October: Swimming and Feasting in the Arctic

October: Swimming and Feasting in the Arctic
Scientists who fly over the arctic feeding areas may see gray whales from the airplane, as in this photo. The whales feast on the arctic feeding grounds from about June through September or October. They must eat to build thick blubber for their southward migration. They begin their journey south to their winter home in early October when the days grow shorter and northern waters begin to freeze.

A baby whale's mouth is open, showing the baleen.

Photo: Kate Wynne, PhD


Overview: The Annual Cycle of the Gray Whale
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December
October: Swimming and Feasting in the Arctic Scientists who fly over the arctic feeding areas may see gray whales from the airplane, as in this photo. The whales feast on the arctic feeding grounds from about June through September or October. They must eat to build thick blubber for their southward migration. They begin their journey south to their winter home in early October when the days grow shorter and northern waters begin to freeze. Photo: Kate Wynne, PhD