header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
February 12
1879 - Mint Canyon School District organized (merged into Sulphur Springs Union in 1944) [story]
Mint Canyon School


Let's Go Outside | Commentary by Evelyne Vandersande
| Thursday, Mar 20, 2014

evelynevandersande_mugWhat do Ventura and Baja, California, have in common during the last two weeks of March and the first week of April? They are on the migration path of the gray whale, going north to Alaska. Some of the whales go all the way to the Bering Sea.

I just came back from an incredible week in Baja’s Sea of Cortez, observing gray whale mothers and calves, humpback whales and blue whales, plus colonies of brown boobies and blue-footed boobies (those are sea birds). I am bubbling with new things to share with you. So, my suitcase is half unpacked and the wash can wait.

Since the migration time through our area is short, I want to make sure you are aware that now is the time to go to Ventura Harbor and jump at the chance to board a whale-watching boat. By the first week of April, the gray whales will be farther north, and you will have to wait another year for the chance the see mom and baby swimming together on their long journey.

Photos by Evelyne Vandersande

Photos by Evelyne Vandersande

If you need any convincing, let me tell you a little of what I saw in the Bay of Magdalena, because it was a dream come true for me.

I’ve wanted to see the gray whales and their babies for many years, but we were never able to take a week off at this time of the year while my husband was working. Now that he has retired, the dream finally became possible, and I can tell you that being so close to those huge but slow and gentle creatures was awe inspiring.

The mothers come to these protected waters in January. The water is quiet, warm and safe, and it is a perfect place to give birth. The males stay at the entrance to the inlet and leave the mothers alone to give birth and raise the calf to prepare it for the long migration.

It is an ideal nursery, and at this time of year, the calves are of good size, not scared any more. They spend the day alongside their mom, swimming in gentle unison to develop their muscles.

IMG_2954 (1024x683)Only local “pangeros” with a permit are allowed to approach the whales. This permit stays in the family and is transferred from father to son. It is an honor that is highly regarded, and each small boat that approaches a whale is respectful of the large animals.

Something rather interesting has been happening in the last five years, with the same behavior being observed in British Columbia: Some whales are curious about us little human beings and want to observe us.

This is not true of all whales; many could not care less, and just keep on swimming peacefully back and forth with baby frolicking along. But some whales seem to become interested. When people flap their hands in the water, the animals come alongside the dinghy, poke their heads out of the water and welcome being petted. Mom and baby do that and hang alongside the dinghy for about five minutes, turning their heads to observe us with one big eye, then taking off again.

After these encounters, I have even seen the baby doing a few excited breeches (jumping out of the water) like a puppy having fun. Petting a whale is not something I could bring myself to do. I was so emotional that just being close to this large animal was enough for me. The respect I have for wildlife, the fear of passing my germs, and also the unease I have to make them desire to be too close to humans prevented me from touching them. After all, they are still chased by Russian boats in the Bering Sea, so I didn’t want to encourage their contact with humans.

IMG_2861 (1024x684)However, I saw day after day the same sight: The whales that were interested were the ones coming to the boats and checking us out. One has to wonder why. With the large size of their brain, we know they are highly intelligent animals. They are also powerful, and our little dinghy would not stand a chance against their size. A flap of their tail would have sent us flying or capsized us.

Every time, there was a sense of calm and interested curiosity coming from the whales. People could even reach inside the mouth that they would open up and brush the baleen vigorously like a dog getting a good pet. Strangely enough, there was even a sense of glee from the whales when they would decide to leave us.

Being able to see their two blowholes close up and being sprayed by them was certainly exciting, but seeing their large eyes observing us was humbling. They would turn their heads from side to side to get a better look.

Reportedly, their skin feels soft but firm and slightly rubbery. The gray whale has a dark gray color plus gray and white patterns that are scars left by parasites which drop off in its cold feeding grounds. They are about 16 feet long when they are newborn and reach 43 to 49 feet as adults. The females are a bit larger than males. An adult can weigh up to 40 tons, with an average of 15 to 33 tons.

IMG_2957 (1024x652)They do not have teeth, but rather baleen, which is light blond and rather short like a long brush. They do not have dorsal fin, but dorsal crenulations (knuckle-like bumps) on the midline of the rear quarter.

