Humpback Whale Breach, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska – Image 2537

During the fall, humpback whales start migrating from their summer feeding range in Alaska to their winter range in Hawaii. These juvenile whales breached close to our boat for more than half an hour. I have noticed that the repeated breaching behavior is done most often done by the juvenile whales. Researchers have many theories on why whales breach, but when pressed they admit that they really have no definite reason to explain the behavior. This image illustrates page 90 in my newest book, Alaska: A Photographic Excursion. Camera: Nikon F/5, Lens: 80-400mm f/3.5-5.6 Nikkor, Film 35mm Velvia slide film.-Mark Kelley