Pittwater Online News

2018 Whale Census

Join ORCCA on

Sunday 24th June 2018

for our Annual Whale Census

Everyone is welcome to take part, no matter where you live.

Contact us today for more details.

DOWNLOAD YOUR MARINE MAMMAL LOG SHEET BY CLICKING HERE:

http://www.orrca.org.au/ 

As many now know, tens of thousands of Humpbacks have just begun their migration journey from Antarctica. They are now making their way up Australia's east and west coastlines to the warmer, tropical waters off Queensland and Western Australia to breed and give birth.

Valued ORRCA members up in Port Macquarie have reported in that they have seen a total of 36 Humpbacks and 1 Brydes whale since April 14.  They have indicated that these numbers are higher than expected for this time of year.

The even better news for ORRCA members is that the conditions along our coast have been ideal for spotting whales recently so if the weather holds, grab your binoculars and head out to a headland near you and let ORCCA know what you see or post a notice on the Wild about Whales app.

Visit: www.wildaboutwhales.com.au

A quick look there will show you people have been spotting whales this week from our beaches and headlands and will continue to do so for next few months and then again as they all head south once more. The humpback whales start their return south around July.

Travelling with young calves, they will be more visible on the Far South Coast of NSW from August onwards.

Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said that, for the safety of whales and the general public, there are rules in place that govern how close people can go to whales. 

“Boats should go no closer than 300 metres and 400 metres if there is a calf,” Ms Upton said.

“There are also restrictions for how close drones and other aircraft can go to whales.

The whale migration season has triggered the removal of all five shark nets on the NSW North Coast and an end to the second shark net trial. 

NSW’s national parks along the coast also provide some of the best vantage points in the world to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. As part of the focus on getting people out and enjoying this Whale Migration Season there's a range of special deals available. One example:

The Basin Campground - Stay 3 nights, pay for 2

The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of Sydney's most popular beach camping spots and a great base from which to have a whale watching adventure.

Offer details: Stay 3 nights, pay only 2 nights. Valid for stays between 29 April and 20 September 2018. Online bookings only.*

Accommodation details

Where: The Basin campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Campsites: Space available for up to 400 campers

Camping type: Tent, Remote/backpack camping

Standard price: From $32 per night.

The Basin campground is the only place you can camp in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This large, grassy area overlooks Pittwater, offering lovely surroundings and views. It’s easy to see why this waterfront campground is so popular. At The Basin, you’ll find great facilities along with a picnic area, sheltered beach and an inland lagoon. The campground accommodates up to 400 campers.

Pitch your tent in a shady spot, enjoy a bike ride or a swim and see if you can spot the local swamp wallabies or kookaburras.

There’s no car access to The Basin, so park at West Head Road and then walk or cycle. You can also arrive by water taxi, boat or a ferry departing from Palm Beach Wharf.

Take a virtual tour of The Basin campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

*Terms and conditions: Subject to availability; Offer 1: Stay 3 nights, pay only 2 nights valid for stays between 29 April and 20 September 2018; Online bookings only; Not to be used in conjunction with any other deal or offer.

1. Humpback whale calves whisper to their mothers 

Recent research has discovered mother humpback whales and their calves communicate to each other through soft squeaks and grunts, which are much quieter than other humpback vocalisations. It is thought that by “whispering”, mums are able to keep track of their calves while the soft sounds make it harder for potential predators like orcas to hear them.

2. Infant whales suckle milk from their mothers 

As mammals, whale calves are dependent on their mother’s milk for survival. Blue whale calves can drink over 600 litres of milk each day! Underwater feeding may seem tricky, but different whale species have adapted various methods to make this feat easier. For example, whale milk has very high fat content, which helps prevent it from dissolving in the water.

3. Orcas live in a matriarchal community 

Orcas tend to live in large, highly complex pods which consist of family groups. Their social structures are so complex they are sometimes compared to humans and elephants. As female orcas usually live longer than males, most pods are led by a matriarch, with research showing that her experience is passed down through generations.

4. Who’s the father? Many whale species are polygamous 

Most whale species, such as southern right whales and humpback whales, do not choose only one mate. During breeding season, female southern right whales may mate with an average of seven male partners to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

5. Babysitters club: sperm whales protect each other’s young.

Researchers tracking sperm whale populations discovered female sperm whales will form a babysitting pool to protect infants while their mothers deep dive to hunt for food. Sperm whales can dive over 600 metres in search of prey such as squid, however calves are unable to make these dives and remain closer to the surface.

Follow Wild About Whales on Facebook for the latest whale migration updates and whale facts.