Whale Tail

The tail of a Humpback Whale, the ocean water lit up by the reflections of the late afternoon sun. Humpback Whales are a large baleen whale that can... more

by Maryse Jansen

Title

Whale Tail

Artist

Maryse Jansen

Medium

Photograph

Description

The tail of a Humpback Whale, the ocean water lit up by the reflections of the late afternoon sun. Humpback Whales are a large baleen whale that can grow up to 18m! These whales migrate every year up and down the east and west coasts of Australia. During summer, they spend their time in the Antarctic to feed on krill. In winter they move up the coast to warmer waters to breed. They are easily recognized by distinctive knobbly protuberances on the head and long flippers, the dark coloured upper parts and the white throat, belly and underside of their flippers. They are a curious species and will often approach boats. They are also quite playful and can be seen tail slapping, waving their flippers, spy hopping and breaching!
These beautiful magnificent creatures of the sea where almost driven to extinction in the 1960’s and 70’s due to whaling practices. Since then they have been protected and have made a slow recovery. Currently there is a discussion going on on whether they could be taken of the threatened species list in Australia. Even though they are no longer under threat by whaling practices, they now face other kinds of problems including the consequences for their habitat from climate change so scientists urge to keep them protected!
Taken in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, one of their favourite spots to hang out in the breeding season.

Thank you to the following groups on Fine Art America for featuring this image on their home page:
Animal Photographs 04-09-2021
Environmental Art - Specifically Ocean Conservation 04-10-2021
Images That Excite You 04-14-2021
Fine Art America Professionals 04-15-2021
Exploration Photography 04-15-2021
Art For The Love Of Art 04-16-2021
Beach Moment 04-16-2021
Scenes From A Beach 04-21-2021
All Genre Of Photography 07-08-2021
Women Photographers 07-22-2021

animals, marine animals, whale, Humpback Whale, baleen, swimming, tail, queensland, australia, wildlife, nature, australian marine life, fauna, ocean, water, blue, black, threatened species, Megaptera novaeangliae, Hervey Bay

Uploaded

April 9th, 2021