Identifying Humpback Whales

Our adventure took us north today towards Point Roberts. We found a single Humpback whale there that was quickly identified as BCX1057 "Divot."

How can we tell these magnificent animals apart? Why, by the underside of the fluke! The fluke of a Humpback whale is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint. There is a Pacific ID catalogue for individuals, and we can compare our photos to the photos in that catalogue. Sometimes the dorsal view can give us clues as to the individual, as seen in the ID photo below:

Can you see the divot on Divot's tail?

BCX1057 "Divot"

We came across another Humpback whale up in the Canadian Gulf Islands that was identified as BCX1377 "Nike."

Check out the barnacle clusters on the tips!

BCX1377 "Nike"

Did you know that if you photograph a Humpback's tail and it's not in an ID guide, you get to name it? Come search with us!

Photos by Liberty