Ep 4. Fellowship of the Whales

In the fourth episode of season 28 of Nature, titled "Fellowship of the Whales", viewers are transported to the underwater world of humpback whales in the South Pacific. These massive creatures, which can weigh up to 40 tons and grow up to 50 feet long, have long fascinated humans with their songs, acrobatics, and social behaviors.

The episode follows a team of scientists led by Dr. Nan Hauser, a marine biologist, who have come to study a population of humpback whales in the waters off the Cook Islands. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, such as drones and underwater cameras, and old-fashioned fieldwork, the scientists hope to learn more about the whales' mating, feeding, and social habits.

One of the most striking aspects of humpback whale behavior is their tendency to sing intricate songs that can last for hours on end. The scientists use hydrophones to record these songs and analyze them, trying to discern patterns and meanings in the complex arrangements of clicks, whistles, and moans.

The scientists also observe the whales' acrobatics, such as breaching (when a whale launches itself out of the water) and tail slapping (when a whale slaps its tail on the water's surface). These behaviors may serve a variety of purposes, from communication to aggression to play.

Perhaps the most surprising element of the episode is the discovery of a new behavior among humpback whales: "escorting". This is when a group of male whales forms a protective ring around a female and her calf, shielding them from potential predators (such as killer whales).

Through a combination of observation and analysis, the scientists begin to unravel the complex social structure of humpback whale pods. They learn that these pods are not just random collections of animals but tight-knit communities with distinct hierarchies and roles. They also discover that humpback whale populations in different parts of the world have their own unique dialects and behaviors, suggesting that these animals have their own distinct cultures.

Throughout the episode, stunning footage captures the majesty of these creatures, from close-up shots of their eyes to aerial views of them swimming gracefully through the crystal-clear waters. The scientists' enthusiasm and dedication to their work is palpable, and viewers are left with a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

"Fellowship of the Whales" is a fascinating portrait of one of the ocean's most intriguing creatures, and a testament to the power of scientific inquiry in uncovering the secrets of the natural world.