Humpbacks have been spotted this early in the year before, but we could be witnessing a new phenomenon; whales recolonizing Bermuda as a calving ground
A frenzy of excitement erupted over social media channels this morning after whales were spotted off the cruise ship pier in Dockyard.
According to local researcher and filmmaker, Andrew Stevenson, the whales are likely to be comprised of a calf accompanied by its mother and an escort.
The humpbacks usually arrive in numbers in March and although today’s sightings seem unusual to many, Mr. Stevenson confirmed that this is the seventh year Bermuda has seen a small calf at this time of year – December or early January.
Today’s sightings, however, might be far more significant.
“It’s too early for the calf to have migrated here so there’s a good possibility it was born here,” Mr. Stevenson said. “At first, I thought these were premature births, but it now seems likely that these whales could be recolonizing Bermuda as a calving ground.”
Mr. Stevenson said this is probably due to a healthy North Atlantic humpback whale population that is increasing in numbers.
While the sighting has caused excitement among avid whale watchers, Mr. Stevenson stressed the importance of respectful observation.
“A small newborn calf also needs to be left in peace and not stressed out by boat traffic especially in shallow waters where it is more exposed to potential boat or propeller strike,” explained Mr. Stevenson.
Community members reported sightings of the small pod around 11 am in the Facebook group, WhalesBermuda Sightings, founded by Mr. Stevenson.
By 12:30 pm, a resident told Bermuda Broadcasting that the whales were heading towards Western Blue Cut on the North Shore.
