Reflection the Humpback Whale

Her Story

reflection fluke pattern — Reflection diving with fluke visable

Reflection was named for the symmetrical pattern of her fluke. Both the left and right side are very similar in shape, color and even the pattern matches.

A relatively new member of the Stellwagen Bank family of humpback whales, she is fast becoming a favorite. She has three known calves and her first, Buzzard was a delight to see in very active displays in 2000.

reflection getting ready to slam chin on water — Reflection lifts head to slam chin on the water

reflection lunges into the school of fish — Reflection lunges into school of fish at surface

Humpback whales are unique animals and even common behaviors have become signature patterns for some whales.

Reflection has developed a feeding style that just a few humpback whales have mastered.

She feeds with a chin breach into the school of fish. She lifts her chin and head above the fish, dives and then a flick of the fluke as well. This may stun the fish until she swims under them with her mouth wide open!

You can see that her mouth and throat is bulging with water and fish at left.

Reflection’s History

Mother: Unknown	First Sighting: 1995
Year Of Birth: Unknown	Last Seen: 2018

Reflection’s Family Tree

Calves	Year of Birth	Grandcalves
Buzzard	2000
Unnamed	2007	None
Unnamed	2009	Calf in 2017 too

We are currently searching for video clips of Reflection.

Reflection is very dramatic when feeding in large bubble clouds.

You will be delighted to spend 20 minutes with Reflection showing her feeding style by blowing bubbles, coming up with a loud explosive blow, and kicks the water with her tail. She then comes up with fully-distended pleats and throws her tail up for a deep dive. Reflection is seen feeding with Abrasion and Rocker. She lunges in a cloud of fish and Rocker spyhops nearby.

A sample clip of Reflection