Blue v Fin Whale – opinions?
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In my recent trip report on New Zealand’s South Island, I mentioned that I had seen a pair of blue whales on a whale watching trip. A comment on iNaturalist raised a question over the ID suggesting fin whale as more likely largely due to the shape of the dorsal fin. I reached out to the tour company who agreed this was possible. I’d appreciate any third opinions 🙂
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) on March 17, 2025 at 07:31 AM by wgilson · iNaturalist
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Warren Gilson
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Jon Hall
The one at the back looks more like a Fin or a Sei to me too. It is possible the other is a Blue of course which might explain the guide’s ‘mistake’ ….