Wednesday December 3, 2008
Passengers aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Discovery
Cruise received a bonus today sighting a mother & calf within Twofold
Bay. This pair mugged the boat delighting the passengers. The pair were the same
pod which have been in the bay since Monday, evidently giving the calf a chance
to rest before the long journey south.
Tuesday December 2, 2008
Cat
Balou encountered two mother/calf pods within Twofold Bay today. At times the
calves were quite active. One pair was a resight of two of the whales seen
yesterday. Near Honeysuckle Bay Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted.
Monday December 1, 2008
Although the
whale season has officially ended, a number of whales were sighted in Twofold
Bay today. Cat Balou sighted 4 mother/calf pods in close proximity to The
Lookout with some spectacular breaching by a couple of calves.
Cat Balou report having a 100% success rate in sighting whales this season on all whale watching cruises.
Tuesday November 25, 2008
Having cancelled cruises over the past three days due to
inclement weather Cat Balou was back in action today. A mother/calf pod were
picked up off The Pinnacles and Cat Balou watched them for an hour and a
half, following them to North Head. Many Australian Fur Seals were sighted
throughout the trip and in East Boyd a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were found.
The bow was a popular spot for passengers who had a birds eye view of
the playful dolphins as they escorted Cat Balou.
Friday November 21, 2008
Cat Balou was
back whale watching today after cancelling cruises yesterday due to rough sea
conditions. We always put the safety & comfort of passengers first. With two
pods spotted from shore before leaving the Eden wharf it was looking good for
the eager passengers. It wasn't long before a mother/calf pod were found mid
bay. This pod was heading towards the chipmill. After watching them for half an
hour Cat Balou headed to another mother/calf pod in the bay. The calf proved to
be an inquisitive one and kept circling Cat Balou. With the motors cut,
passenegers witnessed one of the most incredible experiences that the owners
have ever experienced since they began whale watching in Eden in 1990. The calf
positioned itself above the mother and they lay beside Cat Balou for 10
minutes, only a metre from the side of the boat. The hydrophone again picked up
a whale singing clearly. Just outside Twofold Bay a pod of 4 adult Humpbacks
were seen with some good fluke ups. Near the whales a bait ball had Common
Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals in a frenzy. Heading home the two mother/calf
pods were again sighted still in Twofold Bay. A second trip located one of the
pods and the calf was quite playful with a number of breaches and peduncle
throws.
Wednesday November 19, 2008
Although not whale watching
today, passengers aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise received a
bonus when a mother & calf were spotted between The Lookout and Chipmill.
Tuesday November 18, 2008
With a freshening NE wind today Cat Balou headed north.
Near North Head a whale was sighted but dived and wasn't seen again, evidently
in a hurry heading to Antarctica. Off The Pinnacles another blow was seen, but
again proved elusive. A pod of Common Dolphins were in the area and accompanied
Cat Balou as they continued north as Cat Balou joined True Blue off Pambula
where two mother/calf pods were. It looked as if these whales were also going to
play hide and seek when suddenly they surfaced under the bow of Cat Balou taking
everyone by surprise. What followed was a spectacular display of tail slapping
as well as peduncle throws by the mother whilst the calf breached and head
lunged in the windy conditions.
Monday November 17, 2008
It was a magical day on the water with perfect conditions.
Cat Balou spotted their first pod only minutes after leaving which was a mother,
calf and 3 escorts - rather unusual. This pod of five slowly cruised around
historic Twofold Bay with one of the adults giving a couple of spy hops. Mid bay
the pod split with two adults heading out of the bay whilst the mother, calf
& primary eascort lingered in the bay. Near South Head the escort gave a
number of huge spy hops. Singing was picked up on the hydrophone which is rather
unusual to hear at this time of the season. Outside the bay a pod of Common
Dolphins excited passenegers as they raced towards Cat Balou. A number of
Australian Fur Seals were also seen. Another two adults were sighted with good fluke ups.
Sunday November 16, 2008
Cat Balou sighted two pods of whales today. A mother, calf
& escort were found near Leonards Island and Cat Balou followed this trio
for an hour with the calf spending a lot of time on the surface. The escort had
a very distinctive patterned fluke. Later another mother and calf were seen near
Haycock Point with the calf breaching once.
Saturday November 15, 2008
After
cancelling cruises yesterday due to rough conditions on the water Cat Balou was
back out with the whales today. A pod of two adults were found off South Head
and gave some good fluke ups and encounters inbetween fairly long down times.
Heading north a pod of Coommon Dolphins and some seals were spotted. Later a
mother/calf pod off Pambula provided excellent whale watching with the calf
giving an amazing display of breaching and pec slapping. An afternoon trip
located this same pod odd North Head with the super active calf breaching non
stop for an hour. Common Dolphins and seals were also sighted.
Thursday November 13, 2008
Cat Balou found a mother/calf & escort not long
after leaving on their whale watching cruises today. After watching them for
half an hour heavy fog rolled in, with visibility reduced to 100 metres. When
the fog lifted Cat Balou headed north and found an active calf and its mother
near The Pinnacles. The calf breadhed and breached much to the delight of
passengers which comprised of many foreigners.
Wednesday November 12, 2008
Whales, dolphins & seals! It was an action packed
morning for passengers aboard Cat Balou. The day began when a mother & calf
were spotted mid bay. Although quiet at first, the pair surfaced frequently and
then out of the blue the calf surprised everyone, including the skipper it
launched itself out of the water with a perfect breach less than 5 meters from
the bow! Cat Balou watched this pair for an hour as they headed towards South
Head. Near North wall a large pod of Common Dolphins raced towards Cat Balou,
leaping clear out of the water. At Leonards Island another mother/calf
Humpback were found and this pair provided excellent whale watching for the
excited passengers. The calf breached continuously for 45 minutes and was still
breaching when Cat Balou headed towards home. The mother gave some elegant
extended tail flukes whilst the calf played. Seals were also seen at the Eden
breakwall.
Tuesday November 11, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted 5 humpbacks at close range today. The first pod was a mother & calf
just outside Twofold Bay which were hard to follow. With a freshening NE wind
the skipper decided to head north and off The Pinnacles the next whales were
sighted. Cat Balou watched a pod of three adults and could see another pod a
little to the east. One of the animals breached and all three fliked up -
one had a distinctive black fluke. Reports from Hervey Bay indicate that the
season will continue for another couple of weeks as whales were still in that
area last week.
Monday November 10, 2008
The President of the Pacific Whale Foundation, Mr Greg
Kaufman from Hawaii joined Cat Balou on their whale watching trip today.
Gregs Research Team, Erin and Ashley have been with Cat Balou for the past
couple of months and will head back to Hawaii next week. In this period they
have taken almost 14,000 photographs of the whales sighted from Cat Balou for
identification.There were a lot of whales about today. A mother &
calf were spotted logging on the surface near the chipmill. Around from South
Head a number of other mother/calf pods were all slowly heading south. Two sub
adults did a bit of pec slapping and another mother,calf & escort near North
Head tail slapped. The highlight of the day was when three mother/calf pods
affilliated near South Head later in the day. It was playtime for these six
whales with a calf breaching, peduncle throws and more tail slapping from the
adults & calves.
Sunday November 9, 2008
It
was a perfect day on the water and Cat Balou sighted 9 Humpbacks on the morning
cruise - three mother/calf pods and a pod of 3 adults. Good singing was heard as
the hydrophone was placed in the ocean. A bait ball with lots of activity from
Gannets, Shearwaters, a hundred or more Common Dolphins excited passengers. With
conditions so calm Cat Balou cruised south to Greencape and detoured into
beautiful Bittangabee Bay, showcasing the beauty of the Ben Boyd National Park.
Saturday November 8, 2008
Cat
Balou report having another successful day with the whales at Eden. Conditions
were a bit uncomfortable at first resulting from the NE which developed
overnight, however they improved during the morning when the
SW change flattened out the sea. The mother/calf pods again put on a number
of displays of breaching, pec & tail slapping with five pods in Twofold Bay
on the morning trip and another three pods seen on the shorter afternoon trip.
Friday November 7, 2008
Conditions were ideal for whale watching today and there
were plenty of whales to watch in and around Twofold Bay. Cat Balou sighted the
first pod only 2 minutes after leaving the wharf, just off the western side of
The Lookout. This was a resight of the massive mother seen yesterday resting
with her calf. Concerned residents had reported this whale fearing she was sick
as she was spending so much time logging on the surface, however the whale was
fine and gave a brilliant display along with the calf of breaching & head
lunging. Leter the mother pec slapped and began feeding the calf with her tail
suspended out of the water. Another mother/calf pod were also seen near Whale
Spit. Bottlenose dolphins were found near South Head and shortly after a
competition pod of 5 adult Humpbacks. Off Leonards several more pods were found
and Common dolphins also sighted. The afternoon trip also sighted 5 mother/calf
pods with the last pod breaching mid bay.
