**Nature Nugget**
Many coastsiders enjoy watching the whales that pass along our coastside. Although many locals have become adept at anticipating the rhythm of these journeys, this is a handy guide to help coastsiders keep track of our local whale activity.
A Coastsider’s Guide to Whale Migration:
Gray Whale (March - May) Gray whales are northbound from Mexico to their Arctic summer feeding grounds. Mothers with calves and aunties travel last, staying closer to the shore and moving slowly, making this one of the best times to see them. Mothers and aunties keep the calves close to the shoreline in shallow water, where killer whales can’t feed on them.
Humpback Whale (May-November) Typically they can be seen in greater numbers from June/July on into the fall. In recent years, Humpback whales have been seen more frequently in our area. It is believed that some of the Humpback whales are making this area a semi-permanent home.
Blue Whale (June - October) Blue whales are the largest living animals on Earth, and often feed on krill close to the surface, which allows much of their gigantic body to be seen. They, however, tend to feed further out in the ocean, and are less likely to be seen from shore.
Gray Whale (December - February) Gray whales move southbound from their Arctic feeding grounds to Mexico for the winter where the females will give birth and care for their calves before the long migration back north again.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and may vary in relation to water temperatures, ocean currents, and location and the availability of food.