The bay is also an important area for social interaction. For instance, yearlings separating from their mothers, are often seen alone or trying to fit in with slightly older 'sub adult' pods. Later they may be found seeking to associate with mother/calf pods.

Mothers who have already completed the process of separation from their last season's calf, flow into the next spiral of courtship and/or mating relationships. They are often observed in large active adult pods, which may include young adult whales.

During September and October mother/calf pods move through the bay in waves, or pulses. They will often stay for prolonged periods of time, creating an opportunity to carefully observe and photograph them.
They may be found resting or 'logging' on the surface side by side, or in extended feeding patterns which ensures that the calf gains important body fat for the long journey south. 

At ease in the protected waters of Hervey Bay mothers allow their calves time to explore the area, to associate with other calves and to play. Mothers often expend a great deal of energy teaching their calves to breach, lob-tail, pectoral-slap and head-lunge.

Although it looks like a great deal of fun, play is also an important part of the calf's natural learning process. A good strong lob-tail, or breach may be just what is needed to shake off an attacking orca or shark, the humpback's natural predators in the open ocean.

Text & Photo's generously provided by
Trish and Wally Franklin

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