Watchers tip early whale arrival

Be the first to capture humpback whales as they migrate to the Kimberley and up to Camden Sound to breed — and win.

The whales have been spotted arriving in the Kimberley, some six weeks before they were expected this year, and quite a bit earlier than usual.

Some 22,000 humpback whales migrate from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the Kimberley every year, towards calving grounds from south of Broome to north of Camden Sound.

Over the past month one local spotted a group of five whales, then a week later two more, off the State’s coast at Coconut Well.

Kimberley Whale Watching employee Annabelle Sandes said the arrival was some six weeks ahead of when the whales had been expected.

“Last year they were seen arriving on May 31, and the year before it was May 24,” she said.

Another major population of whales which migrate from the Antarctic up the east coast have also been noticed to be moving earlier this year.

But back in the Kimberley, as we keep our eyes peeled and get out on the water to see them, take your camera.

Chance to win

Capture a photograph of a tail or breach as the whales roll in this season, and be the first to send it in to the Broome Advertiser for your chance to win a field guide to whales and dolphins courtesy of Kimberley Whale Watching.

Send a high resolution version (at least 1MB) of your picture to news@broomead.com.au, with your name, address and phone number and you could win.