I can tell you that many of my pictures look like they are of a large sea serpent, because those crenulations stick out of the water. This is known as the dorsal ridge. The tail is about 10 to 11 feet wide. On the gray whale this is always black, while the humpback whale has white patches.

Females become sexually mature at about 8 years old and mate with many partners from late November to early December. The gestation period is about 13 ½ months long, and the birth will always happen at the end of the long migration in the warm water of Baja in January.

The calf is born tail-first and is about 13 feet long. The female lactates for about seven months, and the baby pushes on the nipple to get the milk flowing. The milk has the consistency of cottage cheese because it is so high in fat and is easily gobbled up in the water by the baby.

The babies will be ready for the long journey from late March to mid-April. They will travel night and day at a speed of about 5 mph, covering about 75 miles every 24 hours to go all the way to Alaska to find those great feeding grounds. This is the longest annual migration of any mammal.

Go to Ventura Harbor. It is just a hop and a skip from Santa Clarita. Board one of the whale-watching boats before the first week of April. It is an incredible experience to see this wonder of nature. You don’t want to miss it.

 

Evelyne Vandersande has been a docent at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center for 28 years. She lives in Newhall.

 

IMG_2711 (1024x684)IMG_2537 (1024x648)

 

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

3 Comments

  1. Cathy says:

    Just got back from almost the same whale watching trip in Cabo San Lucas. This trip has been on my bucket list for a long time too. We saw lots of whales as well. I was discouraged to see some tourists paying off the captains of some small boats to get very close to the whales. Some of the small boats had circled the whales with babies…Highly illegal, even in Mexico. We were closer to the whales than U.S. standards allow, our panga boat captain and guide followed the rules. NO Mexican jail for me! Our guide was a marine scientist, I believe she said she was educated at Scripps, we in-turn received quite an education about Hump back whales with no language barrier. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