Thursday
November 6, 2008
Twofold Bay at Eden was a popular gathering place for the
whales today. Cat Balou on their morning trip sighted three mother/calf pods
resting in the bay with one of the mothers a massive size. Another pod was found
near Leonards Island with the mother showing a distinctiver black flke. Two
adults were also sighted near South Head. On an afternoon cruise six mother/pods
were found in the bay. Three pods had affilliated near the Naval Wharf and gave
a brilliant display of tail slapping, pec slapping and breaching. Mid bay
another two pods were also active whilst the massive mother seen on the morning
trip was still resting with her calf near Quarantine Bay.
Wednesday
November 5, 2008
On
the morning cruise Cat Balou sighted 4 pods of Humpbacks - three mother/calf
pods and 2 adults. The whales were in Twofold Bay and close to the coast between
North Head & The Pinnacles. All whales were rather quiet, slowly heading
south. Although the whales weren't active it is still great to experience these
animals in their natural environment, remembering that they were hunted to the
point of extinction, and wonderfult to see their numbers increasing. An
afternoon trip saw 11 whales in Twofold Bay, one pod of two mothers and their
calves interacting with some playful Fur Seals.
Tuesday
November 4, 2008
Cat
Balou found the first whales of the day near South Head. There were two pods who
affilliated with three friendly Humpbacks giving passengers a good look as they
cruised around on the surface, not in a hurry to migrate south. After spending
an hour with them Cat Balou headed north and picked up a mother & calf near
North Head. This pod moved into Twofold Bay. Numerous seals and a few dolphins
were also seen on the morning trip. Later in the day Cat Balou conducted two
Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises and on both trips whales were seen. Two separate
mother/pods were sighted near the heads of Twofold Bay.
Monday
November 3, 2008
After the strong wind experienced on Sunday conditions were
not the best for whale watching, however they did improve as the morning
progressed. Cat Balou sighted their first pod near South Head but the whales
were quiet and not surfacing for long. Another pod could be seen to the SE. It
was decided to head north and along the way Australian Fur Seals and a large pod
of Common Dolphins sighted. Cat Balou spent over an hour with a mother &
calf off The Pinnacles who entertained passengers as the calf played with a
seal. It rolled around, spy hopped and at one stage swam under the bow of Cat
Balou. The adult gave some good fluke ups. More Common Dolphins were seen as Cat
Balou returned to Eden.
Sunday
November 2, 2008
As
Cat Balou departed on their morning whale watch the wind picked up from the NE.
Several pods has been spotted from shore before leaving and the first pod was
sighted in the middle of Twofold Bay by one of the passengers. This was a mother
& calf who headed to the southern side of the bay. Suddenly the calf began
breaching which always thrills the passengers. Heading to the north another pod
was seen breaching near North Head which turned out to be another mother &
calf who very obligingly headed into the bay. Near The Lookout the pair became
very active with both animals breaching and a brilliant display of head lunging
by the mother. Conditions deteriorated mid morning as the forecast NE
wind freshened and the afternoon cruise was cancelled taking into consideration
the comfort and safety of passengers.
Saturday
November 1, 2008
With the Eden Whale Festival in full swing the whales put
on a great display today for passengers aboard Cat Balou. During the first trip
there were at least 5 pods in Twofold Bay giving passengers aboard Cat Balou,
along with shore based whale watchers a chance to view these amazing creatures.
After watching a few pods Cat Balou followed three mothers and their calves
travelling together. They were about to leave the whales when the whales decided
it was play time with a number of breaches. Later a pod was sighted outside
Twofold Bay and more whales seen on the return trip. The second
trip resighted two pods of the mornings whales with plenty of action from
the adults - peduncle thrusts, tail slapping and breaching. The third trip also
sighted 5 pods with breaching. Bottlenose Dolphins were seen on the return trip
to Eden.
Friday October
31, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted a number of whales today. On the morning trip most pods were mothers and
calves with the first pod seen just near the heads of Twofold Bay and the others
towards Murwaree. Later in the morning a pod of six adults were found near South
Head with some pec slapping and great fluke ups. The afternoon trip also sighted
a mother & calf just south of South Head.
Thursday
October 30, 2008
The
whales revelled in the windy weather experienced on the South Coast today.
Cat Balou had spotted several pods in Twofold Bay from shore before the cruise
and it was only several minutes into the cruise that the first blows were seen
towards the woodchip mill. There were two mother/calf pods so passengers could
pick which pod to watch. Within Twofold Bay a number of other whales were seen
and as the morning progressed the whales became active with numerous breaches
from both calves and adults. Tail slapping and pec slapping were also seen.
Wednesday
October 29, 2008
The
first whales sighted today by Cat Balou was a pod of 5 adults south of Eden. All
whales gave a number of fluke ups, one animal had both ends of its fluke missing
and Killer Whale rake marks on it. A couple of travelling pods were sighted as
Cat Balou headed north before finding two mother/calf pods near North Head.
The whales split up and one calf gave a number of breaches as well as a
spectacular breach by mum. A coach group on and afternoon Twofold Bay Discovery
Cruise also sighted two pods in Twofold Bay.
Tuesday
October 28, 2008
The rare
sight of Killer Whales (Orca) was a memorable experience for passengers aboard
Cat Balou today. A research vessel first sighted this pod off Murwaree and they
were heading north. Prior to this sighting two adult Humpbacks were sighted just
outside Twofold Bay with long down times. Later in the morning breaching whales
were spotted east of The Pinnacles. There were 4 pods in the general area and
Cat Balou followed two adults with some good fluke ups. Common Dolphins were
also seen.
Monday October
27, 2008
Sloppy
conditions on the water today with a confused swell. Cat Balou located their
first pod today a mother & calf with the mother executing a perfect breach.
After watching this pod Cat Balou headed north, accompanied by an active pod of
Common Dolphins. Near North Head several more pods of whales were found close to
shore. One pod had a playful calf which breached and head lunged many times. The
researchers on board were able to tell the sex from photographs they
obtained when the calf breached - a baby girl! The last pod sighted was a
mother & calf just inside South Head, again the calf was seen breaching.
Sunday October
26, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted their first whales today just south of South Head. This was an active
mother/calf pod with both animals breaching. At one stage they breached
simultaneously - something rarely seen. There were a number of other pods in the
area between South Head & Murwaree. Amazing singing was heard when the
hydrophone lowered into the sea. Following another pod later in the morning, one
adult breached without warning less than 30 metres off the bow, taking everyone
by surprise. Another two mother/calf pods were also sighted in Twofold Bay as
Cat Balou returned to port.
Saturday
October 25, 2008
Heading due east of Eden today Cat Balou sighted two
mother/calf pods. One of the mothers gave a number of slow fluke ups. A mother,
calf and escort were later sighted near The Pinnacles slowly cruising south and
had a few close encounters with the boat. The second trip located another mother
& calf near The Pinnacles and Bottlenose Dolphins off Aslings Beach. Seals
were seen on both trips.
Friday October
24, 2008
Cat Balou
began today sighting a quiet mother & calf in Twofold Bay. A Dwarf Minke
which was very friendly, circling the boat a number of times was found near
North Head. Heading east a mother & calf Humpback were milling around and
did a bit of feeding. Several more pods were sighted just to the south. Two pods
affilliated a a couple of peduncle thrusts were witnessed. A large pod of Common
Dolphins were also seen along with several seals. Another mother & calf were
sighted just inside South Head as Cat Balou entered Twofold Bay.
Thursday
October 23, 2008
The ocean was very busy
today with Cat Balou sighting whales, Common Dolphins, seals and hundreds of
Shearwaters and many Albatross. The first mother/calf pod were sighted just
outside Twofold Bay and mother had en entirely black fluke which is quite
unusual. A large pod of Common Dolphins appeared and Cat Balou decided to leave
the whales and watch the dolphins. Over a hundred Common Dolphins delighted
passengers as they leapt out of the water, racing the boat. A mother, calf &
escort were found near North Head and this trio played with the dolphins and a
large number of Australian Fur Seals as Albatross and Shearwaters flew overhead.
A few other pods were sighted but a freshening SE swell made it difficult to
track these whales.
Wednesday
October 22, 2008
Cat
Balou cancelled todays whale watching due to a gale warning for coastal waters.
Tuesday
October 21, 2008
Cat
Balou found their first whales today just inside South Head - a mother &
calf. The calf breached as Cat Balou was approaching and this pod slowly cruised
in past the woodchip mill with the mother fluking up several times. Leaving them
Cat Balou sighted another pod near South Head but they were in travel mode.
