Hello Whale-Watchers!
Following yesterday lucky encounter with three (?) Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) – the question mark refers to the “Blue” looking individual in the group – we are happy to share a different perspective on this sighting. 😉
Terra Azul drone captured an aerial view of the three whales while slowly cruising about nine miles South of the shore of Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island. You can also observe how one of the adults has a lighter skin coloration and a quite U-shaped head, characteristics that might indicate some form of hybridization with Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus). We know that hybrids between the two species exist and that they can be fertile, but only genetic analysis would be able to confirm such hypothesis.
