Author Archive | Curt Jenner

This documentary “Birthplace of the Giants” filmed in the Kimberley, Western Australia in 2014 used a wide variety of camera technologies and techniques gaining new insights into the lives of humpback whales. Watch out for it on Nat Geo Wild on Wed Oct 26, 2016 at 830pm AEST.   During the filming of Birthplace of […]

The close bond of cow and calf humpback whales is evident in their tactile relationship. Bumping into one another and staying in very close proximity, the mother carefully protects her calf. This “mother bear” attitude crosses species boundaries and habitat differences. No doubt it is one of the reasons for the success and increase of […]

Humpback whales travel and associate together dynamically.  Whales affiliate and disaffiliate across several pod compositions including cow/calf pairs, cow/calf/escort groups or large pods comprising up to 20 individuals.   Safety in numbers – a rowdy pod of males, on the loose looking for females…   A cow/calf/escort humpback whale pod all lined up.   A […]

The tail flukes of cetaceans are the powerhouse of their forward propulsion.  In strong movements up and down, as opposed to side to side used by fish, humpback whales make the longest migrations of the animal kingdom.     White colouration on the underside of the tail flukes of this humpback whale are unique, just […]

Each day as we work in coastal and offshore waters we encounter a wide range of cetaceans. Here are some encounters that remain memorable.   An adult humpback whale doing a peduncle slap makes a huge noise and splash! In the remote Kimberley, it is on for young and old as they communicate through these […]

We love the calm weather as well as the rough weather.           A Shy albatross, wiling away the morning on a calm sea.   Skip on patrol in the Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley.   Always the Drine never the gutter!  These are important instructions for getting through a tight spot.   Stunning […]

Humpback whales exhibit a wide range of surface active behaviours.  Most of these entail hitting various whale body parts on the water, creating huge splashes and noises!   A dual pectoral fin slap, is just one of a handful of surface active behaviours humpback whales display on the feeding grounds.   More thrashing and bashing, […]

Many species of fish are encountered during our coastal and oceanic travels.  Some underwater, some on deck and some in our bellies!                    

On many voyages aboard Whale Song, the CWR Team observes a veritable cocktail of whales!         A subadult male sperm whale surfaces, the left-angled blow being characteristic of sperm whales.     Breach!  An adult humpback whale takes to the air – momentarily!   A cow and calf humpback whale rest in […]

Approaching a pygmy blue whale to collect photo-identification images, the aqua and blue tones of their bodies, as seen just through the water surface fill your vision with fabulous blue hues. No wonder I get stuck in the blue section of my wardrobe after a day with blue whales!     Hair on a pygmy […]