Sighting the tall ship 'Young Endeavour' under sail Cat Balou detoured to give
passengers a close look. Three more pods, all mothers & calves were sighted
off The Pinnacles as they slowly cruises south. Faint singing was heard on the
hydrophone. Two coach groups on afternoon bay cruises also sighted whales in
Twofold Bay with Bottlenose Dolphins also sighted on the 2nd trip.
Monday October
20, 2008
Cat Balou
located their first whales near Murwaree today - several mother/calf pods
travelling in close proximity of each other. The hydrophone picked up clear
singing. Later a sub adult was seen lateral lunge feeding. A tail slapping whale
was seen close by and there were a number of other pods in the area. Heading
home more whales were found near North Head and a mother, calf & escort
thrilled passengers as they circled Cat Balou at very close range. A coach group
on an afternoon bay cruise received a bonus with two pods sighted, including a
breaching calf.
Sunday October
19, 2008
The whales today were not as plentiful
as they have been in recent weeks and Cat Balou covered quite a few miles
searching for them. A pod was sighted off The Pinnacles but they were in travel
mode. Cat Balou joined whale watching boats from Merimbula who had a mother,
calf and two esorts which waere later joined by another adult. The pod did
a bit of feeding and surfaced frequently close to Cat Balou. Two other pods were
pased on the return trip. A super active calf on the afternoon trip kept
passengers entertained with numerous breaches.
Saturday
October 18, 2008
Cat
Balou began today with a tail slapping whale east of Eden. There were several
more pods in the area and one sub adult gave a good display of lateral lunge
feeding. There were a few patches of bait fish on the surface and it appeared to
be after these fish. Two lage Humpbacks later took a fancy to Cat Balou and kept
surfacing only metres from the boat. The whales also performed peduncle thrusts
and there were a couple of breaches. Many Albatross & Shearwaters were
about.
Friday October
17, 2008
Cat Balou
began the day sighting a mother/calf pod within Twofold Bay and another two
Mother/calf pods near North Head - great start to a perfect day on the water. An
active sub adult later thrilled passengers with a breaching and head lunging
display. Heading east Cat Balou sighted many more pods during the mornings
cruise. The hydrophone picked up clear singing. A second trip also sighted three
mother/calf pods with one of the calves very playful in the fresh SE wind that
developed. It breached a number of times.
Thursday
October 16, 2008
The
whales were very active today, delighting passengers aboard Cat Balou. Almost
all activities that whales can perform were witnessed including a calf which
breached, an adult who pec slapped for over 20 minutes, a couple of whales tail
slapping and another pod lateral lunge feeding. Again when the hydrophone
was lowered into the ocean avery clear singing was heard. Bottlenose Dolphins
were also seen as Cat Balou rounded The Lookout on the trip out.
Wednesday
October 15, 2008
The
Humpback highway off the coast of Eden today was very busy with Cat Balou
sighting numerous pods on both trips. The first pod consisted of 7 whales
including a mother & calf. Two mother/calf pods travelling together saw the
calves playing. Most other pods were sub adults and adults all lateral lunge
feeding. On both trips the hydrophone picked up loud, clear singing. It was an
excellent day on the water.
Tuesday
October 14, 2008
Although conditions were very cold today, the whales put on
a great display. Cat Balou were out on the water three times and whales sighted
on all trips. The day started with a mother & calf in Twofold Bay,
followed by a very friendly mother & calf found between South Head &
Murwaree who interacted with Cat Balou. Heading east, quite a few pods were
sighted with great feeding & peduncle thrusts . The second whale watch also
sighted whales within Twofold Bay and later hungry Humpbacks and breaching. A
bonus on the 3rd trip for a coach group on a Twofold Bay Cruise who saw 5
Humpbacks.
Monday October
13, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted several pods of whales today. The first sighting was a single sub adult
feeding east of Eden. With a freshening NE wind it was decided to head north and
another pod of two sighted. This pod was in travel mode heading south. A couple
more whales were also sighted, again travelling. The last whales seen were two
Humpbacks who gave a good display of lateral lunge feeding.
Sunday October
12, 2008
Eden was
blanketed in fog this morning making whale watching difficult. After delaying
the departure 30 mins, Cat Balou headed south with visibility reduced at times
to several hundred metres. A mother & calf had been reported near Saltwater,
so Cat Balou headed towards shore where the fog had lifted and found this pair
who were fairly elusive. Heading east, blows were sighted and this was a pack of
four Killer Whales - a rare sighting. This pod headed north and
included one male who had a huge dorsal fin. A little to the north two pods
of Humpbacks were seen in close proximity of each other, but they too were
elusive, possibly because of the Killers in the area. The fog closed in again
making it hard for spotting whales.The last whale seen was a juvenillle Humpback
a couple of miles off South Head.
Saturday
October 11, 2008
There were heaps of whales sighted off the coast at Eden
today. Cat Balou departed at 8am and picked up Common Dolphins. The first whales
were found east of Murwaree Point and this pair were lateral lunge feeding
which is always great to observe with their massive mouths wide open, lunging
through the water. Some singing was heard on the hydrophone. There were a
number of other pods in this same area all feeding. Later Cat Balou headed
east and found many more pods of Humpbacks all still feeding. The afternoon
cruises resighted the first pod seen on the morning trip, still feeding. Nearby
an active tail slapping whale put on an impressive display. Several more pods in
the area were also tail slapping.
Friday October
10, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted several mother/calf pods today. The first pair were sighted off
Leatherjacket Bay with the calf breaching several times. This pair were later
joined by another adult and engaged in feeding, including the calf which is very
unusual. Another mother, calf & escort were found later in the morning with
calf also breaching. Brilliant singing was picked up on the hydrophone. The
afternoon trip began with Common Dolphins picked up in Twofold Bay. Near
Leonards Island to the north of Eden a mother, calf and escort were found. One
of the adults performed a magical breach. The pod became inquisitive at one
stage, swimming around the boat at very close range.
Thursday
October 9, 2008
Conditions today were perfect for whale watching and Cat
Balou began the day by sighting a Dwarf Minke whale just inside Twofold Bay.
Heading out to 'the patch' a lot of birdlife was seen. The Humpback highway was
again very busy with many pods of whales observed on both trips. All pods were
seen lateral lunge feeding and a male gave a brilliant display of pec slapping.
Common Dolphins excited passengers and seals were also seen. This season has
begun as the best Ros & Gordon Butt, owner/operators of Cat Balou Cruises
have seen since they commenced whale watching at Eden in 1990.
Wednesday
October 8, 2008
The
whales revelled in the windy conditions that prevailed throughout the morning
from the SW. The highlight of the morning was a spectacular display from a pod
of two Humpbacks who tail slapped in unison numerous times. Common Dolphins
joined in the fun, swimming with whales . Many pods were sighted between Eden
and The Pinnacles.Today was the first time for a couple of weeks that no feeding
was see during the morning trip. The afternoon cruise found a couple of feeding
whales just outside Twofold Bay and Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted.
Tuesday
October 7, 2008
There were numerous pods of whales sighted off the coast at Eden today by Cat Balou. The morning trip witnessed feeding and a great display of tail slapping. Common Dolphins escorted the boat several times and a few seals also seen. Large rafts of Australasian Gannets fed on bait balls. Two afternoon trips also saw great feeding as the whales lunged around Cat Balou. For the second day in a row the whales in the afternoon could be heard singing without a hydrophone which was later lowered and a male sang brilliantly.
Monday October
6, 2008
Whale
watchers today aboard Cat Balou were again treated to another spectacular day
with many pos of whales off the coast at Eden. Hungry Humpbacks were again
prevalent with many close encounters on both the morning and afternoon trips.
Perhaps the highlight of the morning trip was amazing singing from a whale,
heard through the hull of Cat Balou even without the hydrophone in the water.
Once the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean the most beautiful singing was
heard - a moving experience for passengers. A breaching, pec slapping whale was
seen in the same area as the singing whale. Passengers on the afternoon trip
also heard singing and three whales mugged Cat Balou.
Sunday October
5, 2008
The ocean
was alive today and showcased nature at its best. The morning trip on Cat Balou
started with whales, seals, dolphins and birds in a frenzy with a bait ball. The
hydrophone was lowered and singing whales and the dolphins heard clearly. A
number of pods of Humpbacks were seen during the trip with many whales feeding -
always a great spectacle. One of the whales seen was believed to have a pec
missing, according to the PWF reseracher aboard Cat Balou. The afternoon trip
also proved to very successful with hungry Humpbacks entertaining passengers. On
the return trip a pod of over 300 Common Dolphins were seen.
