The overall dullness of the day is punctuated by the white backs of Beluga whales rising to breathe, offering sharp contrast to the pewter-colored waters of glacial flour-laden Turnagain Arm. The Belugas are no doubt snacking on late run silver salmon, both surfing through the tides with ease and grace.
Rising and falling beside their mothers, the darker calves blend with the color of the water.
These gregarious cetaceans are sometimes called sea canaries because of their varied language of squeaks, whistles, twitters, clicks, wails, shrieks, clangs, and honks. A prominent bulb on their heads, called a "melon", is used for echolocation.
They are an Arctic and sub-Arctic mammal, with males up to 18 feet long, and weighing up to 3500 pounds.
For those of us humans who regularly scan the Arm hoping for a glimpse of these enigmatic whales, sighting them brings a smile to our faces and a completeness to our days.
That they appear to be smiling in return makes their sighting all the more special.
You needed a lift on this less than beautiful day. Thank you for sharing the video.
ReplyDeletenever dull!! Fifty Shades of Gray! lol
ReplyDeleteMy what a significant number of .. where was I .. words that I have no clue as to what they mean. Such very nice words however when strung together into a phrase to open this post up.
ReplyDeleteLeaden skies mute the vibrant hues of autumn .. nice ..
I wonder where Patti is .. These mini-videos you put into your posts are beyond-the-beyond. I am IN the .. well I am technically NORTH OF the Far East cyclones .. and yes .. they are a real weather force .. Much Joy from Cap IN Mongolia and Patti reading a book in bed .. Smiles ..
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