Billions of Belugas in the Bay, another reason to visit Churchill!

The second learning adventure I had in Churchill this summer was called Belugas in the Bay offered by CNSC during July when thousands of Belugas (that is not a hyperbole!) come in from the sea to stay and  give birth, remain safe from Killer Whales, feast on capelin, socialize, and make humans happy! If you have never been in contact with Belugas you are missing one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have with another creature. Dolphins and puppies are not even close seconds.

One of the smallest whale species, the social and playful belugas live in pods that vary in size from a dozen or so members to hundreds. I witnessed so many Belugas together in Hudson Bay (really, miles and miles) while in a zodiac with three friends during a two-hour feeding and playing frenzy. Lindsay Hurst knew exactly where to take us following the birds, who were following the capelin. We floated around watching Beluga behavior as mothers with recently born calves, sometimes two babes, juveniles alone or still with mom, big males, wild masses of frolicking, cavorting, curious splashing creatures who sometimes looked up at us giggling, slipped by us with their "fart" sounds or sweet chirps, and then creamed us with a tail full of water. It was the only other adventure I can say was on par with watching Mountain Gorillas close up.

Here are a few of my beluga photos but they really don't do justice to this awesome animal. You really have to be there. I hope some time you will. I know I will do this AGAIN and AGAIN!!!!

Lindsay Hurst, the best beluga guide ever!

Lindsay said, "Follow the birds!" and we did with incredible results.

                                                                     

A playful pack

Babies are so close to mom they look attached.

Bigger baby

Eye and blowhole shot

Body shot

Splashers

So close!

All sizes

Baby right next to the zodiac!

Keeping an eye on us!

Beluga water ballet

Silhouette

Flip out!

Ghost like under water 

Billions all around us...

Body shot with babe to the left

Cutie smiling at us!

Blowhole closeup

Beautiful bubbles

Flukes (each side is one fluke!)

Ahh...

Baby, Mom, another juvenile

Torpedo action

BYE-

BYE!