Grey Whale Migration (Sacramento, Monterey, Nice: renting, credit, law)

[MtnSurfer]

After moving from CO to Monterey CA we have been enjoying viewing the various sea life in our area (sea otters, sea lions, seals, star fish, many sea birds, etc...).

This past weekend we decided to go and view the Grey Whales migrating south at Point Lobos based on a tip from a friend. It was really an amazing thing to watch. We saw at least 20 whales go by, somtimes in groups for 6+ whales. Also watching them at sunset really helps to see their spouting which turns orange from the backlighting.

If you have never seen them before this is a good time. Here are a few of the shots I took. I don't have a long zoom so no close ups. But I am thinking about renting a sea kayak to go in for a closer view:







Derek

[phloxy]

*swoon* I am so envious!! What a way to spend an evening! Thanks for posting.

[DMenscha]

I'm not sure what the distance is, but one does have to maintain a certain distance away from these guys by law. It's probably also prudent to do so if you're in a kayak

Nice pictures. I'll be watching them turn around and head back north in Baja in April

[MtnSurfer]

Yeah, I don't plan on trying to ride them that is for sure. But I would like to get closer to them than I can from the shore. And I look forward to their return north when they have their young. The whales are actually supposed to swim slower and a bit closer to shore on their return.

As far as laws go I don't know how they would ever regulate something like that. There are whale watching tours here in Monterey for example which go out and actually try to get as close as they can to view them. And then you have cases where whales will sometimes decide to swim in closer to shore and surprise divers, etc... Ppl cannot really control what whales do in the wild. It is the same thing for great white sharks out here. There are probably laws about getting too close to them too. LOL...

Derek

[cobmw]

Put those bunch of clowns running the Sacramento legislature on this and I'm sure they will come up with a new law. Heck there probably is a law already - they pass 1000 new laws each year in California.

[Ludachris]

Man Derek, I really enjoy your photos... It'd be nice if city-data implemented a Gallery add-on for users to be able to upload and maintain a photo album. That way I could easily see all of your photos in one spot

[phloxy]

Originally Posted by Ludachris

Man Derek, I really enjoy your photos... It'd be nice if city-data implemented a Gallery add-on for users to be able to upload and maintain a photo album. That way I could easily see all of your photos in one spot

You can create a few albums and attach them to your profile. I did that with some Yosemite pictures in my profile, and I often click through to people's profiles, hoping that they've shared some images of places they've been or love. Upload some albums, folks! :-)

[DMenscha]

"Under the Endangered Species Act, people must stay at least 500 yards from the whales. Getting closer can subject violators to civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal fines up to $50,000 or a year in jail."

You made me look it up

[MtnSurfer]

DMencha,

I gotta give you credit for looking this up. This is not easy to find. But I am not sure this applies to *All* whales.

The interesting thing with this act is that it seems to either be interpreted loosely OR there are different rules in place which commercial whale watching tours adhere to for other whales.

Here is the answer to this same question from a Monterey tour's FAQ - "How close do we get to the whales?
Once spotted we must stay back and maintain a respectful distance of a minimum of 100 yards then let the whale do what the whale wants. Sometimes they will be very Friendly and approach us at which time the engines are shut down." Randy's Fishing Trips & Whale Watching

I have seen this lesser number of 100 yards stated on several whale watching sites. The 100 yard rule appears to be a Federal guideline. I have seen 500 yards stated when referring to the "Right Whale" which I had never heard of before. Right Whale

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by phloxy

You can create a few albums and attach them to your profile. I did that with some Yosemite pictures in my profile, and I often click through to people's profiles, hoping that they've shared some images of places they've been or love. Upload some albums, folks! :-)

Ok guys,

I uploaded some photos. The thing is landscape photography is my hobby. So I have a lot more pictures on my website which I added to my profile as well. So if you want to see more photos in one place you can find them there - landandseaphoto.

Derek