Actually I missed your comment on this Lennie - in fact the little fella had a go at me a few weeks ago! I was casually walking out to the end of Middleton Point to jump off, and he was disguised; hiding on the rocks. I wasn't paying attention (in fact i was watching where I was stepping due to the moss on the reef), and then heard a loud BARK! - just like a large dog!

I could have sworn there was a German Shepherd loose about 5m away, but then I looked around and there he was, growling at me! He was around 1.5m long, and was slightly spotted yellow with a nice set of fangs most probably destined for my leg. He lunged at me a few times - obviously protecting his nice sunny patch of reef - and I almost tripped over the rocks trying to get out of his way...not easy to make haste when you're barefoot, standing on a moss-covered reef with 1m high waves crashing around at your feet and an angry leapord seal barking at you from a distance of 5m!

The other hillarious part was watching some other surfers do the same thing - they all had no idea that he was there, and they all waltzed out along the rocks just like I did. I sat patiently in the water watching them, waiting for the seal to give them the shock of their lives! It was quite funny (even a little sadistic perhaps!) to see them look over in horror and bolt along the rocks.

Yes, we still have whales here! This has been a bumper season for whale watching. Today we sat in the sun again watching 4 whales. Two whales were close in at Basham's Beach, and were mainly resting and blowing, with the occasional exercise cruise. A mother and calve were further out, over by the nearby Frenchman's Rock where it was learning new skills day. Mother would spy hop, then the calve would spy hop, and later was imitating pec movement and body rolling. Liz.

Daily whale sightings continue here on the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you are planning to visit this area, the best viewing spots are Middleton Point and Basham's Beach, with other sightings last week at Goolwa Beach and near The Bluff Victor Harbor. During the recent windy weather whale watchers observed that these mammals became quite active. The whales and calves are easy to find, as they are close to the shore. Liz.

Today, the first whale sightings for this season were at the Head of the Bight. The launch of the Victor Harbor whale watching season will be on Friday June 6th in the S.A. Whale Centre.(Located here in Victor). Already the Transport Minister has issued warnings to mariners in Encounter Bay and Backstairs Passage to be on the lookout for the whales.
Its almost like waiting for a long lost friend to arrive. Each time I drive past Basham's Beach road, I look for the line up of cars, which obviously means that the whales are here. Liz.

Speaking of whales. Did anyone see that report on TV a night or two ago? (I can't even remember what channel it was on) It was about how the sonar for the US navy is causing damage to the ear and brains of the Orcas and porposes in the US. Apparently a few have washed up in the harbour, and have been proven to have suffered bleeding around the ear drum and in the brain.

:cheers: BW

Katoomba Weather Photography

The whales have arrived!! 2 Southern Rights in Encounter Bay today. Liz.

Great news Liz, I also heard about that on the news last night. Any ideas as to where abouts in Enounter Bay? Is it off the Pines anywhere?

TS

Hi Thunderstruck. The last whale sighted was at Knight's Beach and came to 100m. off shore. Last year there were 100 plus days of sightings and up to 11 whales in the Bay at once, including 4 calves! For whale info the Telstra whale info. hotline is 1900931223 - calls 83c/min. P.s. where is - the Pines. Liz.

Whales have been sighted this week behind Granite Island and near Bashams Beach. Very windy here atm, with a gale and squall wind warning for the South Central Coast - squalls to 50 knots are possible. Despite the weather you usually can stay in your car and easily watch the whales.

Anyone have an update on Warrnambool? I'm doing a photography gig there this coming weekend and hoped to catch some whales if they are in?

Whale sightings have been at Middleton and Port Elliot.

The latest whale sighting is in between Granite Island and Wright Island, (located near Victor Harbor) and easily viewed from the Encounter Bay area ie Franklin Parade. This whale was resting at the surface and blowing and being harassed by very big sea birds. Perhaps they thought that they had found a comfortable perch on a floating log. It became quite comical to watch as each time the whale was blowing the birds frantically flew off.

It may be along way from victor harbour but newcastle has had its best whale season in many years.Just to put the icing on the cake we had a southern right give birth to calf 20 metres from the shore yeh 20 metres,off bar beach hundreds of people were have been treated too week long show.Marine bioglists have been doing there thing too,water has been crystal clear conditions has been great to see one of natures great show. :wave:

Hi Hunter, that would be a great experience. I have just read a report about a Humpback whale giving birth in Platypus Bay, near Fraser Island, two weeks ago. Apparently it is unusual for a Humpback to give birth in this area. I would love to follow the local whale today, but I am busy preparing our house for selling soon.
BTW I contacted the S.A. Whale Centre about the birds harassing the whale, and was advised that the research team had witnessed a seagull take a bite out of a whale's back. They would like to know the type of bird, so I am trying to wade thru my bird books.

The whales are still here. Two southern right whales and their calves have been moving between Middleton and Victor Harbor, during the past fortnight.

Sad news just on ABC radio.. What is believed to be the world's only white humpback has possibly been hit by a trimaran of the Qld coast and has not surfaced for some time. They are searching for it.

Cool Liz, havent really got the chance to go down and see them in action this year, great to keep reading about your reports tho!

TS

White humpback has been sighted off Townsville and appears to be OK.

Hi Tux (and TS) that is good news about the humpback whale. I have seen a humpback down here and it is a great thrill when we are used to the Southern rights. There is a albino dolphin in these local waters.

Hi liz and everybody ,More whales off newcastle this week its been a great season they should start to migrate south in the next couple of weeks :wave: