Bubble Net
by Robert Bales
Title
Bubble Net
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
This is a co-operative feeding behavior of Humpback whales that is seen in very few places. We are lucky to have groups of whales in our area that have learned this unique method of feeding.
A group of whales working together will dive under schools of herring, one whale will swim in a circle while blowing bubbles under the herring. When the bubbles rise they form a net and scare the herring into a tight ball in the center. The whales then come up through the middle with their mouths open, capturing large amounts food.
An average group size is 5 to 8 animals but we have seen as many as 25 whales working together. While they are searching for their prey the whales communicate with each other with a series of calls similar to the whale songs you may have heard recorded in Hawaii. These usually culminate with one loud blast to frighten the herring just before the whales break the surface. We often drop a hydrophone over the side to listen in, adding to the excitement of seeing this amazing performance.
The humpback has the most diverse feeding repertoire of all baleen whales. Its most inventive technique is known as bubble net feeding; a group of whales swims in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This ring can begin at up to 30 metres (98 ft) in diameter and involve the cooperation of a dozen animals. Using a crittercam attached to a whale's back, some whales were found to blow the bubbles, some dive deeper to drive fish toward the surface, and others herd prey into the net by vocalizing. The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape, swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Plated grooves in the whale's mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken in.
Uploaded
February 20th, 2013
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Viewed 2,827 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/28/2024 at 11:31 AM
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Comments (67)
Cheri Ceridwen
Gorgeous colors, Robert, and astute observation on your part.
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, Cheri for the nice comment and the visit! I was very lucky to spot them and waited for them to all come to the top!!
Nicklas Gustafsson
Wow, this is so cool! Breathtaking capture
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Nicklas for the wonderful comment and the big WOW!! It sure is breathtaking to see it!!
Thomas Woolworth
Photography is all about capturing moments in time. Congrats on capturing this As The World Is Today moment!!
Elisabeth Lucas
Impressive! Lfp
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Elisabeth for the comment and the LFP!! It sure is a great site to wtch!
Kay Brewer
Excellent capture, Robert! How exciting to see this in person. I've read about the co-operative feeding and I've seen whales but never performing this unique action. Wow. l/f/t
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Kay for the wonderful comments and it sure was wonderful to watch this!! We saw this many times while living on our boat!!
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #8 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks for the notification Christopher and i will visit and nomination some one!!