Humpback

I could hardly believe my eyes - on my way to a lecture on astronomy something caught my eye out of one of the windows - unmistakably a dorsal fin. This was followed by the most extraordinary display by a humpback whale,  really close to the ship. It flipped onto its back revealing its white underside,  and began flapping its long pectoral fins through the sea like it was doing a weird kind of backstroke! The ORCA team on board had never seen behaviour like it and thought it must be a juvenile, just enjoying seeing our ship and playing alongside. It was there for several minutes and we all just watched, delighted to share the moment with this enormous creature. 

Humpback 

Black dorsal fin, white blow against grey sea, 
A ripple of excitement rolling along deck, 
A wave of people standing for a better view. 
It rolls; a long white fin, two,
Slapping the surface of the sea
Again and again, playfully,
As if posing for photographs.
An omen, presaging fine weather
For the afternoon's eclipse. 


© Copyright 2026. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.

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