05-22-2012: Lunge feeding and Tail Lobbing Humpbacks Turned Friendly

A humpback whale "lunge feeds" on the abundant sufrace krill three miles out from Moss Landing. Photo: Sack, 05-22-2012

Today was one of those once in a lifetime experiences for most people. To see repeated lunge feeding and tail lobbing was one thing. But when the friendly behavior started, things really got interesting. After frolicking around, surfacing feeding, the gentle giants decided to come have look at us. What a moving experience. Imagine a 45′ animal just a few feet away, looking up at you. Just floating there. We’re looking back at him. Just remarkable.

One of the friendly humpback whales does a tail lob right next to the boat. Photo: Sack, 05-22-2012

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