A mesmerizing spectacle unfolded as a group of humpback whales orchestrated a stunning display of concentric circles in the sea, all captured through an aerial camera lens. New England Aquarium’s striking photographs showcase four colossal marine mammals engaging in the captivating act of “bubble feeding,” perfectly choreographed off the coast of Massachusetts.
The vivid turquoise plumes decorating the ocean’s surface marked a rare and extraordinary moment just south of Martha’s Vineyard. Amidst this natural wonder, the whales carried out their intricate feeding ritual, creating a visually enthralling scene.
As these majestic creatures continued their underwater choreography, an increasing number of luminous plumes converged to form intricate spiral shapes in the water. This phenomenon is the result of the whales blowing bubbles through their blowholes, creating an “air net” that entraps krill, their primary prey.
Experts from the New England Aquarium described the sighting as “rare.” They noted that one of the whales involved is likely over 50 years old, having been first spotted in the mid-1970s. Identifying individual humpbacks can be challenging due to their unique patterns hidden beneath their tails. However, this specific whale, named Salt due to its distinctive white speckles, was positively identified among the four whales observed near Martha’s Vineyard.
“This past Monday, our aerial survey team spotted Salt, one of the most recognizable humpback whales in New England waters!” shared the New England Aquarium in a caption accompanying the stunning images. Salt, whose name is inspired by her speckled dorsal fin, stood out among a group of 15 other humpback whales.
Salt, an iconic female humpback who has given birth to 16 calves and was first seen in the 1970s, was observed bubble feeding alongside three other whales off Martha’s Vineyard. This remarkable sighting brought a rare and thrilling experience to the aquarium’s survey team.
The breathtaking images captured in this remarkable display of nature’s choreography offer insights into the complex lives of humpback whales. Beyond their mesmerizing appearance, these whales play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Humpbacks contribute to the balance of the oceans by controlling krill and fish populations. With their awe-inspiring bubble feeding technique, these whales showcase nature’s innovation at its finest.
While occurrences of this feeding ritual have been witnessed off various coasts, including Antarctica, Hawaii, and Australia’s New South Wales, the humpbacks’ ability to create a “bubble net” to corral their prey remains a remarkable and intriguing spectacle of the natural world.