Saturday
October 4, 2008
Although conditions today were very cold, light rain and
reduced visability, Cat Balou got off to a great start finding four Humpbacks
within Twofoold Bay only 10 minutes into their crusie. This was a mother, calf
pod with escort and secondary escort who slowly cruised southwards giving some
good fluke ups. Another pod was seen to the SE and this was three entertaining
whale which breached, gave a great spy hop, fed and head lunged. The later trip
also had excellent sightings with a mother/calf sighted just around South Head
and another 2 mother/calf pods travelling together with a number of breaches by
the calves. Later the pod seen on the morning trip was resighed and another
adult seen travelling north. Faint singing was heard via the hydrophone on the
morning trip.
Friday October
3, 2008
Passengers
aboard Cat Balou are amazed at the number of whales being sighted at present.
Today over 50 whales were seen during the morning cruise. Again a lot of feeding
was taking place as well as several whales that breached, some pec slapping and
mother and calf. Wherever you looked there were more whales! As Cat Balou was
about to leave the last pod when an adult gave a brilliant spy hop beside the
vessel. On the return trip a pod over over 100 Common Dolphins were sighted as
well as quite a lot of seals.
Thursday
October 2, 2008
Cat
Balou sighted their first mother/calf pod of the season today. This pair were
travelling with an escort and the calf berached once. Again many pods were
sighted on the morning cruise providing excellent viewing of feeding and a
number of close encounters. The afternoon trip found a pod of 7 Humpbacks, again
feeding and surfacing frequently in the windy conditions which developed.
Wednesday
October 1, 2008
Todays whale watching cruise on Cat Balou was one of the
best days that owner/operators Ros & Gordon Butt have experienced since
commencing these cruises in 1990. Six adult Humpbacks were the highlight of the
day and the first pod they encountered. For almost an hour this pod mugged
them,swimming beside and under Cat Balou with the whales spy hopping all around
the boat as camers clicked madly. Another pod gave an impressive display of
lunge feeding, others tail slapped and more whales breached in the area.
Unfortunately the afternoon trip had to be cancelled due to strong winds.
Tuesday
September 30, 2008
After the strong winds experiences over the past couple of
days, conditions today were perfect and so were the whales. Cat Balou sighted
numerous pods again today off the coast at Eden. Feeding, breaches, close
encounters, tail slapping and on the first cruise an amazing display of spy
hopping- whales watching the passengers on Cat Balou as passengers
photograped them. Bottlenose Dolphins were seen on two of the cruises and on the
first trip approximately 1000 Short Tail Shearwaters were seen rafted on the
ocean before flying off. It is great to see many passengers returning to do
repeat business with Cat Balou as each trip provides an unique experience.
Monday
September 29, 2008
A
very cold day out on the water but the whales were wonderful. Cat Balou sighted
six different pods on their morning trip ( again too many whales to count) with
one whale mugging the boat for an hour. It kept swimming in circles around only
metres from the boat and at times swam right under it. Some of the other
whales were feeding, another gave a good display of tail slapping and several
breaches seen. Common Dolphins joined in the action as well as a couple of
seals. The afternoon trip also had great sightings with lots of hungry
Humpbacks, seals and an amazing amount of birdlife. The Australasian Gannents
bombed the area that the whales were feeding in and a large patch of krill seen.
Sunday
September 28, 2008
A
strong SW change arrived at Eden just as Cat Balou headed out whale watching
today. Heading south the first whales were sighted to the south of Twofold Bay
near Murwaree. This turned out to be a mother & baby DWARF MINKE WHALE. The
pair were heading south, surfacing frequently. Leaving this pod, Cat Balou
headed to 'the patch' where the whales have been sighted over the past week,
only to have the wind make conditions impossible for spotting and were on the
verge of aborting the cruise when the wind eased. It was decided to give it one
more shot and this move certainly paid off as a pod of very friendly Humpbacks
were found 2 miles east of North Head. They rolled about Cat Balou, swam under
it and generally played up to the happy customers. A little feeding was also
observed.
Saturday
September 27, 2008
Some days there are just too many to count and today was
one of them! Even the Pacific Whale Researches lost count after seeing at least
16 in one area. Tail slapping, feeding. very close encounters called 'mugging',
whales with bad breath, breaching and head lunging, peduncle thrusts all were
observed by the passengers aboard the two trips Cat Balou conducted.The
afternoon trip also had passengers excited as Common Dolphins raced the vessel
on the trip home.
Friday
September 26, 2008
Although conditions on the water were not as good as the
previous few days, the whales continued to put on an amazing display. One of the
passengers aboard CAT BALOU sighted the first pod, which turned out to be a
super active sub adult, joined briefly by another whale. This whale captivated
the passengers aboard CAT BALOU as it breached over 40 times , pec spapped and
did a little feeding. So, sometimes one whale can more entertaining than
seeing many whales. Heading north with the NE wind freshemning Cat Balou passed
several more pods befor coming across apod of 10 Humpbacks. These whales split
into several pods, heading south. The last pod of three that Cat Balou observed
again excited passengers with one distinctive animal with both sides of the pec
flipper totally white giving an amazing pec slapping display whilst another
whale peduncle slapped.
Thursday
September 25, 2008
The whales gave another impressive display for passengers
aboard Cat Balou today. Many pods were sighted east of Eden, again giving
passengers a thrill as they lunged around the vessel feeding. At one stage two
pods affilliated and a total of seven Humpbacks surrounded Cat Balou. The whales
tail slapped and did a number of peduncle thrusts, showing off their powerful
bodies. The birdlife was also plentiful. Later in the day a number of
active whales were visible from shore breaching as the NE wind freshened.
Wednesday September 24, 2008
Perfect conditions prevailed for todays two cruises and there were again plenty of whales sighted off the coast at Eden by Cat Balou. Most pods were observed lateral lunge feeding and some whales had very bad breath! With the motors cut on the morning trip one very friendly Humpback lay beside Cat Balou at very close range and extended its pec above the water, almost close enough for passengers to touch. There were many Shearwaters, Gannets and Albatross and Fur Seals seen on both trips. A great days whale watching.
Tuesday
September 23, 2008
The Humpback highway off the coast at Eden was very busy
today with Cat Balou sighting over 20 whales on their two cruises. Most pods
were lateral lunge feeding and the first pod also gave a few spy hops.
Bottlenose Dolphins seals and many species of sea Birds were observed on both
trips with many delighted customers.
Sunday
September 21, 2008
Again today there were plenty of whales off the coast at
Eden. Cat Balou found their first pod a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay a
pod of 2 Humpbacks who later affilliated with another pod. To the east several
more pods were sighted with most whales doing some lateral lunge feeding and
cruising very close to Cat Balou. A couple of peduncle thrusts and good fluke
ups kept passengers happy. The Shearwaters have arrived and other birdlife
sighted were Albatross and Australasian Gannets. Several Australian Fur Seals
were also seen. Two researchers from the Pacific Whale Foundation in Hawaii have
joined Cat Balou and will be aboard most trips until mid November. They were
amazed at the feeding .This is so uncommon and one of the few places in the
world that they feed on their migratory route.
Saturday
September 20, 2008
The fist whale sighted by Cat Balou today was a juvenile
Humpback just outside Twofold Bay, but it was elusive. The skipper decided to
leave it and headed east which proved to be a good move as there were a number
of pods about. One whale breached as Cat Balou approached, others pec spapped
and gave a few spy hops and later they began lateral lunge feeding.
Cat Balou have commenced their whale watching cruises on a daily basis fom today and will continue until late November. Bookings are advised .
Thursday
September 18, 2008
Cat Balou sighted 8 Humpbacks today. The whales were in two
pods in a similar position to yesterday. The first pod were 2 sub adults who
were milling around and did a little feeding. Not far to the north another pod
was sighted. This was a pod of six who thrilled passengers with close encounters
and also fed. Later the whales appeared to be a competition pod - presumably
males chasing a female. One whale breached twice giving passengers at the back
of the boat a great thrill. A number of Albatross & Gannets were about and 4
Fur Seals sighted at the Eden breakwall.
Wednesday
September 17, 2008
Whale watchers today aboard Cat Balou had an exciting
morning sighting 4 Humpbacks, Bottlenose Dolphins, Seals and Albatross. The
whales were in close proximity to Twofold Bay and conditions perfect. Two adult
whales were first sighted and entertained pasengers with a number of spy hops -
were we watching them or were they watching us! Later another pod was sighted
less than a kilometer to the east and they affilliated. The four whales began
feeding and had passengers mesmerised as they lunged around Cat Balou.
