The northern phase of the migration of the gray whale began in mid-February and will continue well into April.  The whales leave their winter calving lagoons on the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, heading for the Bering Sea in the far north.  The northbound migration begins with immature animals (some of which may not have gone all the way to Mexico), adult males, and females without calves.  These mammals pass along the California coast from mid-February into April.  Breeding is sometimes observed at this time.  Mothers and calves are the last to leave the southern calving lagoons.

   The calves usually are rambunctious but stay close to their mothers as they become more coordinated and develop an insulating blubber layer.  Calves are at least a month old before they migrate north with their mothers.  Mothers and calves travel more slowly, often moving into shallow inlets, allowing their calves to rest.  During the spring migration,  if the weather is fair, one may see the whales within a few hundred yards of our coastal headlands.

   The full round-trip migration from Baja, Mexico to the Bering Sea and back is 10,000 miles, the longest known for any mammal.  Other whales also are known to migrate between summer high latitude feeding grounds and more temperate low latitude breeding and calving areas.  However, researchers know more about the gray whale because it moves so close to shore.  This near-shore movement has led to speculation that gray whales navigate by staying in shallow water or keeping the surf noises to one side or the other, depending upon their direction of travel.

   Gray whales are benthic feeders.  This means they search for food at the bottom of the ocean.  They eat tiny shrimp-like animals like amphipods and other bottom-dwelling animals.  Gray whales are baleen whales.  Baleen whales do not have teeth but instead have plates of baleen that hang from the upper jaw and filter food from the water.

   Female gray whales reach lengths up to 45 feet and weigh as much as 70,000 lbs.  Male are slightly smaller.  At birth calves are approximately 15 feet long.

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2nd Annual Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 2nd, 3rd & 4th

   As the Gray Whales migrate up our coast, we are celebrating with a combination of whale watching and great Jazz!

   Starting at the Arena Cove Bar & Grill on Friday, April 2nd at 8 p.m., The Pier Group, consisting of John Solow, Bob Day, Jim Sndyer and John Huxsol will be playing mellow jazz through the evening as the restaurant serves up a special four course meal.  $30 for dinner or $8 cover at the bar.  Reservations are recommended.

   On Saturday, experts on the Grey Whale migration will be available at the Point Arena Lighthouse.  Whale watching is permitted from the top of the lighthouse.  The Old House Café out on Highway One will be offering whale watch specials plus a 'whale of a picnic' special for take-out to bring to the lighthouse grounds.

   Also at noon on Saturday at Gualala Arts, The Eric Shifrin Trio plays a free Jazz concert with Eric Shifrin, Chris Amberger and Michael Curran, all playing boogie woogie.  Plus the 2nd Annual Seafood Chowder contest which will be judged by a panel of local 'celebrity' judges.  $20 covers chowder, beer and wine tasting with a commemorative beer or wine glass or $6 for a bowl of your favorite chowder with fresh baked bread.

   The Larry Vuckovich Sextet plays live on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Gualala Arts.  Led by renowned pianist and composer Larry Vuckovich.  These seasoned musicians will play the classics by Count Basie and Benny Goodman, plus contemporary Balkan compositions.  Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. for gourmet "savories & sweets" by the Culinary Arts Guild.  Tickets are $20 in advance at local outlets and $25 at the door (if available).

   The festival comes to a close on Sunday, April 4th with The Subtones (John Solow and Bob Day), performing at "Brunch & Jazz", Sandpiper Restaurant in Gualala from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Reservations recommended.