TWO WELL-KNOWN HUMPBACKS
Yesterday to well-known “faces” crossed our way: Humpbacks can be identified by the white patterns which they have on the underside of the tail. Some of course are more memorable than others. Whilst approaching the mountainside of the bay, we were able to recognize two individuals within a few minutes. The first one had been here a few weeks ago. Along its significant fluke it is easy to recognize as its dorsal fin is almost completely white. The other is a well-known visitor since years. It is called “Hviti” (The White) in Icelandic or “Snow White” in English - a whale with a completely white and special shaped fluke. Along that it has a white square on the upper side of its tail.
For us guides it is always exciting to see whales that have been visiting the bay before. Personally, I remember Hviti since the first year I work for Gentle Giants and it is always thrilling to see her again and again year after year.
- Sarah
PHOTOS: Sarah Arndt
Hviti - or Snow White - has a white mark on the upper side of the fluke (tail) and a completely white underside. The underside of a humpback's tail is comparable to our fingerprints.