Friday
September 12, 2008
It took a while to locate
whales today, however once found the whales put on a great show. A single sub
adult was later joined by anothe four whales east of Saltwater. The pod
entertained passengers with great fluke ups, close encounters, a number of spy
hops and pec slaps. Returning to Eden a pod of Common Dolphins raced Cat Balou
and six Fur Seals who have taken up residence on the breakwall kept cameras
clicking.
Thursday
September 11, 2008
Cat Balou sighted 8 whales today. The first whale seen
appeared to be a Minke with a large dorsal, but was only seen briefly. East of
Saltwater a pod of two Humpbacks were found but hard to track. Skipper
Gordon found another pod to the east and these were 5 Humpbacks who spent a lot
of time on the surface and mugged Cat Balou on a number of occassions.
Wednesday
September 10, 2008
Cat Balou was out whale watching today and sighted whales
east of Eden. Two pods each with two Humpbacks were sighted at close range
and other blows were sighted in the area. Some great feeding was observed.
Sunday
September 7, 2008
Cat Balou headed out on a whale watching cruise today.
Conditions weren't the best with a lazy easterly swell. Whales were sghted at
almost the same location as yesterday, sighting a total of 5 Humpbacks. One of
the whales had suffered severe scaring, evidently from a large ships propellor,
with masssive grooves cut into the blubber on the left hand side of the body and
fluke. It is believed to be an animal named 'Bladerunner' which was first
sighted off Sydney in 2001. This whale was also seen in Qld this year at the end
of July.
Saturday
September 6, 2008
Students from the Canberra ANU were abaord Cat Balou on a
field study excursion. They received a bonus sighting whales east of Eden. Some
of the whales were feeding, whilst others mugged the boat.
Wednesday
September 3, 2008
Cat Balou sighted around 20 Humpbacks today! Spectacular
feeding kept passengers enthralled as the whales lunged around Cat Balou about 5
miles east of Eden. The season has got off to a great start and hopefully the
feeding frenzy will contines for some time.
Tuesday
September 2, 2008
A number of pods of whales
were sighted of Eden today. Cat Balou found a pod of 2 sub adults near the head,
both feeding. Later in the morning a Southern Right whale was sighted less than
200mt of Boydtown Beach.
Monday
September 1, 2008
Cat Balou sighted 6 Humpbacks 5 miles east of Eden today.
The whales gave an excellent display of lunge feeding as well as tail slapping.
This is one of the few places in the world that the Humpbacks feed on their
migratory route.
Saturday
August 30, 2008
Passengers aboard Cat Balou on a bay cruise received a
bonus today when whales were sighted a mile east of Twofold Bay. A total of 4
Humpbacks were seen and good whales to watch as they surfaced frequently.
Wednesday
August 27, 2008
Two
Humpback whales were sighted in Twofold Bay early today. Cat Balou caught up
with pod south of South Head as they headed south.
Thursday
August 14, 2008
Several pods of whales have been sighted at Eden over the
last two days. Eden Coastal Patrol sighted a pod near South Head yesterday and
another pod was seen further out of Twofold Bay heading south. Today a pod was
sighted from shore at 7.30am and were still in the same area several hours
later. Unfortunately strong SW winds prevented a cruise today.
Monday July
21, 2008
Two adult
Southern Right whales were sighted in Twofold Bay, Eden today. The pair were
first seen several hundred metres off The Lookout and moved north and were last
seen at the northern end of Aslings Beach.
Thursday July
17, 2008
Cat Balou
sighted another whale in Twofold Bay today. Rounding The Lookout a sub adult was
sighted. This animal was not in a hurry to leave the bay and mugged Cat Balou
for 20 minutes, delighting passengers. A large pod of approximately 35
Bottlenose Dolphins were also sighted off Aslings Beach along with a seal and
many Little Penguins.
Tuesday July
15, 2008
Passengers
aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise today sighted three
Humpback whales. The whales were spotted by Eden Coastal Patrol who notified Cat
Balou. A pod of three adults were sighed heading north near North Head in
Twofold Bay and Cat Balou followed them towards Leonard's Island. One of the
whales had a distinct fluke which appeared to have been chopped off by a
propeller.
With the whale season approaching Cat Balou advise early bookings. Bookings are being taken from 20th September until 24th November with whale watching cruises operating daily during that period. The Pacific Whale Foundation will have two of their researchers aboard Cat Balou for most of the season.
Friday July 4, 2008
Over the past couple of weeks a number of Humpbacks have been seen heading north past Eden. This year the whales have been observed closer to shore than in past years. Cat Balou did a whale watching trip today and found three Humpbacks east of Eden. Common Dolphins and a few seals were also sighted.
Researchers are excited that the
Killer Whales sighted and photographed by Cat Balou on 21st March 2008 were Type
C Antarctic Killer Whales and this is the first time this type has been recorded
in Australian waters.
Friday March
21, 2008
Cat Balou
Cruises received a call today, notifying them that a pack of Killer Whales had
been sighted off the coast at Eden by local boats game fishing. As it is quite
rare to see Orca, the owners of Cat Balou gathered a few friends and headed out
to see if they could find them. A couple of miles outside Twofold Bay they were
sighted - a pack of betwwen 25 & 30 animals. There were a number of males
with huge dorsal fins, females and one very small baby. Cat Balou followed them
for 45 minutes as they headed southwards.
Wednesday
December 5, 2007
Wednesday 5th December Wonderful news! One of the two
mother/calf pods that Cat Balou spotted on their final whale watching
cruise for 2007 on 26th November was the whale that the town of Eden
adopted as their icon whale, Jarnder. Photographs of her fluke taken by Ros Butt
proved this and Cat Balou also sighted her at Eden on 5th November 2005. Jarnder
was also sighted this year in Hervey Bay on 19th October with her calf.
Monday
November 26, 2007
Monday 26th November Cat Balou did their final Budget Whale
Watching Cruise today and found two mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay near South
Head. The four whales rounded South Head on their way to Antarctica and
split into two pods. One pod gave passengers some close encounters, popping up
beside Cat Balou. Cat Balou later headed to Saltwater and picked up the four
whales who had affilliated again near Murwaree. Both adults fluked up. Common
Dolphins, seals, penguins and flying fish were also sighted, capping off an
excellent season with Cat Balou sighting whales on 100% of their budget whale
cruises this year.
Saturday
November 24, 2007
Saturday 24th November Cat Balou did their final half
day whale watching tour for this season today and finished on a high note
sighting 4 different mother/calf pods, dolphins and seals. The first whales were
found as Cat Balou rounded The Lookout, a huge mother and her calf resting on
the surface. After 20 minutes they came to life and mum gave several fluke
ups but were not in any hurry to leave the area. Off The Pinnacles two more
mother/calf pods were sight and they affilliated for a while before tracking
south. Another pod was sighted near North Head. Many Common Dolphins escorted
Cat Balou across Twofold Bay. Four more whales were sighted by passengers
on a Twofold Bay cruise, both mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay. Cat Balou report sighting whales on every whale
watching cruise they conducted this year!
Friday
November 23, 2007
Friday 23rd November Cat Balou was back on the water
today and sighted 7 Humpbacks during their two cruises. The morning
Twofold Bay Cruise passengers sighted a mother & calf. This mother had the
left side of her fluke missing and was an animal Cat Balou have sighted in
previous seasons. A whale watching trip found a different mother/calf pod along
with another pod of three adults.
Wednesday
November 21, 2007
Wednesday 21st November An easterly swell
prevailed today after the strong winds yesterday making conditions hard for
whale watching. On a day when we needed active whales the only pod sighed was a
mother & calf who surfaced near North Head. The mother fluked up and wasn't
seen again. Common Dolphins kept passengers entertained as the escorted Cat
Balou on several occassions during the cruise.
Tuesday
November 20, 2007
Tuesday 20th November Cat Balou was not whale
watching today. Several coached did their Twofold Bay Cruise with Bottlenose
dolphins seen on the second trip. A strong NE wind developed during the day.
Monday
November 19, 2007
Monday 19th November Cat Balou sighted 10 Humpback
whales this morning. The first whales were sighted at Murwaree Point and this
pod was a mother & calf with two escorts, rather unusual. One of the escorts
had a slpit dorsal and deep scar on the right hand of its body and Ros Butt
recognized this unusual animal as one Cat Balou had sighted before. On checking
her photo ID this whale was sighted off the coast of Eden on 25th November 2006!
These were good whales to watch in sloppy conditions with some good fluke ups
and close encounters. Three more mother/calf pods were sighted at the heads of
Twofold Bay.
