Whale Migration Begins Spring Nova Scotia
SPRING WHALE MIGRATION OVERVIEW:
• Migration Start: April-May depending on species
• Peak Activity: May-June for most species
• Direction: North from winter feeding grounds
• Species: 12+ whale species pass through Nova Scotia waters
• Feeding: Following fish migrations and plankton blooms
• Tour Season: Whale watching tours begin May/June
• Best Viewing: Bay of Fundy, Atlantic coast waters
Spring Migration Timeline
MONTHLY MIGRATION PROGRESSION:
• March: First early arrivals, primarily in deeper waters
• April: Migration activity increases, right whales appear
• May: Peak spring migration, multiple species active
• June: Summer feeding patterns established
• July-September: Peak whale watching season
• October: Some species begin southward migration
Whale Species Spring Arrivals
SPRING WHALE SPECIES AND TIMING:
• Humpback Whales: April-May arrival, acrobatic displays
• Finback Whales: May arrival, large populations
• Minke Whales: Early May, smaller coastal species
• North Atlantic Right Whales: April-June, endangered species
• Pilot Whales: May-June, deeper water species
• Harbor Porpoises: Year-round residents, active in spring
• Atlantic White-sided Dolphins: May arrival in groups
Best Spring Viewing Locations
TOP SPRING WHALE WATCHING AREAS:
• Bay of Fundy: Right whales, humpbacks, finbacks
• Digby Neck: Ferry crossing provides whale sightings
• Brier Island: Whale watching tour departure point
• Grand Manan vicinity: International waters, multiple species
• Halifax approaches: Whales following fish into harbors
• Scatarie Island area: Cape Breton whale activity
• Sable Island waters: Offshore whale habitat
Spring Feeding Patterns
SPRING WHALE FEEDING BEHAVIOR:
• Plankton Blooms: Spring phytoplankton supports krill populations
• Fish Runs: Herring, mackerel, and other fish migrate north
• Copepods: Tiny crustaceans are primary right whale food
• Feeding Aggregations: Whales concentrate where food is abundant
• Surface Feeding: More visible feeding activity in spring
• Bubble Feeding: Humpbacks use bubble nets to catch fish
• Cooperative Feeding: Some species feed in groups
Early Season Whale Watching
SPRING WHALE WATCHING CONDITIONS:
• Weather: Cooler temperatures, variable spring weather
• Sea Conditions: Can be rough, prepare for motion sickness
• Clothing: Warm, waterproof clothing essential
• Tour Availability: Limited early season, increasing through May
• Sighting Success: Lower than peak summer rates
• Crowds: Fewer tourists, more intimate experiences
• Photography: Good light, but challenging conditions
Right Whale Spring Presence
NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE SPRING MIGRATION:
• Critical Habitat: Bay of Fundy is major feeding area
• Timing: April through June primary presence
• Endangered Status: Only ~340 individuals remain
• Feeding: Specializes in copepod-rich waters
• Protection: Strict regulations for vessel approaches
• Research: Extensive monitoring and photo-identification
• Threats: Ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement
• Conservation: International protection efforts
Migration Routes and Patterns
WHALE MIGRATION PATHWAYS:
• Atlantic Coastal Route: Along continental shelf edge
• Bay of Fundy Entry: Through Northeast Channel
• Scotian Shelf: Offshore feeding and travel corridor
• Gulf Stream Influence: Warmer waters affect timing
• Food Distribution: Migration follows prey species
• Historical Patterns: Some routes used for generations
• Climate Impact: Changing ocean conditions affect timing
Spring Whale Behavior
SPRING WHALE ACTIVITY PATTERNS:
• Increased Surface Activity: More breaching and tail slapping
• Social Behavior: Groups form around feeding areas
• Courtship: Some species begin mating behaviors
• Communication: Increased vocalizations
• Mother-Calf Pairs: Mothers with young from winter births
• Feeding Focus: Primary activity is intensive feeding
• Play Behavior: Young whales often more active at surface
Research and Conservation
SPRING WHALE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
• Photo-identification: Cataloging individual whales
• Acoustic Monitoring: Tracking whale calls and communication
• Satellite Tagging: Following migration routes
• Feeding Studies: Understanding diet and feeding behavior
• Population Surveys: Counting and assessing whale populations
• Health Assessment: Monitoring whale condition and threats
• Habitat Mapping: Identifying critical feeding areas
Planning Your Spring Whale Trip
SPRING WHALE WATCHING TRIP PLANNING:
• Best Months: Late May through June for reliability
• Tour Operators: Research experienced, licensed operators
• Weather Contingency: Plan flexible dates for weather
• Accommodation: Book Bay of Fundy area lodging early
• Transportation: Rental car for reaching departure points
• Preparation: Motion sickness medication, warm clothes
• Photography: Telephoto lenses, waterproof camera protection
• Expectations: Spring viewing success rates 60-70%