North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Allan McDonald A North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) slips silently into a steel blue sea. One of the rarest large animals on earth (estimated population of 500) right whales share the same sea and food source with one of the most abundant bird species on earth, the Wilson’s storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) seen here in the background as tiny specks on the sea.	North Atlantic right whale ALLAN McDONALD The rarest whale species and one of the rarest large animals in the world, a male North Atlantic right whale penitrates a female, and the next generation begins.
North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Allan McDonald A North Atlantic right whale raises its tail as it dives under our boat while whale watching in the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is the summer home to about 1/3 of the world population now estimated at approximately 430 animals. This animal is particularly close to our boat - it chose to approach us.	Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) ALLAN MCDONALD When photographing wild animals in their natural setting there is only "now" - no instant replays, no second chances. Every now and then, like once in a lifetime, the sea, the sky, the wind, the animal, the light and being ready at the right place, at the right time has its rewards. A single beam of sunlight breaks through a pewter sky to light this whale’s tail and the cascade of water falling from it. Over a 12 year period I have over 3,000 hours on the Bay of Fundy watching and photographing whales and have well over 10,000 images of right whale tails – this is by far my favourite!