First Gray Whale Census just in

The first Gray Whale count was done Jan.12th and I was mildly surprised the numbers werent greater.

There were 265 Adults & 141 calves for a total of 406. Last year on Jan.6 were 318 Adults & 119 calves for a total of 437 so this year there are more calves already born.

I think that the census data varies depending on who is counting though so I figure roughly there are about the same number of whales this year. It seemed like there were more when we were there last week...where we go in the inner nursery of the lagoon there were certainly more whales than normal for that time of year so probably more moms and calves were there rather than in other parts of the lagoon.

this is why the different viewing areas have different experiences...the inner lagoon at the ejido camp has more nursing mothers and birthing and the mouth where the tours from town go have more solitary animals and mating activity.

Here is Lucy (named for her red head from barnacles and lice on an old wound) and her baby.

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Was this a formal census of Ojo de Libre Lagoon? Where would the results be published for all the lagoons?

Quote: Originally posted by Paulina

Thank you EGL! Hoping to visit them soon. P>*)))>{

You lucky girl! Have fun down there!

Quote: Originally posted by shari

gracias Gato...I noticed they said this was a very high count for this time of year. Now, because the whales came down weeks earlier this year I am wondering if they will head north earlier as well. Last year there were whales in the lagoon later than usual. I have seen some grays travelling north already and wonder if the turn around date is earlier too.

I looked at their blog post from last January and the census was total of 30 whales. I know there is a lot of study on the changes to the main feeding grounds in Alaska and the correlation to migration. NOAA has not published ( that I can see) any new population studies since 2006/2007 (19K). They only state that the population has rebounded and is no longer depleted. Maybe there are enough whales to keep the 'season' going longer?

In 1999 we saw Gray Whales in Bahia De Los Angeles while on our kayaks and witnessed them feeding, coming up with mouthfuls of mud and grasses along the south bay, and were also told by the locals that there was a smallish population that stayed all year. That was the first time anyone could recall that happening in decades. 1999 was also the year that the population was reported to be close to 25,000 so it seems that some had to go far and wide to find some solitude and food and decided to stay the whole year? It was right around this time that there was an "unusual mortality event"

I did see this interesting note related to migration:

"This southern migration is segregated by age, sex and reproductive condition. The first pulse of migrants is led by: (a) near-term pregnant females, followed by (b) estrous females and mature males and then (c) immature animals of both sexes."

https://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&Paren...

All I really know is that it is a real treat to get on the water to observe theses amazing creatures up close. I am reminded of a comment I once heard from someone about Africa " there are two kinds of people, those that have been whale watching and those that want to do it again"