On a blustery June morning, just as the capelin started their shimmering tides, Ashton made his grand entrance off Gull Island. The sea was scattered with puffins, bobbing like tiny boats, and there was a salt-fresh snap in the air that could wake even the sleepiest cod.
Ashton, a robust male with a reputation for arriving right when the gannets begin their dive-bombing, was spotted first on June 16th, 2026. There he was, in the heart of Witless Bay, daring the choppy waves and putting on a show of whitewater that sent binoculars swivelling in every direction. Folks who know the coastline say he seems to favour those wild, bird-crowded islands, as if he enjoys the chaos and chorus above just as much as the slippery feast below.
A little over a month later, on July 19th, Ashton appeared again near Gull Island. Whether he lingered all season amongst the kelp forests and rocky shoals or vanished into deeper waters between visits—well, that’s the mystery the ocean guards close. The cliffs buzzed with laughter and seabird cries and, somewhere beneath the waves, Ashton glided, unseen but never unfelt by the fishermen and wanderers scanning the bay. His timing leaves you wondering what secrets he follows, how he navigates capelin runs and squally weather, choosing just the right moment to breach and send a spray of Newfoundland and Labrador sea into the sky.
Have you seen Ashton? Your sightings and photos help untangle the mysteries of his journeys, broadening the story of these marvellous migrations. Share what you see to help fill the gaps in whale research—every contribution connects a piece of the puzzle along our coast.
Gull Island, where Ashton was spotted, is famous for hosting one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in North America! During whale season, the air dances with thousands of birds—and sometimes, a humpback or two.
Gull Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
June 16, 2026
Gull Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
July 19, 2026
This is Happywhale's real data for this whale. The story above was generated based on these details, and a few creative assumptions.

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