Humpback Whales, Bubble-Net Feeding…Image # 2886

Humpback whales are engaged in a spectacular cooperative feeding activity known as bubble-netting.  Rare elsewhere in the world, bubble-netting is fairly common in Southeast Alaska waters. Working together, the humpback whales exhale bubbles while encircling a school of small prey fish, such as herring.  As the prey fish are corralled, the simultaneous song of the whales force the fish to flee to the water’s surface. The humpback whales follow with with mouths wide open as they lunge through the mass of fish.  Seawater is filtered out through the rows of whale baleen, leaving behind a huge mouthful of wriggling fish.   This photo illustrates the month of July in my 2015 Juneau Alaska Calendar and in my new children’s book “Once Upon Alaska”.  Thank you for visiting. ©Mark Kelley Camera: Nikon D800,  Lens: Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8, Digital Capture