Sunday
November 18, 2007
Sunday 18th November Cat Balou found their first
whales just around fro South Head very close to shore. This was a mother &
calf who were later joined by a pod of dolphins. The second moter/calf pod
were to the SE and the mother fluked up a number of times. Near Murwaree another
three mother/calf pods were seen with one of the calves breaching once. One of
the mothers had a very distinct mottled pattern on her body which should be an
animal the researchers will easily identify. There were reports of a pack of
Killer Whales in the area, seen by several fishermen.
Saturday
November 17, 2007
Saturday 17th November For the first time in many
days no whales were sighted within Twofold Bay. Cat Balou headed north with a
freshening NE wind forecast. A Sunfish and a number of Flying Fish were sighted
near Leonards island. The first whales were seen near Haycock Point but proved
elusive. Cat Balou headed to a pod of two adults which True Blue had found and
they were slowly heading south. Another mother & calf were in the same area.
South of Haycock the two adults were resighted and Cat Balou followed them to
The Pinnacles with the whales surfing the NE swell.
Friday
November 16, 2007
Friday 16th November It was another busy day on the
water at Eden with Cat Balou sighting whales on three cruises they conducted.
The day began with a mother & calf sighted near South Head with the pair
playing with seaweed and spending a lot of time on the surface. Heading north
another mother & calf were found and this pair gave passengers some very
close encounters several times, mugging Cat Balou, along with some great
fluke ups. Near Leonards Island another three mother/calf pods were
sighted with a very active calf breaching. Back in Twofold Bay another pod were
sighted. Bottlenose Dolphins were also seen at Aslings Beach. A coach group on a
Bay Cruise witnessed an awesome display with three mother/calf pods together in
the middle of Twofold Bay all tail slapping and breaching - what a show!
Another coach group later also received a bonus when a mother & calf
were sighted near Honeysuckle Bay.
Thursday
November 15, 2007
Thursday 15th November The Humpback highway off Eden
was busy today with Cat Balou sighting 9 mother/calf pods at close range
during their two whale watching trips. The morning began when a breaching calf
was spotted in the middle of Twofold Bay.This turned out two be a pod of four
with two playful calves. Another mother & calf were found near the heads and
an escort appeared briefly. The hydrophone picked up some great singing with one
overseas passeneger declaring it to be the most amazing thing she had ever
heard! Later a mother, calf & escort were found near Leonards Island
the mother had a distinct fluke with many Killer Whale rake marks on it. There
was also another pod neraby. A second trip resighted the previous pod in Twofold
Bay with another pod heading into the bay close to South Head. Cat Balou
cruises south sighting several more pods with one adult giving a few peduncle
thrusts.
Wednesday
November 14, 2007
Wednesday 14th November Cat Balou headed out with a
freshening NE wind making conditions a bit lumpy. Near South Head the first
whales were sighted, a mother, calf and escort who headed into Twofold Bay. Cat
Balou left them near Aslings Beach and headed east where another whale was
spotted. This animal proved elusive after fluking up once. Heading north
breaching whales were spotted off The Pinnacles. They breached a
number of times as Cat Balou approached and the calf did a few tail slaps. East
of North Head skipper Gordon spotted a double breach and there were several
adult whales in the area. One head lunged whilst another gave a spectacular tail
slapping exhibition. Common Dolphins were in the same area and they
were heard on the hydrophone. A bay cruise later found a mother and calf
between The lookout and woodchip mill with the calf breaching a number of times.
Tuesday
November 13, 2007
Tuesday 13th November Cat Balou sighted a total of 9
mother/calf pods plus three adults on their two cruises today. The morning trip
began when two mother/calf pods were sighted within 5 minutes after Cat Balou
left the Eden wharf. Off Leatherjacket Bay another mother & calf plus three
adults were entertaining to watch as they swam with a large pod of Common
Dolphins. Again clear singing was picked up whaen the hydrophone was put into
the ocean. Cat Balou did a coastal run to Bitangabee Bay, sighting another
three mother/calf pods heading south. The second trip sighted another three
mother/calf pods, one in Twofold Bay and the other two near Leonards Island.
Common Dolphins were also sighted on the return trip.
Monday
November 12, 2007
Monday 12th November Perfect conditions on the
water today and Cat Balou had an excellent morning, first sighting a mother
& calf east of South Head. These whales frollicked with many Common Dolphins
and seals, the dolphins appeared to be chasing the whales. Brilliant singing was
heard on the hydrophone. More whales were sighted to the SE - another
active calf with the mother and more dolphins. The calf tail slapped many
times. Leaving these whales the first mother/calf pod were found with the
calf playfully breaching. Near The Pinnacles a pod of four adults were sighted,
breaching as Cat Balou approached and one did some pec slapping. Birdlife
included many Shearwaters and a juvenile Wandering Albatross
Sunday
November 11, 2007
Sunday 11th November Cat Balou had another
successful day sighting whales, dolphins, seals and a sunfish. The morning
began when a calf was seen breaching in Calle Calle Bay only minutes after Cat
Balou left the Eden wharf. This was a mother & calf who swam towards The
Lookout. Several more pods were seen just outside Twofold Bay with two
mother/calf pods affilliating with Common Dolphins swimming with the whales. A
Sunfish created much interest with the passengers. Another mother & calf
were sighted later in the morning.
Saturday
November 10, 2007
Saturday 10th November Cat Balou headed south today
having sighted a pod of whales in Twofold Bay before leaving. This mother &
calf were located near Leatherjacket Bay and were slowly heading south. Later a
pod of two adults and another pod of three adults were sighted a mile south east
of South Head. These whales gave good fluke ups and a few close encounters.
Later two more mother/calf pods were sighted just outside Twofold Bay and
another pod near North Head. A second trip found a mother and calf east of
The Pinnacles and two adults later affilliated with this pod. The calf was
active with a number of breaches. Common Dolphins and seals were seen on
both trips.
Friday
November 9, 2007
Friday 9th November Cat Balou headed out this morning with
poor visibility and light rain. A pod of whales had been sighted from shore
before leaving and Cat Balou found this mother & calf on the
southern side of South Head, very close to shore. This pair were rather shy with
long down times, so Cat Balou decided to leave them as they slowly headed south.
Near Leonards Island a mother & calf Southern Right were spotted.
This is only the second sightings of Southern Rights Cat Balou has made this
season. The adult frequently fluked up showing her magnificent black fluke. A
little further north a mother, calf and escort Humpback were found with the calf
breaching several times. Common Dolphins were also seen along with Australian
Fur Seals. Not far away another mother & calf were sighted. A second trip
resighted the mother, calf and escort and a mile east an active pod was seen.
This was three adults which breached and head lunged. Many Common Dolphins were
near the whales.
Thursday
November 8, 2007
Thursday 8th November Cat Balou sighted a number of adult
Humpbacks today east of The Pinnacles. There were several pods in the area, all
adults. Passengers witnessed a number of spectacular breaches, head lunges and
pec slapping. At times the pods affilliated. On the return trip a mother &
calf were sighted near South Head but appeared to be resting.
Wednesday
November 7, 2007
Wednesday 7th November Cat Balou picked up a pod of four
adult Humpbacks near South Head today. This pod was heading south and all whales
fluked up at close range. Cat Balou followed them for about an hour and left
them near Murwaree. Several pods of Common Dolphins were seen as Cat Balou
headed north to Haycock, looking for more whales. A swell from the SE made
conditions difficult for spotting and despite covering a wide area, no other
whales were seen.
Tuesday
November 6, 2007
Tuesday 6th November Cat Balou was back on the water today
and sighted whales on each of the three trips. The morning whale watch got off
to a good start with a mother & calf within Twofold Bay. Near South
Head a second mother & calf appeared and it was a very entertaining calf who
breached many times as they slowly cruised southwards close to the shoreline.
Later another mother & calf were found just inside North Head with the
mother giving some good fluke ups and a peduncle slap. The other two trips Cat
Balou did were cruises around Twofold Bay for Coach Groups visiting Eden and
Merimbula and on both trips passenegers were thrilled to see whales near South
Head.
Monday
November 5, 2007
Monday 5th November Big seas over the past two
days have prevented Cat Balou doing their whale watching cruises. It is hoped
that conditions will be better tomorrow. There are still a lot of whales passing
Eden and Cat Balou will continue their whale watching until 24th November
Saturday
November 3, 2007
Saturday 3rd November With the Eden Whale Festival in full
swing Cat Balou headed out whale watching twice today. There were plenty of
whales about, mostly mother/calf pods sighted between North Head and Saltwater.
One calf breached a number of times on the first trip and some faint singing was
picked up on the hydrophone. Common dolphins were also sighted on the early trip
and Australian Fur Seals seen both trips.
Friday
November 2, 2007
Friday 2nd November
Cat Balou sighted
their first whales near South Head, a mother/calf pod quite close to
shore. The pair slowly headed south with the mother giving some nice fluke ups.
