The only member of the family Eschrichtiidae, the gray whale is a mysticete, or baleen whale. It is a “coastal” whale that migrates along the North American Pacific Coast between arctic seas and the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. Frequently visible from shore, gray whales provide a unique opportunity for land and boat observation, and commercial whale watching has become a major industry along its migration route. Visitors to the calving and breeding lagoons sometimes encounter the phenomenon of the “friendlies”; gray whales that closely approach small boats and allow themselves to be touched by humans.

Do you want to learn more facts about the Gray whale? In addition to the documents available in the ebinder, you can find information on the American Cetacean Society’s website (ACS). They also have a fact sheet about the Gray whale (and other whales) that is available for downloading.

Consider learning more about the ACS, in particular the San Diego chapter. They have a Speaker Series available virtually. The next presentation is tomorrow February 10.

Happy Whale watching (and learning).