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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thanksgiving day brought sightings of Gray Whales

On Thursday Gray Whales were seen off the Mendonoma Coast. A few were seen headed north, but most were headed south. It is the time of the southward migration, when the mother whales head down to Mexico's Baja California to give birth in protected lagoons.

Here is a picture of a Gray Whale's tail taken by Rozann Grunig near the Point Arena Lighthouse. Noting the shape of the tail can tell you what kind of whale you are seeing.

Fun fact: The Gray Whales have the longest migration than any other migratory mammal on Earth. They travel 5000 to 6000 miles, twice a year!

Here's a fun web site to learn more about these magnificent creatures:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/gwhale/AnnualFall.html

Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo here with you.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate!
Truly an incredible sight to be thankful for....

Jeanne Jackson said...

I am in awe of the great migration of the Gray Whales. It is comforting and affirming to know they are passing by the coast as they have done for many, many years. May they live and prosper!!!