Just east of Eden the second pod were sighted - another mother & calf who
were heading north. Nearby a competition pod headed into Twofold Bay. The
fourth pod was another mother & calf who cruised right in towards Eden and
gave Cat Balou some very close encounters. This pod were resighted a bit later
in the morning and very active with the calf breaching a number of times and
both the mother & calf tail and peduncle slapping as they headed towards
Honeysuckle Bay.
Thursday
November 1, 2007
Thursday 1st November Cat Balou Cruises sighted a
number of mother/calf pods today. The first whales were sighted within 5 minutes
of leaving when an active calf and the mother were sighted mid bay with the calf
breaching. This pod slowly moved into Nullica Bay and Cat Balou left them
after half an hour. Between South Head and Murwaree Point another two pods were
found quite close to shore. One calf was inquisitive and gave passengers a close
encounter. East of Eden another two pods were sighted, both making their way
south. A number of Australian Fur Seals were seen during the cruise. A coach
group form SA on a bay cruise also sighted whales with a mother & calf
resting just inside South Head.
Wednesday
October 31, 2007
Wednesday 31st October The month of October ended with Cat
Balou having another good day with the whales and report having seen whales on
every trip this season with only one day lost to bad weather. A boat fishing off Murwaree called up
Cat Balou reporting whales off the point and as Cat Balou arrived the calf put
on an exciting breaching display. Another mother & calf joined this pair and
later another mother & calf were just a couple off metres off the rocks
south of Saltwater slowly heading south. Another pod was sighted just inside
Twofold Bay but only surfaced a couple of times. No singing was heard on
the hydrophone today. The cruise finished with two pods of Bottlenose
Dolphins, one at Aslings Beach and another at the Eden Wharf. A private
charter in the afternoon saw another two mother/calf pods, one at North Head and
another near the chipmill. Both calves breached several times.
Tuesday
October 30, 2007
Tuesday 30th October Cat Balou headed north today and found
a pod off whales east of The Pinnacles. This was a mother and calf with two
other adults. This pod provided good viewing as they were frequently on the
surface. It appeared the two adults were pursuing the mother and some peduncle
thrusts and tail slaps were quite spectaular. Very clear singing was picked up
on the hydrophone. Many fluke ups gave photographers a chance to get good
photos. Dolphins & seals were also seen. A second trip found the same whales
just outside Twofold Bay with an adults breaching as Cat Balou approached.
Common Dolphins were with the whales who slowly continued the southern
migration. Singing was again heard on the hydrophone.
Monday October
29, 2007
Monday 29th October Shortly
after Cat Balou departed on their whale watching trip today a mother & calf
were spotted 800 metres off The Lookout. The calf spent a lot of time on the
surface rollong about and a couple of spy hops. South of South Head another pod
was spotted very close to shore, but were hard to track in the easterly swell.
Near North Head more whales were found and this was a mother, calf & escort
which Cat Balou followed to South Head. The escort gave a few pec slaps. Just
inside South Head another mother & calf were sighted heading around the
point. Seals were also sighted along with quite a few Shearwaters and
Albatross.
Sunday October
28, 2007
Sunday 28 October, A mother
and calf were spotted shortly after Merimbula Marina's True Blue left the wharf
this morning, another pod of 2 humpbacks were sighted east of Merimbula Bay,
breaching, tail slapping having a ball. At the moment there are heaps and heaps
of whales coming through. The sub adults & adult whales have been very
active, thousands of common dolphins and millions of birds, bait fish and krill.
The afternoon cruise sighted a mother and calf off Haystack Rock breaching head
lunging and splashing about. This season is continueing to be outstanding and
there are still more whales swimming south from their breeding ground in the
north.
Saturday October 27,
2007
Saturday 27th October A
heavy fog blanketed much of the area today but Cat Balou had an excellent
morning on the water sighting a mother & calf just inside Twofold Bay and
this pair was joined shortly after by another mother & calf. The two pairs
moved into the middle of the bay with both calves quite active. Several small
Fur Seals frollicked with the whales. After watching them for over an hour Cat
Balou headed NE and with clearer conditions found another mother & calf near
Leonards Island. The hydrophone was lowered into the water and excellent singing
heard. Heading home Common Dolphins & more seals were sighted. The highlight
of the morning was perhaps multiple breaches by a mother & calf towards the
Chipmill. Heading out on a second trip Cat Balou spotted four different
mother/calf pods within Twofold Bay which included a resight of one of the pods
seen in the bay on the earlier cruise.
Thursday
October 25, 2007
Thursday 25th October There are still plenty of whalesoff
the coast at eden with Cat Balou Cruises reporting one of their best seasons
ever with whales sighted on every trip so far this season. Today started with
the sighting of a mother & calf within Twofold Bay, a very inquisitive pair
who mugged Cat Balou. With the boat motors off, the whales approached Cat Balou
on a number of occassions, within metres of the boat. Next was a pod of five sub
adults just south of South Head, less than 500 metres off the coast. They
surfaced frequently with great fluke ups as they made their way south. Also in
the same area was a mother & calf. Heading to the NE another mother &
calf were sighted. This calf had a damaged fluke which appeared to have been
recently bitten by a shark. The PWF Researchers aboard Cat Balou managed to get
a good photo of the damaged fluke. The calf appeared to be healthy despite its
injuries. Dolphins swam with this pair. Off North Head another three mother/calf
pods were seen with one calf breaching.
Wednesday
October 24, 2007
Wednesday 24th October Cat Balou Cruises sighted 12
Humpbacks on the morning trip. Just outside Twofold Bay a mother/calf pod was
spotted. This pair were moving quite quickly south. To the east another active
pod was sighted so Cat Balou headed out to them. It was a pod of 4 sub adults
frollicking together, along with a few Australian Fur Seals and another pod of
two later affilliated with this pod. Heading north a large pod of Common
Dolphins joined Cat Balou, delighting passengers as they launched themselves out
of the water, racing to the boat.Later a mother & calf were found towards
Haycock with the calf breaching and rolling around. Another mother & calf
were close to the shoreline off Leonards Island. An afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise
also found a mother & calf near South Head and also sighted seals and
Bottlenose Dolphins. The season is in full swing and should continue until late
November as there are still a number of mother/calf pods in Hervey Bay this
week.
Monday October
22, 2007
Monday 22nd October The
whales were a little quiet today but Cat Balou sighted a mother, calf &
escort mid bay and followed them to South Head. Two other pods were sighted off
the Pinnacles but had long down times. Near North Head another Mother & calf
were spotted and the calf gave passengers a couple of breaches and peduncle
thrusts whilst the mother showed a distinctive marked fluke as she fluked up
several times.
Sunday October
21, 2007
Sunday 21st October Cat
Balou sighted whales shortly after departing on their cruise today with two
mother/calf pods only several hundred metres off the eastern side of The
Lookout. Two other mother/calf pods were also sighted inside Twofold Bay with
the pods resting. Common Dolphins were also seen near the whales. Several other
whale sightings were made during the morning and singing picked up on the
hydrophone. The special part of the day was a pod of two inquisitive HUmpbacks
which were found east of North Head. They had mugged a small craft and did the
same to Cat Balou. Numerous spy hops delighted passengers who were almost able
to touch the whales heads as they kept surfacing beside the boat. They would
disappear for 5 minutes then resurface and spy hop again. A magical experience.
Several mother/calf pods were sighted on a later trip.
Tuesday
October 16, 2007
Tuesday October 16
True Blue
cruised out today in good conditions, the skipper commented that it was back to
whale school, the mothers were teaching their calves to breach and after this
the passengers witnessed the calves feeding, being warm blooded, air breathing
marine mammals they possess mammary glands to suckle their young. Another
special whale watching cruise for Merimbula's visitors. No two days are ever the
same so come and experience the magic of whale watching. Book now!!
Monday October
15, 2007
Monday October 15
Today Merimbula Marina's True Blue sighted a total of 10
whales during the morning trip with their first humpbacks swimming south from
Tura Beach. At 9.15 a Southern Right whale and her calf were spotted just off
Tura also. The humpbacks are known as the acrobats of the sea but its also a
thrill to see other varieties of these gentle giants. The sea conditions were
flat with no swell, perfect for sighting the blow or spout of the humpback. The
afternoon cruise sighting their first pod 2 miles East of Merimbula Bay. 2 sub
adults playing and obviously in no hurry, pectoral fin slapping, tail lobbing
and a dual breach was sighted in the distance. Plenty of whales reported from
our Sydney office still on their way south.
