Humpback Whales, Juneau, Alaska #3362

Humpback whales bubble-net feed along the shores of Favorite Channel in Juneau, Alaska. Bubble-net feeding is mostly associated with humpback whales feeding in the waters of Southeast Alaska. During this cooperative feeding behavior humpbacks locate and encircle schools of small bait fish, like herring, while blowing bubbles to create a bubble-net. This net of bubbles corrals the fish into a tight group. At the same time the whales vocalize, frightening the fish to flee toward the surface. With mouths wide open the whales swim up through this concentrated pile of fish and gulp them all down. The gulls above are hoping to pick up the leftovers. This image is featured in my 2025 Juneau Alaska Calendar, now available online at markkelley.com and in your Juneau stores. I will be at the Public Market signing calendars Nov 29-through December 1. Thank you for visiting and for the gift of your time, enjoy! Camera Nikon D850, Lens 80-400mm, Digital Capture, ©Mark Kelley