This week I caught my first sighting of a Southern Right Whale calf from Marine Drive, opposite Just Pure, it was spy-hopping and tale slapping like a child in a playground; I felt quite excited, like a child myself.
We're into August and it feels late for a first sighting from the cliffs. I've been following the boat updates; they've had plenty marine sightings, whales of all kinds, dolphins, penguins, seals, sun fish; it seems our bay is like a healthy metropolis since it's been closed to commercial fishing. Whale-watching from the shore has been quiet though, even the WhatsApp group reported very few sightings, until last week. Suddenly my phone is pinging and sightings are reported, so I ventured out to join the tourists on the cliffs for an hour, some sunshine and warmer temperatures were enjoyable too (the latter hasn't lasted).
Sightings close to Gearings Point have been of a wonderful variety; close in was a Brydes Whale, a Hump Back Whale and a Southern Right Whales. SRW are not near the numbers we had last year but I don't recall ever identifying the others from the cliff tops myself.
Look out for the Whale Crier blowing his kelp horn to alert you to where to look. Don't miss out, there'll be more whales to see as the SRW seasons progresses, and we have seafront apartments which are perfect for viewing all the activity in the sea, without even leaving the comfort of your living room.