Saturday
October 13, 2007
Saturday 13th October It was a cold day on the water but
this didn't worry the whales with Cat Balou Cruises out of Eden sighting a
number of pods of Humpbacks just off the coast at Eden. About a mile outside
Twofold Bay the first whales were spotted a pod of two milling around. Closer to
shore another pod was sighted and these three sub adults gave passengers a
thrill when they approached Cat Balou, rolling around at close proximity and one
female lay on her back with her pectoral fins extended under the boat for
several minutes. Another single animal plus a pod of three more were also seen.
There was a report of a mother & calf near Leatherjacket Bay and Cat Balou
cruised close to the coast south to Bittangabee Bay but failed to find them. On
the return trip they were sighted near Saltwater Creek and another mother &
calf plus two more pods seen in the area.
Friday October
12, 2007
Friday 12th October It was
a bleak morning as Cat Balou headed out whale watching today with light rain and
low visibility, but it cleared before long and passengers were rewarded with a
great morning sighting a number number of Humpbacks. The first pod was four
adults which stayed with Cat Balou for almost an hour, surprising passengers as
they surfaced beside the boat. Pasengers on the back deck witnessed a couple of
great spy hops at close range.The hydrophone picked up some singing. More whales
were sighted to the east, a pod of two in travel mode. The last pod were active
with some peduncle thrusts, tail slapping and a breach. At East Boyd a pod od
Bottlenose Dolphins wre spotted with a couple bow riding
Thursday
October 11, 2007
Thursday, 11 October Merimbula Marina's True Blue took her
passengers out on the morning cruise in good conditions, a light breeze emerged
mid cruise and this actually increases the whale activity. A mother and calf
were sighted 3 miles off Long Point as we followed them the calf performed
spectacular breaching and the other humpbacks that had joined the pod were very
playful, tail lobbing, and tails throws from these huge creatues is a sight to
be seen. Close encounters were witnessed by the afternoon passengers, the wind
had increased and the friendly humpbacks were happily rolling on their backs,
with 6 Australian Fur Seals coming along to join in and a pod of Common
Dolphins. A calf breaching 15 times near the boat was the highlight of the day.
Thursday
October 11, 2007
Thursday 11th October Heading out from Eden today Cat Balou
picked up a pod of Common Dolphins in Twofold Bay and also sighted several seals
rafted on the surface. The first whales sighted were a mother, calf &
escort. Four other pods were sighted throughout the cruise and it was the first
time for several weeks that no feeding was observed although the water was thick
with plankton. Most whales were large adults and one took everyone by surprise
as it breached at cloase range in front of Cat Balou. The whales were heard
clearly singing when the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean.
Wednesday
October 10, 2007
Wednesday 10th October Plenty of whales were sighted by Cat
Balou today with most pods of hungry Humpbacks again seen feeding. Most
sightings were just north of Eden. The whales provided good viewing with many
close encounters as they lunged around Cat Balou with their massive mouths open
showing their baleen & palate. A spy hop, pec slaps and several breaches
were seen. Excellent singing was heard through the hydrophone.
Tuesday
October 9, 2007
Tuesday The whale season seems to be getting better &
better! Cat Balou from Eden report seeing pods of
whales everywhere just east of Eden. Most pods were feeding. It appers that the
same whales are staying in the area whilst the food is around and not continuing
with their southern migration. Again singing was picked up on the hydrophone.
The morning trip finished with one humpback giving a magnificent pec slapping
display as it lay on its back close to Cat Balou, while another vied for the
attention of passengers by tail slapping. A second trip saw a mother & calf
right in Twofold Bay. After watching them, Cat Balou decided to head to where
the whales were earlier. With a freshening SE wind the whales went crazy,
breaching and tail slapping. Heading home a juvenille was sighted near the heads
and it gave one of the most amazing displays of tail and peduncle slapping that
Ros & Gordon (owner/operators) of Cat Balou Cruises for the past 20 years
have witnessed. Only metres from the boat it continued this spectacular display
for 20 minutes. The third trip which was a bay cruises saw the mother & calf
seen earlier still in Twofold Bay towards the chipmill with both in a playful
mood.
Monday October
8, 2007
Monday Another great day on
the water and Edens' Cat Balou sighted a number of
whales throughout the day. The first whals seen were a mother & calf slowly
moving south, just outside Twofold Bay. More whales were sighted to the north
and several pods affilliated and gave another wonderful display of lunge
feeding, right beside Cat Balou. A sub adult delighted passengers with an
energetic tail slapping display for about 20 minutes. Another whale joined up
with this Humpback. Singing was heard on the hydrophone. During the trip a large
pod of Common dolphins were sighted. An afternoon coach group from Avoca Beach
also received a bonus sighting a pod of Humpbacks.
Monday October
8, 2007
Monday, Merimbula Marina's
skipper John remarked that the cruise today was just "amazing", Everywhere True Blue turned there were whales, lunge feeding,
mothers and calves with over 50 whales sighted on the morning cruise. 30 bottle
nosed dolphins came to join in the feeding frenzy and the sea birds were out
today as well. Gannets & Albatross fed on the bait balls. The afternoon
cruise went out in perfect conditions sighting 100's of dolphins playing with
the humpbacks that were feeding on the large bait balls. "It is the season that
I've witnessed" remarked John. Cruises run until end of November don't delay
book today.
Sunday October
7, 2007
Sunday Weather conditions
were much better today and Cat Balou report seeing a
number of pods of whales today. The first sighting was a single animal which
appeared to be looking for food and later began feeding. To the north an active
whale could be seen breaching and Cat Balou headed to it. It put on the best
display of breaching seen this season, whilst slowly swimming south. It breached
over 30 times giving passengers plenty of photo opportunities. Later a yearling
was seen and later two adults joined up with it. They surprised passengers with
a few close encounters and several spy hops right beside Cat Balou. Another
single Humpback was seen heading north towards a pod off The Pinnacles.
Friday October
5, 2007
Friday, The morning cruise
saw 5 humpback whales lunge feeding and the passengers experiencing close
encounters only 3 miles off Short Point. The weather was perfect for cruising
and the afternoon cruise saw True Blue's passengers
witness a pod of whales lunge feeding whilst following the vessel for nearly 2
hours.
Thursday
October 4, 2007
Thursday, Today True Blue took
her passengers out in much more stable conditions, 13 humpback whales were
sighted within metres of the vessel lunge feeding. Breaching whales were sighted
further out and 100 common dolphins and Australian Fur Seals joined in the
feeding frenzy. The afternoon cruise sighted 2 pods feeding and an active sub
adult continuously pectoral slapping for over 15 mins. Amazing sights. Join our
cruise to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
Thursday
October 4, 2007
Thursday Cat Balou started today cruise sighting a Southern
Right whale only a couple of hundred mertres off Edens' Aslings Beach. At first
it was thought it may be the whale sighted earlier in the week north of Tathra,
entangled in rope, however after a close look it appeared to be okay. Many pods
of humpbacks were sighted throughot the morning cruise, all pods feeding. Common
Dolphins were frollicking with one pod of whales. The second cruise also saw
many Humpbacks seen off the coast at Eden and the weather conditions were
perfect. Not as much feedinfg as seen on the earlier trip, but some peduncle
slaps and great flukes were seen, along with many close encounters as the whales
mugged Cat Balou. Later in the afternoon many shore based whale watches were
excited to see the Southern Right whale very close to Aslings Beach giving a
good pec slapping display. Good news about the entangled Southern Right with a
report that it was freed of the ropes near Tathra.
Wednesday
October 3, 2007
Wednesday Cat Balou picked up a pod of Common Dolphins as
they headed across Twofold Bay. With a freshening NE wind the swell picked up
but Cat Balou was directed to a pod of whales by their shore based spotter. As
Cat Balou approached they were tail slapping. It was a mother & baby
Humpback. The calf was active and a number of breaches seen. After watching them
for an hour Cat Balou headed into the sheltered area of Twofold Bay and three
Australian Fur Seals were spotted on the Naval wharf in East Boyd.
Tuesday
October 2, 2007
Tuesday Cat Balou headed out three times today and each
trip sighted whales. Excellent feeding took place by the hungry Humpbacks on the
first trip with several pods sighted not far outside Twofold Bay. Heading to
more whales the crew and passengers were amazed to see two Blue Whales! It
apperaed to be a mother & calf which surfaced at regular intervals. It has
been several years since Cat Balou sighted Blues, the largest creature in the
world. Heading out on the 2nd trip more hungry humpbacks were found as well as
some tail slapping whales. Two coach groups on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises
also received a bonus. After sighting Bottlenose Dolphins as they departed the
Eden Wharf, one adult Humpback was sighted just outside south head and gave a
magnificent fluke up.
Monday October
1, 2007
Monday Heading out from
eden, Cat Balou sighted a pod of Common Dolphins and quite a few seals. Around
from South Head the f