Journey North Gray Whale Spring 2008

Gray Whale Migration Update: May 7, 2008

Today's Report Includes:

Whale Watching: News from Observation Posts ≥≥

Journal: What's Fun, What's Scary for Baby Whales on Migration? ≥≥

Wonder: Any Shut-eye Along the Way? ≥≥

Tracking the Migration: Using Weekly Data ≥≥

Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts ≥≥

Links: This Week's Gray Whale Resources ≥≥

Hear a gray whale!

Whale Watching: News From Observation Posts

Off Vancouver Island, BC, Remote Passages guide Mike observed the first mom and calf pair of the season on April 26. "The pair were swimming slowly but steadily, very close to shore." Whales are cruising along the coast, and calf numbers passing California may finally be climbing:

May 1 brought the highest calf count for a day since April 2006, reported Michael Smith at Gray Whales Count (#7).
By May 2, Los Angeles (#6) reported: "While we are having a low season for total northbound whales, we now have more cow/calf pairs than nine of the last 24 seasons."
Counting at Pt. Piedras Blancas, CA (#8) Wayne Perryman, the government's leading expert on gray whale moms and babies, reported a season total of 116 calves on May 5 — one short of the full count from last year's dismal total. "It is another poor recruitment year, but it will be up from last year when all is said and done." Stay tuned for one more week of news!

Read the news! >>

Journal: What's Fun, What's Scary for Baby Whales on Migration?

We can learn so many surprising and things from photos and comments sent by whale observers. What surprising facts did the Los Angeles watchers report on May 1? What delighted the watchers at Gray Whales Count on May 2? What alarmed them on that day and on April 27? Spend some time with these and other comments of observers to discover:

How do you think baby whales have fun on the migration? Support your answer with observer comments.
What scary things do you think baby whales encounter on the migration? Support your answer with observer comments.

Write responses in your Gray Whale Journal. >>

Photo Michael H. Smith

Observers nicknamed this clowning calf the "kelp monster!"

Wonder: Any Shut-eye Along the Way?

Compare Your Sleep to a Whale's >>

Gray whales travel 24 hours a day. We wonder…

Could they possibly make their 10,000-mile migration without any rest or sleep?
How do whales sleep if they must be conscious to breathe?

For many years, scientists were unsure about these questions. They are learning more, but lots of questions still remain. Dig in and discover if and how migrating whales sleep! Lesson >>

Slide Show >>
Slide Show Handout >>

Tracking the Migration: Using Weekly Data

Current Gray Whale Migration Data >>

On April 29, Michael H. Smith reported "No whales today. If the migration truly has been stretched out, these blank days are a bit frustrating. If, on the other hand, this is the winding down of the cow/calf pairs, we are concerned. Gray Whales Count is scheduled to conclude May 11. If a rush of calves begins, we will extend our Count in an effort to get the full picture of this La Niña year migration."

Use the handout with the daily whale counts at our two California counting stations to better understand what Mr. Smith is wondering about.

Graphing gray whale data through the whole season? Add the latest data. >>

Questions About This Week's Data >>

Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts! >>

Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation?

Only with your help can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. The information you provide is critical for planning new initiatives and for improving Journey North. Thank you!

Year-end Evaluation >>

This Week's Gray Whale Resources

Gray Whale Conservation News: California's Gray Whale Needs Protection >>
Discern: Which Whale Species? >>
Media Link: World on the Move: British Broadcasting Company (BBC) Tracks Gray Whales >> (Hear interviews With Michael H. Smith of Gray Whales Count, our Observation Post in California's Channel Islands!)
Discover: Hitchhikers: Free Rides on Gray Whales >>

Video Clip: Barnacles on Gray Whale.
Watch It Now

(Viewing tips)
Photo: Keith Jones

More Gray Whale Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The FINAL Gray Whale Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 14, 2008.