Okay. I had been jealous of my colleagues for several days. They were seeing humpback whales off the shore of the northwest coast of Chumbe Island. Each time there was a siting, I missed it! So, when we returned to Chumbe on Thursday I was determined to see whales. But, this kind of siting only happens if you’re lucky. As fate and probability would have it, I didn’t see whales. Though the cresting waves did make my heart skip a beat once and a while. Thinking that I was unlikely to ever see the majestic mammal, my luck changed. On a late afternoon we were out snorkeling along the reef crest. Diving down 2-3 metres to place a line of sea urchins on the seafloor. This is part of a study to look at what eats the urchins and why they are simply not being eaten as quickly as their population numbers are growing. After placing a line and letting my snorkel fill with water, I heard whale songs. It was spectacular! The song sounded as you would imagine it. Low, long notes, repeated over and over. Sometimes the song can go on for hours or days. For me, the song was there for as long as I could hold my breath. I kept returning to the seafloor, again and again, holding my breath, kicking hard to fight the buoyancy of my suit, listening. Another truly majestic experience on Chumbe Island.
August 19, 2008
August 21, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Candace, that is SO exciting!!!!
I’m so glad you have this blog. Who else knows about it? It’s like my secret magical garden… but an ocean garden, and on the web.
August 29, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hi Candace!
I’ve finally had a chance to check out your blog this morning, and I’m blown away at the beauty of your words and pictures! Your writing is so entrancing. Hearing the songs of whales must have been truly incredible. Thanks for sharing these experiences.
Dave and I are doing well, enjoying our new life together in Miami… and our new nephew! We miss you and think of you often.
Love,
Brooke