Early mornings off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador can be as crisp as an apple fresh from the tree, but for those watching carefully, the real treat is when a fluke breaks the water’s calm surface. On just such a set of sparkling June days, Hedley—a male humpback with a knack for unexpected appearances—gave everyone a reason to keep their binoculars at hand.
His adventure began on June 26th, 2026, in Witless Bay. It was one of those mornings where the horizon sparkled, and capelin danced in silvery schools. Suddenly, there was Hedley, lifting his massive tail as if to say, 'There’s plenty to see below.' By June 30th, he was spotted in the same bay again, almost as if he was making a point of lingering for a second round of admirers and perhaps an extra mouthful of fish.
Hedley didn’t stay put, though. By July 19th, he’d moved to Mobile Bay, just a short journey down the coast. The seabirds seemed just as excited as the whale watchers—the commotion beneath the surface set off a feast above, and Hedley’s presence made the scene all the grander. In these bays, surrounded by the rolling green and the ever-present call of gulls, Hedley moved with a confidence known only to those who truly belong to the sea.
Have you seen Hedley? If you spot him—especially if you snap a photo—your sighting can help fill in the remarkable story of his adventures along Newfoundland and Labrador’s coast. Every bit shared brings us closer to understanding how these mighty travellers live, migrate, and return year after year.
Humpback whales make some of the longest migrations of any mammal, travelling thousands of kilometres each year between feeding and breeding grounds!
Witless Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
June 26, 2026
Witless Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
June 30, 2026
Mobile Bay, 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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By submitting to Happywhale, your sighting can become part of Hedley's data. Not only will it make their story richer for the next time they're spotted, but you'll become part of a global citizen science effort to better understand our oceans and the humpback whales that call them home.
