On a crisp August morning, just before the sun shook itself fully awake, the salty air was already bustling with anticipation. Out in the cool blue waters near Trinity Harbour, a hefty fellow named Boyd stirred up the sea, his presence unmistakable against the hush of the bay.
Boyd seemed to have a particular fondness for Trinity Bay. In 2017, he was spotted twice—first off Trinity Harbour, and then the very next day loafing near Horse Chops. It was as though he fancied a stroll around the neighbourhood, sampling the scenery and perhaps raising the odd eyebrow (or seaweed patch) as he went.
Come springtime in 2018, reports had Boyd patrolling the faraway Azores in Portugal. The leap from Trinity to the central group of islands is no small feat, but for a humpback—a bit like hopping between teacups scattered on a saucer. With the tailwind of adventure behind him, Boyd made his way back, touching the waters of Trinity Bight in 2020, keeping true to his eastern roots.
Three years later, in July of 2023, he made an appearance off Point Leamington. From the rocky ledges to the pebbled beaches, those onshore braced for the thrill of his tail catching the morning light. Every sighting, a sprinkle of curiosity, each return a reminder that Boyd’s routes are spun by tides and carried in the deep hush of the Atlantic.
Have you seen Boyd? If you’ve glimpsed his fluke along our coast or afar, your sightings and snapshots are an anchor for whale stories and research. Your help keeps these tales flowing, and just might solve the riddle of Boyd’s next great journey.
Fun Fact
Did you know? Humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres each year—making Boyd’s travels from Newfoundland to the Azores and back a real Atlantic round trip!
Boyd’s Sightings
off Trinity Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
August 29, 2017
off Horse Chops, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
August 30, 2017
Azores central group, Azores, Portugal
March 27, 2018
Trinity Bight, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
August 16, 2020
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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