This is how Mondays should go. Yesterday, about 7 nautical miles from Sapelo Island, we caught up with the Southeast’s first mom and calf of the 2022-2023 season.

A survey flight by Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute found the pair off South Carolina on Nov. 24. Monday, a flight by an institute team that DNR funds spotted Juno and her less than 2-weeks-old calf in Georgia waters and radioed us.

Senior wildlife biologist Jessica Thompson, who leads marine mammal work for DNR, said the boat crew took drone footage but decided, for now, against approaching the new mom and calf any closer for samples. But all are happy to see the pair made it safely through shipping traffic in both states.

All are also hoping this is the first of many such pairs this winter.

About Juno: She’s at least 38 years old, birthed her previous calf in 2020 and has had eight in all. Adult North Atlantic right whales are given a number and a nickname. Juno’s number is 1612. Her name is from a Roman goddess. Although here, the name is for the whale’s “Roman nose” – or her convex-shaped rostrum – the goddess was linked to married life, including childbirth. Thankfully, the ocean-going Juno has that characteristic, as well.

When boating off Georgia’s coast from November to April, follow guidelines for Navigating in Right Whale Waters. Here’s a Go Slow, Whales Below flyer with recommendations for recreational boaters. Slow down when boating where right whales are present. Use the Whale Alert app to learn about whales possibly in the area. Report sightings to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or by hailing the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF channel 16.

(Video or images of right whales used by media or other outlets must include the following: Taken by Georgia DNR under NOAA permit 26919. It is illegal to approach right whales in U.S. waters without a research permit. Other vessels, aircraft and drones must maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from these endangered whales. Researchers shown have the training and permits required to approach right whales safely and legally.)