  2. Jim Crowley says:

    Great article Evelyne. Thanks

  3. Joey Caban says:

    Whales don’t live in Scv. Your article is invalid

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Monday, Feb 10, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to stay informed and learn about new subjects can be a challenge; which is why I have always been a huge fan of the ease and flexibility of podcasts whether I’m using my AirPods to listen while exercising, playing through the car while driving or tuning in when relaxing at home.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025
As a longtime Santa Clarita resident, I believe one of our community’s most important responsibilities is the preservation of our rich history and beautiful open spaces.
Monday, Feb 3, 2025
The Big I Do is back for its third annual, Valentine’s Day celebration! The city of Santa Clarita’s City Hall Ceremonies team has crafted the perfect, unique event, where multiple couples say “I Do” at the same time.
Thursday, Jan 16, 2025
As a father of two young children, I understand how crucial it is to be an active and informed parent in today’s world. The challenges our kids face are more complex than ever and I believe it’s our responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices.
Monday, Jan 13, 2025
Nothing says summer like the smell of sunscreen, the sound of splashing in the pool and cooling off in the water with friends and family.
Friday, Jan 10, 2025
It's been a heavy, heartbreaking and overwhelming week for residents displaced by the wildfires that have swept through many parts of our county. The question I'm hearing most from residents is, "What do I do now?" Whether you're looking for immediate help, long-term help, or want to lend a helping hand, Los Angeles County has resources available.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Zignature, a Valencia based leader in meat-first, limited-ingredient dog food, recently launched its Employee Feed Alternative Giving Program.
Zignature Launches Employee Giving Program, Becomes Foundation’s First Sponsor
Experience Helen Hunt Jackson’s Jan. 23, 1882 visit to Rancho Camulos which inspired her to include this vestige of the Californio lifestyle as one of the settings for her novel Ramona.
Feb. 22: Helen Hunt Jackson Returns to Rancho Camulos Reenactment
The National Weather Service has issued a high-risk alert for significant road flooding and burn scar debris flows in areas recently affected by fires.
Weather Alert: Prepare For And Stay Safe During Rainy Weather
Connect with local business owners and industry leaders at 2025's second Business After Hours Mixer.
Feb. 19: Chamber Hosts After Hours Mixer at FastSigns Santa Clarita
The College of the Canyons Foundation has named Marlee Means Lauffer as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Silver Spur Community Service Award in recognition of her longtime support of the college and community service in the Santa Clarita Valley.
COC Foundation to Honor Marlee Lauffer with 2025 Silver Spur Award
After the significant challenges due to the Palisades, Eaton, Hughes and other wildfires in the region, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo is working to ensure access to the vital resources needed now and in the months to come.
Apply for Disaster CalFresh and Receive Food Assistance Before February 19
A one-stop rebuilding shop established by Los Angeles County to help Eaton Fire survivors’ recovery efforts opened its doors this week and is now serving the public. 
L.A. County One-Stop Rebuilding Shop Now Serving Eaton Fire Survivors
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the coziest way, bundled up at The Cube, Ice and Entertainment Center, Powered by FivePoint Valencia, for a romantic Sweetheart Skate.
Feb. 14: Glide Into Valentine’s Day Fun at The Cube’s Sweetheart Skate
Jersey Mike’s is hosting an all-day fundraiser, at all seven Santa Clarita Valley locations, for Carousel Ranch’s 11th Annual “Carousel Wishes & Valentine Kisses” Campaign.
Feb. 13: Jersey Mike’s All-Day Fundraiser for Carousel Ranch
The Master's University men's and women's golf teams began their spring season in the West Coast Classic, hosted by Lewis & Clark College at Victoria Club in Riverside Tuesday, Feb. 11. Both squads finished their respective tournaments in the middle of the pack, with the men's team finishing in sixth and the women's team finishing in fifth.
Mustangs Finish Mid-Pack to Begin Spring Season
The track and field teams for The Master's University stepped back on the line on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Sunshine Open Invitational in Santa Barbara. Multiple school records fell and qualifying times were hit in the Mustangs' second meet of the 2025 indoor season.
Mustangs Blaze Bright at Sunshine Open
College of the Canyons women's tennis began Western State Conference play by claiming its first victory, a 5-4 result over visiting Ventura College on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Cougar Courts.
Canyons Earns First Win, 5-4 over Ventura
1879 - Mint Canyon School District organized (merged into Sulphur Springs Union in 1944) [story]
Mint Canyon School
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding residents about the dangers associated with fire debris and issuing a Public Health Advisory for individuals residing within 250 yards of a burned structure or parcel within or near the Palisades and Eaton burn areas.
Public Health Advisory for Those Residing Near Burned Structures
The National Weather Service has issued a flash food watch for the Santa Clarita Valley on Thursday, Feb. 13. The watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Rain is expected throughout Southern California.
Feb. 13: NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch for SCV
The Master's University women's basketball team scored 28 points in the fourth quarter and held Benedictine Mesa to just 11 to come from behind and beat the Redhawks 70-58 Saturday, Feb. 8 in The MacArthur Center.
Big Fourth Quarter Gives Lady Mustangs the Win
The Santa Clarita Arts Commission Feb. 13 meeting agenda includes overviews of the 2026 Sidewalk Poetry project and city of Santa Clarita 2025 events schedule.
Feb. 13: Arts Commission Agenda Includes Sidewalk Poetry, City Events
The Master's University baseball team split a pair of games Friday, Feb. 7 with the Westcliff Warriors at Lou Herwaldt Stadium.
Mustangs Split Doubleheader with Warriors
College of the Canyons men's golf won a second straight conference tournament while seeing all five scoring players finish top-10 in the individual standings at River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard on Monday, Feb. 10.
Canyons Wins Second Straight Conference Tourney
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is looking for the individuals who committed a residential burglary in Stevenson Ranch.
Stevenson Ranch Burglary Suspects Sought
The Federal Food and Drug Administration has announced Tri-Union Seafoods in El Segundo has made the decision to voluntarily recall select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova brand name in California.
Tri-Union Seafoods Issues Recall of Canned Tuna Due to Botulism Risk
Officers from the county of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control will be conducting field animal licensing efforts in the unincorporated areas of Newhall (91381) in the Santa Clarita Valley beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26.
Feb. 26: Unincorporated Area of Newhall Targeted for Pet Licensing
The city of Santa Clarita has announced the release of the third episode of Santa Clarita Voices, the city’s official podcast that highlights the stories, experiences and conversations from city leaders, businesses and organizations.
Santa Clarita Voices Podcast Episode Three Released by City
Parks California and California State Parks have announced grants to 31 organizations throughout California, including the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, totaling more than $1 million to improve access to state parks and create memorable nature experiences.
Parks Grant to Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
SCVNews.com