Singing whales recorded in New York: where and when you can see these giants

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of humpback whales in New York waters and this has attracted the attention of scientists. Writes about it CBS Local.

For the first time, scientists have evidence that humpback whales live in this area, and not just in the Caribbean spawning grounds.

The study's lead author, Julia Ze, analyzed over 6000 hours of underwater recordings made by Cornell scientists and said she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

“I was so thrilled to hear that. They got louder and quieter, ”says Ze.

For humans, they sound mysterious, even creepy, but for whales, they can be love songs, they can be loud and long, and sometimes last for hours.

“This song changes from year to year, like pop songs,” Ze said.

Many humpback whales have been sighted near New York, but this is also a busy commercial waters, and one of the biggest threats to this endangered species is ship collisions.

“We used to have whales swimming in the canal, and some of them swam pretty close to cargo ships,” said naturalist Mitchell Steinhardt.

Scientists say studying whale songs can help protect them.

On the subject: Humpback whale spotted in Hudson near Manhattan

“The more people interact with them, the more they notice the problem and the more they care about them,” said whale watcher Cody Gale.

Scientists say the songs are only recorded from male humpback whales. They can be heard over 20 miles (32 km) underwater.

Best Whale Watching Locations

Long Island is one of the best whale watching spots in the mid Atlantic Ocean, where you can see a variety of baleen, toothed whales, seals, turtles and seabirds. Long Island Whale Watching Tours depart from Montauk. Other New York whale watching tours depart from Riis Landing, Rockaway, Queens and Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. rove.

You can even see whales from the shores of Coney Island, Jones Beach, Fire Island and Hampton on Long Island.

There are also several whale watching spots along the coast of New Jersey.

Whale Watching Tours

Each summer, Viking Fleet and CRESLI (Long Island Coastal Science and Education Society) offer incredible nautical adventures outside of Viking Landing in Montauk Harbor. In addition to regular whale watching tours, you can opt for the 36-hour whale watching trip along the Great Southern Channel. This will give you a unique insight into the life of whales, dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat.

If you're looking for a more traditional cruise that lasts a few hours, there are American Princess Cruises departing from the Rockaway in Queens and Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. The cruises last approximately 3,5 hours and run from June to December. Tickets start at $ 55 per adult.

Whale watching season

Whales are found in New York City waters all year round, even in winter. However, most whale watching tours run from April to November. Spring and autumn are good times to see migrating whales. The peak season is in June, July and August, with several whale watching excursions departing daily.

Finwal

Finwhale is the most common whale species in New York. This huge marine mammal can also be seen off the coast. Finnish whales are the second largest whale species that can be recognized by their asymmetrical coloration: white in the lower right corner and very dark in the lower left corner. The animal is 85 feet (25 m) long, they can nevertheless reach speeds of up to 23 miles per hour (37 km / h). Finwhals can live up to 90 years. They are often spotted in groups of two or more.

Humpback whales

Humpback whales used to avoid the shores of New York, but since the Hudson River became clearer, they have even been spotted near the mouth of the Hudson, near Manhattan. New York City is famous for its Menhaden fish, also known as the moss bunker. Humpback whales are attracted by the high concentration of menhaden in New York City waters and come here to feed.

Whales can be spotted off Long Island on their annual route between wintering grounds in the Caribbean and feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine.

Humpback whales reach 55 feet (16 m) in length and can be recognized by the black and white pattern on their belly.

Sperm whales

Sperm whales can be seen off the coast of the continental shelf, as well as the eastern tip of Long Island and Block Island. They belong to the group of toothed whales and have the largest brains of any animal on Earth. They got their name because initially the substance in their head was considered a sperm. They are about 50 feet (15 m) long and can dive up to 2000 feet (609 m).

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Seyval

Endangered seivals are not easy to spot. They have been seen along the cliffs of the New York shelf and on rare occasions in coastal waters. They can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) and have a dark bluish gray body with a lighter underside. Seiwals are one of the fastest and can reach speeds of about 80 km / h.

Blue whales

The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, reaching 98 feet (30 m), and also one of the endangered animals. They have been spotted in the New York-New Jersey Bay area during their annual fall and spring migrations. Their foraging grounds are located in Nova Scotia and St Lawrence's Bay.

Grinda

Grindas belong to the dolphin family, and like bottlenose dolphins, they are really smart and can be trained to work with humans. One whale was even trained by the Navy to dive and retrieve items from the ocean floor. They are 20 feet (6 m) long, with a distinct, rounded head, small beak, and an upward curving mouth line. They usually travel in large flocks.

Whale watching tips

Successful whale watching is not highly dependent on the time of day or the weather. However, whales are easier to spot on clear, sunny days when the ocean is calm. Morning is considered a good time for whale watching. Sunset cruises offer good lighting opportunities.

What to wear

While New York can get hot, be sure to bring a jacket or sweater on your whale watching trip as the ocean is cooler. Long pants and sneakers are also fine. Also don't forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

What to bring

There is no need to pack a lot of snacks and drinks as most whale watching boats have galleys. Bring your binoculars, a camera with good zoom and spare batteries. If you are seasick, take your medication before your cruise.

Where to stay

New York offers an amazing selection of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. If you are planning to go whale watching from Long Island, there are many cozy beachfront hotels that will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the big city. Montauk has some great oceanfront options.