Old Owl's photos with the keyword: whale watching July 2024

Two male humpback whales showing off to a female (who is under water and does not seem very impressed). These two, plus a number of others, have been courting the female whilst we watched. She makes them chase her and, because she is much larger than they are and can be very fast and active, she tries to tire them out to see which one is the strongest. Then she will possibly mate with the winner; however female whales can be very fussy about these things, apparently and sometimes they demand a "sing off" between the potential suitors. Maybe these two here were still competing; or maybe celebrating; or just having a good, raucous, exhibitionist time as all adolescent males will, especially when they meet a girl and have the chance of a bit of rumpy-pumpy. Good luck, guys. Whales gather in this bay south-east of Augusta before starting their migration up the coast to the tropical Indian Ocean to the north of Australia, where the females will give birth before heading back south to the cold waters of the Southern Ocean again in late September and October.

Apologies for the softness. The sea was choppy, the boat was bouncing, the spray was all around and we were a fair way out in the bay. This is the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, taken from out in the Southern Ocean whilst we were looking for humpback whales. I hope all is well with all of you.