The sun, waves, whales, wind, and kelp helped make some interesting images today. Our camera guy particularly likes good-lookin’ images, but there are other reasons more important to our research. Gray whales often have significant markings and/or patterning that can be unique and used to identify the whales.

The large light spot on the Cow in the image above is a prominent feature that could help distinguish this whale in a photo-ID comparison. Of course, a better image would show more of the whale and not be partially covered by the calf. The spot, however, was very useful to us tracking the whales in real time with our eyes. This pair was one of three pairs in a group that was followed closely by another pair. As the pairs passed us, they took slightly different routes and that spot helped us to recognize the pair and maintain some order on our datasheet.

The image below is of a different pair in the same group. It is a much better image overall for identification purposes for this particular whale. We have also documented her 2015 calf in the image with mom.

An hour and a half later, it was too windy for us to continue the survey. Even so, it was a very good, short day. We saw eight Cow/calf pairs; Bottlenose dolphins; and one of our Harbor seals resting in the Isla Vista kelp, just about where we saw so many otters in 2008.

Gray whales northbound (all) 16 | Calves 8 — 2015 Count 1296 | 186

Hours 5:16