to be a raft of Scoter ducks. There is no shame. It has happened to us all. Many a whale spotter has been deceived by these ducks who dive and surface in unison.
Calf Births
NOAA Fisheries recently posted reports of the 12th and 13th calves for the season. Number 12 was born to Right Whale #3230, Infinity, and #13 to Right Whale #3720. The two mothers were both first-time mothers...a good sign, as new mothers are coming into the reproductive pool and contributing to the population. At this time, the calving has exceeded the 2020 count of 10, and indeed, the annual count for the last four years. As it is still early in the season, we can reasonably hope for additional mother-calf reports. Will we be able to reach, and possibly exceed, the hoped-for 20 calves this season??
We can cautiously say that we are having an active and productive season so far. Please continue looking for whales when you are on the coast and report any sightings to 1-888-97-WHALE (1-888-979-4253).
