Whale Migration.

From the last week of December, and for a month or so, one can see a great many whales right from the shore, with or without binoculars. Hundreds of whales are seen hourly, all over the coast of Oregon, on their way south to the warm waters of Mexico for their annual migration.

In June, they'll return with their calves, and some will linger in these waters, mothers and daughters cavorting around these rocks, visible from this rail any time of the day.  One surfer swears that they were watching him!

If you are ever able to see these marvelous creatures up close, please do.  Add this to your wish list: a visit to the Pacific shores either in late December/early January, or all month of June. 

A friend of mine who volunteers at the shore to help visitors recognize the spouts, tells me she spotted 35 whales during her shift. A great record.
For more information,  a list of locations and a map, visit:

http://www.whalespoken.com/

Whale migration

Off the coast of Oregon, hundreds of whales are swimming south to Baja this week.

When we moved to this coast, we spent hours at the beach, eyes fixed on the horizon, hoping to see a blow spray. We were always rewarded with glorious demonstrations, blowing and circling close enough to be visible without instrument assistance.

But this is not just a December activity in this part of Oregon. Whales can be spotted all winter long, often close to shore, enjoying our mild weather and abundant seafood. Our school children spend a lot of time studying marine environments, delighting in the discovery of small and big animals on their field trips. No wonder the idea of digging for oil off shore did not receive enthusiastic support.

While the rest of the nation is in a winter freeze, we watch storms and whales migrating.